2025 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
Oral Expression in English 13 2
- Academic unit or major
- English language courses
- Instructor(s)
- Jonathan Abel
- Class Format
- Exercise (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Thu
- Class
- 2
- Course Code
- LAE.E431
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2025
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 19, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
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 these courses require that students carry out both interactive speech and get engaged in listening exercises.
As a graduate-level elective course, Oral Expression in English 13 requires students to be able to respond critically to the readings provided in advance of the weekly class. Students will discuss about them in detail, and students will make oral presentations about phenomena and behaviours that they think exemplify or are related to the topics of particular readings.
Course description and aims
By the end of this course, students will be able to recognise some manifestations of phenomena and behaviours described in the readings in 'real life', and to exercise their abilities to discuss them in interaction with non-Japanese (for example, with international students at Titech), or with Japanese (in case you are an international student).
Keywords
speaking, listening,oral communication, interactive
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Each week, we will explore a different issue using readings (handouts) as well as discussions. Students are expected to complete all readings and come to class prepared for discussion. 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.
If there are many students wishing to enroll, there may be a limit on the number of students. Students
wishing to enroll must attend the first class. Additionally, do not purchase the textbook until enrollment in
the class has been confirmed during the first class.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Course introduction Class activity | Speaking exercise in pairs and groups |
| Class 2 | Class discussion & group activity 1: The past | Students will have the opportunity to communicate solely in English with their class mates and the teacher. |
| Class 3 | Class discussion & group activity 2: The future | Students will have the opportunity to communicate solely in English with their class mates and the teacher. |
| Class 4 | Class discussion & group activity 3: Appearance | Students will have the opportunity to communicate solely in English with their class mates and the teacher. |
| Class 5 | Presentation preparation. Topics and planning for next class. | Students are responsible for preparing a presentation. |
| Class 6 | Group presentations in class. | Students will give their presentations and recieve feedback from teacher and class. |
| Class 7 | Self-assessment and interview as a final test. | Students are invited to assess their own performance and take part in a group inerview with the teacher. |
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)
Materials provided
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Suggested Web sites:
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
The grade for the quarter will be determined as follows:
Class participation: 30%
Evaluation will be based on attitude, contribution, improvement, and a willingness to learn. Absences and late arrivals will result in a lower grade.
Presentation: 45%
Final test: 25%
Related courses
- LAE.E432 ： Oral Expression in English 14
Prerequisites
none
Other
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with LAE.E432 (Oral Expression in English 14).
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.