2020 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 2 2
- Academic unit or major
- English language courses
- Instructor(s)
- Makiko Haraga
- Class Format
- Exercise (Zoom)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 1-2 Wed (W371)
- Class
- 2
- Course Code
- LAE.E152
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2020
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 10, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course is for students who do not know much about or have never taken the TOEFL test. The course introduces students to its content and format as well basic vocabulary necessary so that they will be able not only to familiarize themselves with the test format but also study in academic institutions with English-speaking environment for a short period of time.
Course description and aims
・Students will understand the content and format of the TOEFL test.
・Students will improve their listening and speaking skills through interactive pair and group activities in class.
・Students will be able to understand a short speech or conversations and to summarize and explain orally its main content in simple sentences in English.
Student learning outcomes
実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)
This course will be taught by a bilingual journalist who has been reporting and writing in both English and Japanese on a wide range of issues for a variety of publications. Throughout the course, the instructor will use her knowledge and expertise in the art of story-telling, to help students acquire communication skills that are necessary for presenting ideas effectively and clearly in English to people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Keywords
TOEFL Study-abroad, Communication, Speaking Skills, Listening Skills
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
We continue to explore various issues using audio lectures (TOEFL), news clips, and discussions. Students are expected to study the vocabulary and come to class prepared for discussions. In addition to improving their listening and speaking skills, students will learn basic skills that are essential for creating and delivering effective presentations. The class is highly interactive. Therefore, students’ strong commitment and active participation are the keys to success, not only for themselves, but also for the entire class.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Course introduction TOEFL listening/speaking exercise | Review: TOEFL strategies |
| Class 2 | TOEFL listening/speaking exercise Pronunciation exercises | Students are responsible for reading all the handouts. |
| Class 3 | TOEFL listening exercise Developing public speaking skills | Students will be asked to speak on a given topic during the class. |
| Class 4 | TOEFL listening/speaking exercise Vocabulary Quiz | Students are expected to study the vocabulary assigned for the quiz. |
| Class 5 | Speech (speaking test): Half of the class will deliver a presentation on a given topic. The details of the assignment will be provided on Week 4. | Presenters are responsible for preparing a speech. |
| Class 6 | Speech (speaking test): Half of the class will deliver a presentation on a given topic. The details of the assignment will be provided on Week 5. | Presenters are responsible for preparing a speech. |
| Class 7 | Class: Instructor feedback on the speech Exam (listening) | Students are expected to review all the material covered. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Handouts
Reference books, course materials, etc.
TED Talks: https://www.ted.com/ VOA : http://www.voanews.com/ NPR: http://www.npr.org/
*TED, VOA and NPR provide video transcripts.
Scientific American (video and podcasts “60-second science”): http://www.scientificamerican.com/
BBC: http://www.bbc.com/news
National Geographic: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
Evaluation methods and criteria
Class participation: 10% (Evaluation will be based on attitude, contribution, improvement, and a willingness to learn.)
Vocabulary Quiz: 20%
Speech: 35%
Exam: 35%
Related courses
- LAE.E151 ： TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 1
Prerequisites
None
Other
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 1.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.