2021 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses

English 4 9-LS

Academic unit or major: English language courses
Instructor(s): Lorinda Robertson Kiyama / Sanae Akaba
Class Format: Exercise
Media-enhanced courses: -
Day of week/Period (Classrooms): 1-2 Mon (H115)
Class: 9-LS
Course Code: LAE.E114
Number of credits: 010
Course offered: 2021
Offered quarter: 4Q
Syllabus updated: Jul 10, 2025
Language: Japanese

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

English 4 is designed to improve students’ English language skills for academic purposes and provide them with knowledge in relevant areas. The materials include topics such as international and intercultural issues as well as current topics of science and technology. Expectations require students to practice: reading academic articles, listening to lectures in English, speaking in front of an audience, and writing paragraphs and short essays.

There are two types of classes in English 4. RW classes focus on reading comprehension and skill in written composition, and LS classes focus on listening and oral expression.

Each student is assigned to a class and instructors for each class conduct the course using “Course description and aims”, “Student learning outcomes”, and “Keywords” as the basic framework.

Course description and aims

By the end of this course, students will:
・ Have improved their English skills required for learning at university and for research activities
・ Be able to understand written and spoken materials correctly in diverse areas including international and intercultural issues, science, and technology
・ Be able to write paragraphs and short essays with unity and coherence
・ Have gained confidence in using English to state their opinions and improved their oral expression skills.

Keywords

Four language skills, fostering international awareness, communication skills, studying abroad, TOEFL

Competencies

Specialist skills
Intercultural skills
Communication skills
Critical thinking skills
Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

Students will improve vocabulary, speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills through TED talks and related exercises. They will give one midterm presentation and take one final exam.

Course schedule/Objectives

	Course schedule	Objectives
Class 1	Unit 6, Education	Practice vocabulary and phrases on the unit topic; listen to conversations and discuss
Class 2	Unit 7, Moving Forward	Practice vocabulary and phrases on the unit topic; listen to conversations and discuss
Class 3	Unit 8, The Real Me	Practice vocabulary and phrases on the unit topic; listen to conversations and discuss
Class 4	Midterm Presentations	Speak for 1~2 minutes on a challenging topic; listen carefully and respond meaningfully with questions or comments
Class 5	Unit 9, A Healthy Life	Practice vocabulary and phrases on the unit topic; listen to conversations and discuss
Class 6	Unit 10, Ideas	Practice vocabulary and phrases on the unit topic; listen to conversations and discuss
Class 7	Consolidation and Review of Units 6-10, with a focus on group discussion	Discussion and Listening exercises based on Units 6-10

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)

Hugh Dellar & Andrew Walkley, Perspectives 4. National Geographic Learning, 2018.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

To be shared in class

Evaluation methods and criteria

Class participation 20%
Homework 20%
Midterm presentation 25%
Final exam 35%

Related courses

LAE.E111 ： English 1
LAE.E112 ： English 2
LAE.E113 ： English 3
LAE.E211 ： English 5
LAE.E212 ： English 6
LAE.E213 ： English 7
LAE.E214 ： English 8
LAE.E311 ： English 9

Prerequisites

None