2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
Oral Expression in English 7 2
- Academic unit or major
- English language courses
- Instructor(s)
- Makiko Haraga
- Class Format
- Exercise (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Wed (M-B107)
- Class
- 2
- Course Code
- LAE.E233
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Sep 4, 2026
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
In keeping with their title, all of the “Oral Expression in English” courses are devoted to improving students’ skill in speaking. Apart from the context of 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 engaged listening exercises.
In Oral Expression in English 7 the principal aim is to generate effective oral communication involving listening and speaking among members of groups of 3 or 4 speakers. Objectives also include using vocabulary and grammar introduced in the textbook and classes.
Course description and aims
By the end of this course, students will have become well aware of skills and strategies needed for interactive discussions on a range of topics among a group of 3, 4 or more of their peers.
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 will be taught by a bilingual journalist who has been reporting and writing in both English and Japanese on a wide range of issues for a variety of publications. Throughout the course, the instructor will use her knowledge and expertise in the art of storytelling, to help students acquire communication skills that are necessary for communicating ideas effectively and clearly in English to people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Keywords
Speaking, listening, oral communication, interactive
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Throughout the course, students will be exploring various issues using readings, video clips, and discussions. They are required to watch assigned video clips, complete assigned readings, study the vocabulary, and come to class fully prepared for discussions. The class is highly interactive. Therefore, students' strong commitment and active participation are key to success, not only for themselves, but also for the entire class. If the number of students wishing to enroll exceeds the capacity, enrollment may be limited. All students who wish to take this course must attend the first class. The course schedule is subject to change based on the actual number of students.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Course introuction |
Students will be ask to talk about themselves during the activites. |
| Class 2 | Discussion: Well-being |
Students are expected to watch video clips and read articles that are assigned for this week in order to have a good discussion on the topic (well-being). |
| Class 3 | Discussion: Urban issues |
Students are expected to watch video clips and read articles that are assigned for this week in order to have a good discussion on the topic (urban issues). |
| Class 4 | Discussion: Education |
Students are expected to watch video clips and read articles that are assigned for this week in order to have a good discussion on the topic (education). |
| Class 5 | Group work: Intercultural competence |
Students will learn about the importance of cultural sensitivity and how to develop the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds. |
| Class 6 | Presentation: The first group of students will deliver presentations on a given topic. The details of the assignment will be provided during Week 4. |
Presenters are responsible for preparing a presentation. Those who are not presenting will ask questions and provide feedback. |
| Class 7 | Presentation: The second group of students will deliver presentations on a given topic. The details of the assignment will be provided during Week 5. |
Presenters are responsible for preparing a presentation. Those who are not presenting will ask questions and provide feedback. |
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)
Handouts
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Suggested Websites and smartphone apps:
NPR http://www.npr.org/
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: 50% (Evaluation will be based on attitude, contribution, progress, willingness to learn, effort to prepare for each class.)
Presentation: 50%
Related courses
- Oral Expression in English 8
Prerequisites
None
Other
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with LAE.E234 (Oral Expression in English 8).
Attendance at the first session is compulsory for students planning to take this course.