Oral Expression in English GII 1

Academic unit or major

English language courses

Instructor(s)

Paul Narum

Class Format

Exercise (Face-to-face)

Media-enhanced courses

-

Day of week/Period
(Classrooms)

Intensive

Class

1

Course Code

LAE.E182

Number of credits

020

Course offered

2022

Offered quarter

4Q

Syllabus updated

Jul 10, 2025

Language

English

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

In keeping with the title, all of the “Oral Expression in English” courses are devoted to improving students' skills in speaking. Apart from making presentations, effective speaking also involves effective listening, so the classwork and homework in the course require that students carry out both interactive speech and are engaged in listening exercises. Oral Expression in English GII is offered during the winter vacation as an intensive course.
This course aims to provide students with English oral expression skills necessary to study abroad, with a specific focus on discussion and presentation.

Course description and aims

By the end of this course, students will be able to discuss and give presentations on the topics of their choices, and thus be better ready to study abroad.

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)

Experience since 1983 translating documents from Japanese into English, specializing in business, governmental, economic, scientific, historical, cultural and literary topics, among others. Experience since 1985 editing and fact-checking articles for a weekly newsmagazine published in Japanese. Experience since 1994 teaching English and related subjects at Japanese universities in the Tokyo-Yokohama area, with special concentrations on culture, history, media and translation. Travel experience to 155 countries and 74 dependent territories.

Keywords

speaking, listening, discussion, presentation, study abroad

Competencies

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

Class flow

Around the World in One Week -- Talking about Global Travel and Current Affairs

This week-long intensive course is geared to those students wishing to improve their English oral expression skills, particularly discussion, debate and presentation, through a comparative look at different countries around the world. The main subjects to be dealt with shall include world travel, comparative culture, education, health, welfare, and science and technology. The pair presentation will focus on a travelogue to a certain country, while the individual presentation will be about criteria for what can be considered the "best country." Critical thinking strategies will be emphasized as students become more effective speakers, with timely feedback given.

Course schedule/Objectives

Study advice (preparation and review)

Depending on the particular course, students will explore a variety of oral communication genres, including presentations, debates, and interviews. These skills will reflect real-life situations which students might encounter while studying overseas. Although the focus will be oral communication, there will also be instances of written work to consolidate learning and allow time for reflection on the exercises completed.

Textbook(s)

All materials to be distributed in class (online).

Reference books, course materials, etc.

All materials to be distributed in class (online).

Evaluation methods and criteria

50% Attendance and Class Participation, 20% Pair Presentation, 30% Individual Presentation

Related courses

• LAE.E131 ： Oral Expression in English 1
• LAE.E132 ： Oral Expression in English 2
• LAE.E133 ： Oral Expression in English 3
• LAE.E134 ： Oral Expression in English 4

Prerequisites

None