2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
Oral Expression in English 9
- Academic unit or major
- English language courses
- Instructor(s)
- Andrew Kottler
- Class Format
- Exercise (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Thu (W3-205(W322))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAE.E331
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 13, 2026
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
“Oral Expression in English” courses are devoted to improving students’ skills in speaking. Apart from the context of giving presentations, effective speaking also involves effective listening, so the classwork and homework in these courses require students engaged in speech and listening exercises.
As an undergraduate elective 300-level course, Oral Expression in English 9 offers study at a higher level than 200-level electives. There is a specific focus on generating effective oral communication on general interesting issues, involving listening and speaking in pairs of speakers and in small groups. Objectives also include using vocabulary and grammar introduced in the classes.
Course description and aims
By the end of this course, students will have acquired experience in discussing in small groups and one-on-one conversation about a range of important social, economic and socio-political issues concerning Japan and other countries.
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)
This course is taught by an instructor who works professionally as a theatre director, writer, and performer. He will use his experience to teach effective expression and active listening.
Keywords
speaking, listening,oral communication, interactive
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
This course continues a focus on improving students’ skills in effective speaking and active listening. This is a participatory class that will involve students role-playing, conversing in small groups, and making presentations to the class. Western theatrical techniques as well as Public Speaking methods will be incorpated into each class.
Exact subject matter may differ from that laid out in the syllabus in order to follow the educational needs of the students. 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 | Review course procedures. Interviewing and presenting a classmate. Expressing Emotions through role-play scenarios. The importance of tone-using back to back scenes. |
Identify course aims, practice introductions, expressing feeling |
| Class 2 | Teacher demonstration of the Meisner Technique. Student "rehearsal" in pairs. Student presentation of the Meisner Technique. Role play-restaurant scenes. |
Fluency, vocabulary-focusing on frequency adverbs, active listening, role-playing |
| Class 3 | Using the Meisner Technique to focus on pronouns. Expressing agreement or disagreement through role-play. |
Fluency, vocabulary-focusing on frequency adverbs, active listening, role-playing |
| Class 4 | Introduction to oral presentation work through impromptu monologues. Introduction to complex adjectives. Role play scenes-at the airport. |
Fluency, vocabulary-focus on basic adjectives, active listening, role-playing |
| Class 5 | Introduction to final project--guidelines and proposal due date given. Advanced Meisner Technique practice with a partner. Fitzmaurice public speaking techniques introduced. |
Fluency, vocabulary-focus on basic adjectives, active listening, role-playing |
| Class 6 | Final project preparation. Solo presentation practice with student grading and feedback. Continuued exploration of Fitzmaurice Public Speaking Techniques. |
Practice oral presentation skills. Formulating feedback to fellow students. Active listening. |
| Class 7 | Final project presentations. Student reflections and feedback. Class assessment hand-outs. |
Presnetation skills, public speaking. Expressing complex thoughts. |
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)
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Textbook: Pathways: Listening, Speaking, and Critical Thinking, Third Edition, Book 4, Student Book with Spark Access + eBook (1-year access)
ISBN: 978-0357979273
Handouts
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Relevant websites and online learning sites will be provided as necessary during the class,
Evaluation methods and criteria
Class participation 40%, Homework 30%, Final Presentation 30%
Related courses
- LAE.E332 ： Oral Expression in English 10
Prerequisites
None
Other
It is recommended that students take this class in sequence with LAE.E332.
Attendance at the first session is compulsory.