2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
English 6 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.E212
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 26, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
Based on English 5, English 6 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
English 6 builds upon the concepts and pedagogical approach established in English 5, with continued emphasis on listening comprehension, debate, critical thinking, and collaborative discussion.
As in the previous quarter, each class session will begin with a structured discussion of the day’s topic. Students will then engage with an academic lecture drawn from a relevant disciplinary field. This will be followed by open questioning and guided commentary to promote analytical engagement and shared inquiry. This format is designed to deepen understanding of diverse perspectives and strengthen students’ ability to evaluate complex issues.
Following the lecture component, students will critically examine and discuss the central themes and arguments presented. For each topic, students will complete a short assignment, such as a brief presentation, summary, or response paper, in order to demonstrate comprehension and analytical reflection.
The goal of this course is not passive reception of lecture-style content, but active intellectual engagement. Students are expected to develop the ability both to articulate well-reasoned critical opinions and to listen thoughtfully to the perspectives of others. The classroom will function as a collaborative academic community in which students support one another’s development by contributing individual strengths and engaging constructively with differing viewpoints.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: Sports, Community, and Social Psychology |
This unit explores the psychological and social factors that shape communities formed through playing, watching, and supporting sports. Students will reflect on the role of sports in their own societies and personal experiences, with attention to identity, belonging, and group cohesion. The unit also introduces strategies for creating effective presentation openings, focusing on the development of strong attention-getters. |
| Class 2 | Unit Focus: Beauty and Function in Architecture |
This unit examines what distinguishes beauty from functionality in architecture. Students will engage with an academic lecture from the field of architecture and critically compare examples of buildings within their own communities. The class will also introduce strategies for acknowledging and responding to others’ points effectively during discussion. |
| Class 3 | Unit Focus: Health and Well-Being |
This unit explores the factors that contribute to health, including nutrition, disease prevention, exercise, and access to clean water and air. Students will reflect on how health practices can be applied in their own lives, among peers, and within broader society. The class will also cover strategies for effectively presenting facts and examples during discussion. |
| Class 4 | Unit Focus: Urban Life and Design |
This unit explores how urban design shapes daily life and influences the people living in cities. Students will analyze challenges facing Tokyo and reflect on how city planning affects communities and individual experiences. The class will also introduce strategies for maintaining focus on a topic during discussion and analysis. |
| Class 5 | Unit Focus: Biotechnology and Society |
This unit examines the future possibilities of biotechnology, with a focus on DNA testing and its applications in criminology, healthcare, genealogy, and privacy. Students will also practice strategies for initiating and leading discussions effectively. |
| Class 6 | Unit Focus: Risk Management and Natural Disasters |
This unit explores strategies for preparing communities to respond effectively to natural disasters. Students will also practice techniques for soliciting and engaging with others’ opinions and ideas during discussion. |
| Class 7 | Unit Focus: Quarter Review and Reflection |
At the conclusion of the quarter, students will have the opportunity to 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.E211 ： English 5
- LAE.E213 ： English 7
- LAE.E214 ： English 8
- LAE.E311 ： English 9
Prerequisites
None