2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
English 5 32-LS
- Academic unit or major
- English language courses
- Instructor(s)
- Christina Colleen Schmuckal
- Class Format
- Exercise (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Thu (S4-202(S422))
- Class
- 32-LS
- Course Code
- LAE.E211
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 16, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
English 5 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 skills, studying abroad, TOEFL
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Course Objectives
The primary objective of this course is to develop students’ proficiency in listening comprehension, debate, critical thinking, and collaborative discussion. Through engagement with authentic materials—including video content, news reports, and structured academic debates—students will examine a range of contemporary topics in depth.
This course is designed to foster broader awareness of each subject area while encouraging the exchange of ideas and the development of analytical perspectives through active class participation. Emphasis will be placed on articulating informed opinions, responding thoughtfully to differing viewpoints, and refining arguments through discussion.
Students should be prepared to produce short academic assignments for each topic, which may include presentations, written reports, or group analyses. These tasks are intended to reinforce comprehension, synthesis, and critical engagement with course materials.
Learning Community Expectations
Success in this course depends upon active participation and collaborative learning. Students are expected to contribute constructively to discussions and to support one another’s academic growth by leveraging individual strengths to address areas for improvement within the learning community. If the number of students wishing to enroll exceeds the limit, enrollment may be restricted. All prospective students must attend the first class.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Unit Focus: Course Introduction and Identity |
The first class provides an overview of the course and introduces the topic of how names influence personal identity. Students will also learn strategies for asking for clarification during discussion. |
| Class 2 | Unit Focus: The Evolution of English |
The second class examines the historical development of the English language and considers potential future changes. Students will also explore how English is used globally and practice strategies for expressing disagreement constructively. |
| Class 3 | Unit Focus: Understanding and Overcoming Fear |
This class explores the psychology of fear, examining why people experience fear in specific situations and how behavioral adaptation can help overcome it. Students will also learn presentation techniques for connecting with an audience through sensory descriptions. |
| Class 4 | Unit Focus: Leadership in a Globalized World |
This class examines the challenges and opportunities globalization presents for business leadership. Students will explore strategies for becoming effective leaders and practice techniques for reaching consensus on polarizing topics. |
| Class 5 | Unit Focus: Understanding Intelligence and Learning |
This class explores the meaning of “intelligence” and how people learn. Students will reflect on their own learning strengths and weaknesses while practicing strategies for clearly expressing their opinions. |
| Class 6 | Unit Focus: The Silk Road and Global Connections |
Through an academic lecture on the Silk Road, this class examines the history of international trade and explores how lessons from the past can inform future international relations, global health, and prosperity. Students will also practice strategies for effective paraphrasing. |
| Class 7 | Unit Focus: Quarter Review and Reflection |
At the end of the quarter, students will reflect on the topics studied by delivering a brief in-class presentation on a selected issue. |
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)
Contemporary Topics – 21st Century Skills for Academic Success (2) (4th edition), Pearson, ISBN: 978-0-13-440080-8.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
None required
Evaluation methods and criteria
Class Participation: 30%
Presentations: 70%
Related courses
- LAE.E111 ： English 1
- LAE.E112 ： English 2
- LAE.E113 ： English 3
- LAE.E114 ： English 4
- LAE.E212 ： English 6
- LAE.E213 ： English 7
- LAE.E214 ： English 8
- LAE.E311 ： English 9
Prerequisites
None