2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
Practical International Exchange
- Academic unit or major
- English language courses
- Instructor(s)
- Sanae Akaba
- Class Format
- Lecture/Exercise (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Mon (Ishikawadai, Bldg. 6, 4F, 404 (Creative Commons)) / 3-4 Thu (Ishikawadai Bldg. 6, 4F,404 (Creative Commons))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAE.E261
- Number of credits
- 110
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 9, 2026
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
The objective of this course is to enhance practical skills in English speaking, writing, and presentation by participating in the Visionary Project Class 41. Through lectures and reflective sessions within the Visionary Project, students will engage with international peers and develop their communication abilities in English.
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to attend expert-led lectures and participate in group discussions conducted in English. Through these experiences, they will be exposed to diverse cultures, values, and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of multicultural coexistence and intercultural exchange.
Course description and aims
By completing this course, students will develop the following skills:
(1) Identifying Issues from a Social Perspective – Rather than simply answering given questions in English, students will learn to discover and analyze issues from a broader societal viewpoint.
(2) Collaborative Thinking and Expression in English – Through group work, students will experience the enjoyment of thinking and expressing ideas collaboratively in English.
(3) Effective Presentation in English – Students will enhance their ability to articulate their thoughts and ideas in English through presentations.
(4) Critical Reading and Writing Skills – By writing book reviews in English, students will learn how to engage with texts critically and develop a more analytical perspective on reading.
Keywords
Visionary Project, practical English skills
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The course alternates between expert-led lectures and small-group exercises. After each lecture, students are required to submit a reaction paper reflecting on the content. In the small-group sessions, students will engage in interactive, discussion-based group work. Additionally, they will be asked to submit a brief book review. In the final session, they will deliver presentations showcasing the outcomes of their group work.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | April 9 |
Learn about the course outline and understand the objectives. |
| Class 2 | April 13 |
Learn about the course outline and understand the objectives. |
| Class 3 | April 16 |
Open the door of your heart before coming to class. |
| Class 4 | April 20 |
The reflection paper must be completed and brought to class. |
| Class 5 | April 23 |
Open the door of your heart before coming to class. |
| Class 6 | April 27 |
The reflection paper must be completed and brought to class. |
| Class 7 | April 30 |
Open the door of your heart before coming to class. |
| Class 8 | May 7 (**May 4 is a holiday) |
For homework, prepare a reflection paper related to the lecture. |
| Class 9 | May 11 |
Open the door of your heart before coming to class. |
| Class 10 | May 14 |
Prepare for the presentation of your book review. |
| Class 11 | May 18 |
For homework, prepare a reflection paper related to the lecture. |
| Class 12 | May 21 |
Open the door of your heart before coming to class. |
| Class 13 | May 25 |
Prepare an individual presentation handout before coming to class. |
| Class 14 | May 26 |
Prepare for final presentations |
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)
N/A
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Visionary Project Guidebook
Evaluation methods and criteria
Contribution to group discussion 50%
Reflection paper 25%
Presentation 15%
Book review 10%
Related courses
- LAE.E111 ： English 1
- LAE.E112 ： English 2
- LAE.E113 ： English 3
- LAE.E114 ： English 4
- LAE.E153 ： TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 3
- LAE.E154 ： TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 4
- LAE.E133 ： Oral Expression in English 3
- LAE.E134 ： Oral Expression in English 4
- LAE.E143 ： English Presentation Seminar 3
- LAE.E144 ： English Presentation Seminar 4
Prerequisites
Fluency in English speaking and writing skills
Inquiry should be made to the instructor as soon as possible.
Other
This course is recommended for students who have been accepted for short-term or long-term study abroad programs, as well as those with intermediate to advanced English-speaking skills who wish to actively practice and refine their abilities in a classroom setting.
**In case student enrollment exceeds the class capacity, we may limit the number of students who can take this course. Please make sure to attend the first class