English Communication Skills Development 2 Classes

Sophomores

Fridays. Periods 1 & 2

Course Objectives

Communication: listening and speaking. Argument.

Research: reading, notation and writing.

Course Outline

Students will develop and use basic research and communication skills for discussing and representing contemporary social, political, legal and economic issues. Students will use structures for expression of feelings and opinions, agreement and disagreement, analysis, focused discussion and debate of topics of their choice (with teacher's approval). Students will be helped to develop their skills for gathering, organizing, understanding and critically analyzing information. Topics covered might include the economy, environment, media, education, discrimination, trends, human rights, law and justice, medical and legal ethics, Japanese and international current events, and other issues proposed by students. Class time will emphasize pair and small group discussions, question and answer sessions, and presentations. All students will be expected to show that they can deliver a clear and coherent presentation, support opinion with evidence from identified sources and that they can ask and respond to questions effectively. Debating skills will be developed in the second semester.

Each student will give two individual presentations in the first semester and one presentation and two debates in the second semester. Students will also learn how to present their research in essay format and to use different styles for essays and presentations.

Course Plan

1. Orientation and control English

2. Getting to Know Each Other. Questions and answers about students' lives, interests, preferences and experiences.

3. Expressing feelings and opinions

4. First research project. Theme "Student Life".

Elementary interview skills development. Collation of data. Creating a visual aid. Expression of data through basic presentation structure. Oral and physical presentation skills development.

5. Second research project. Developing research and discussion skills.

Brainstorming to select the topic. Expressing initial opinions. Researching the topic. Informed group discussion through focused questioning. Developing presentation skills through multiple practice in small groups.

6. Vacation project: Fundamental essay writing. Converting presentation to essay format.

7. Essay readings, feedback and refinement.

8. Third communication project. Developing research and discussion skills.

9. Developing debating skills. Challenging hypotheses.

10. Mini debate project.

Grading

Grading will be determined by continuous teacher and peer assessment of focused discussions and debates (40%), and presentations (40%). Homework, preparation, punctual attendance (missing no more than 20% of classes without approved excuse) and active participation will be required, and no Japanese will be spoken in class. The remaining 20 % of the grade will be given by the teacher and will reflect his view of the student's attitude, participation and progress.

Required textbook

There is no textbook. The teacher will provide printed materials and online internet support.

Access to the internet, a Japanese to English dictionary and an A4 sized file for organizing papers are required.