2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
Oral Expression in English 13
- 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) - 5-6 Wed (W5-104)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAE.E431
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 16, 2026
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
All of the “Oral Expression in English” courses are devoted to improving students' skills in speaking. Apart from 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 get engaged in listening exercises.
As a graduate-level elective course, Oral Expression in English 13 requires students to be able to respond critically to the readings provided in advance of the weekly class. Students will discuss about them in detail, and students will make oral presentations about phenomena and behaviours that they think exemplify or are related to the topics of particular readings.
Course description and aims
By the end of this course, students will be able to recognise some manifestations of phenomena and behaviours described in the readings in 'real life', and to exercise their abilities to discuss them in interaction with non-Japanese (for example, with international students at Titech), or with Japanese (in case you are an international student).
Keywords
speaking, listening,oral communication, interactive
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
All Oral Expression in English courses are designed to enhance students’ proficiency in spoken English. Beyond delivering presentations, effective oral communication also requires attentive listening. Accordingly, classwork and homework involve both interactive speaking activities and structured listening exercises.
As a graduate-level elective, Oral Expression in English 13 emphasizes critical engagement with assigned readings. Students are expected to analyze and discuss the readings in detail during class and deliver oral presentations on phenomena or behaviors that exemplify or relate to the topics addressed in the readings.
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 1: Attitudes |
This class explores how individuals approach meeting and connecting with new people. Students should carefully read the assigned chapter in its entirety and be prepared to respond to related questions. Responses should demonstrate critical thinking, reference specific content from the text when appropriate, and reflect a clear understanding of the material. Students should also be ready to discuss and share their reflections in class. |
| Class 2 | Unit 2: Money |
This class examines how money influences our lives, both positively and negatively. Students should carefully read the assigned chapter in its entirety and be prepared to respond to related questions. Responses should demonstrate critical thinking, reference specific content from the text when appropriate, and reflect a clear understanding of the material. Students should also be ready to discuss and share their reflections in class. |
| Class 3 | Unit 3: Education |
This class explores the role and significance of education in various societies. Students should carefully read the assigned chapter in its entirety and be prepared to respond to related questions. Responses should demonstrate critical thinking, reference specific content from the text when appropriate, and reflect a clear understanding of the material. Students should also be ready to discuss and share their reflections in class. |
| Class 4 | Unit 4: Crime |
This class examines how society should respond to and punish individuals who commit crimes. Students should carefully read the assigned chapter in its entirety and be prepared to respond to related questions. Responses should demonstrate critical thinking, reference specific content from the text when appropriate, and reflect a clear understanding of the material. Students should also be ready to discuss and share their reflections in class. |
| Class 5 | Unit 5: The Enviorment |
This class explores how climate change affects daily life, society, and political systems. Students should carefully read the assigned chapter in its entirety and be prepared to respond to related questions. Responses should demonstrate critical thinking, reference specific content from the text when appropriate, and reflect a clear understanding of the material. Students should also be ready to discuss and share their reflections in class. |
| Class 6 | Unit 6: Aliens |
This class explores the potential implications of discovering life beyond our planet and how such a discovery could impact human society and daily life. Students should carefully read the assigned chapter in its entirety and be prepared to respond to related questions. Responses should demonstrate critical thinking, reference specific content from the text when appropriate, and reflect a clear understanding of the material. Students should also be ready to discuss and share their reflections in class and review the material in preparation for the exam. |
| Class 7 | Unit 7: Happiness; Final Presentations |
This class examines the concept of “happiness” within the context of today’s economy, workplace, and political environment. Students will prepare a presentation addressing questions related to the topic of happiness. Presentations should clearly communicate the student’s point of view and propose actionable strategies for addressing challenges related to this topic. |
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)
Daive Paul, Disscussion Skills 2 (Language Teaching Professionals) ISBN: 9784910167411
Reference books, course materials, etc.
None required
Evaluation methods and criteria
Class participation: 30%
Assignments: 30%
Final presentation: 40%
Related courses
- LAE.E432 ： Oral Expression in English 14
Prerequisites
none
Other
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with LAE.E432 (Oral Expression in English 14).
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.