2025 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
English 8 7-LS
- Academic unit or major
- English language courses
- Instructor(s)
- Tomoko Murakami
- Class Format
- Exercise
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - Class
- 7-LS
- Course Code
- LAE.E214
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2025
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 19, 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
In the United States, most of the fifty states observe most of the eleven federal holidays, including iconic celebrations such as Independence Day and Thanksgiving. Learning about these holidays helps us understand what is important to Americans. In this course, students will watch short video clips on major holidays and cultural events, such as Halloween. Through class discussions, students will enhance their fluency and confidence in expressing themselves. Students are required to deliver a two-minute presentation during the third and seventh classes, and submit a total of two written assignments by the end of the quarter.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 8 Christmas and New Year’s Eve | Read the handout thoroughly and be prepared to discuss its contents. |
| Class 2 | 9 Martin Luther King Jr. Day and African American History Month | Read the handout thoroughly and be prepared to discuss its contents. |
| Class 3 | 10 Presentation-1 | Create and practice a presentation. |
| Class 4 | 11 St. Patrick’s Day and Easter | Read the handout thoroughly and be prepared to discuss its contents. |
| Class 5 | 12 Mother’s Day and Father’s Day | Read the handout thoroughly and be prepared to discuss its contents. |
| Class 6 | 13 Memorial Day and the end of school year events | Read the handout thoroughly and be prepared to discuss its contents. |
| Class 7 | 14 Presentation-2 | Create and practice a presentation. |
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. Handouts will be distributed.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
None
Evaluation methods and criteria
Class participation: 20%
Presentations: 40%
Homework assignments: 40%
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