2021 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
English 8 26-LS-ADV
- Academic unit or major
- English language courses
- Instructor(s)
- Paul Narum
- Class Format
- Exercise
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Thu (W332)
- Class
- 26-LS-ADV
- Course Code
- LAE.E214
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2021
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 10, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
Based on English 7, English 8 is designed to improve students’ English language skills for academic purposes and provide them with more 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 English lectures, speaking before an audience, and developing skills to write paragraphs and short essays.
Course description and aims
By the end of this course, students will:
・be able to express their ideas and opinions in classes confidently
・be able to write paragraphs or short essays
・be able to better understand academic lectures
・practice effective reading strategies
Keywords
Four language skills, fostering international awareness, communication, studying abroad, TOEFL
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Classes will be conducted along the following continuum: (1) lecture and/or viewing of audiovisual documentary concerning an important global issue to be discussed, (2) discussions and debates about that issue, (3) lecture and discussion about important presentation skills, (4) delivery of pair presentations, (5) discussion and final selection of individual presentation topics, (6) delivery of individual presentations, and (7) feedback. Students will gain and hone important speaking and listening skills in class, with reading and writing skills to be used primarily outside of class during preparation and review time. Assessment will be based on class participation and attitude, essay, pair presentation, and individual presentation. Possible themes: (1) Scientific and technological innovation throughout history (2) Criteria and conditions for the “best country” (3) STEM education (4) Climate change and energy issues (5) Environmental issues and species protection (6) Nuclear weapons and territorial conflict (7) Artificial intelligence and robots (8) Transportation and space exploration
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Course introduction, discussion of global issues; introduction of topic of focus | Catch up on global issues through daily reading of Web sites |
| Class 2 | Documentary viewing (DVD or Internet); essay assignment | Read news articles about topic chosen |
| Class 3 | Discussion and debate about documentary seen in second class, based on essays | Write essay on documentary viewed (A4, one page, 250 words) |
| Class 4 | Lecture about presentation skills; selection of pairs for presentation; consultation | Work with partner in pair presentation |
| Class 5 | Pair presentations (10-15 min. each) about general topic (shared by everyone) | Read up on possible topics for individual presentation |
| Class 6 | Lecture and/or documentary about theme for individual presentations (10-15 min.) | Further research after class discussions |
| Class 7 | Individual presentations about specific topics (first half) | Research into and preparation for individual presentations |
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)
None. Relevant materials to be handed out in class.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Dictionary (preferably electronic)
Evaluation methods and criteria
One essay (20%) One pair presentation (40%) One individual presentation (40%)
Deductions made for poor class participation, sleeping, distraction, private conversation, cell phone usage not related to class contents, etc.
Related courses
- LAE.E111 ： English 1
- LAE.E112 ： English 2
- LAE.E113 ： English 3
- LAE.E114 ： English 4
- LAE.E211 ： English 5
- LAE.E212 ： English 6
- LAE.E213 ： English 7
- LAE.E311 ： English 9
Prerequisites
None
Other
None