2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
Oral Expression in English 14
- 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.E432
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- 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 14 continues the approach taken by Oral Expression in English 13 with its focus on students making critical responses to readings provided in advance of the weekly class. Students will discuss the readings in detail, and they 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 and discuss (both in class and elsewhere) about multiple examples from their daily lives and from the media describing phenomena and behaviours introduced in the readings.
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. In addition to delivering presentations, effective oral communication requires attentive listening; therefore, classwork and homework include both interactive speaking activities and structured listening exercises.
As a graduate-level elective, Oral Expression in English 14 builds on the approach of Oral Expression in English 13, emphasizing critical engagement with assigned readings. Students are expected to analyze and discuss the readings in depth and to 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 8: History |
This class explores why understanding history is essential for individuals and 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 2 | Unit 9: The Devolping World |
This class examines whether the gap between the rich and the poor is considered fair across different countries. 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 10: Violence |
This class examines whether violence around the world is increasing and explores factors that contribute to violent behavior. 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 11: Women in Society |
This class examines whether women currently have equal opportunities and status compared to men in society. 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 12: Politics |
This class examines how politics and politicians have influenced the development and functioning of 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 6 | Unit 13: Economics |
This class examines whether our financial situations today are better than those of our parents’ generation. 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 7 | Unit 14: Globlization; Final Presentation |
This class examines the role of internationalism in today’s economy, workplace, and political landscape. Students will prepare a presentation addressing questions related to globalization. Presentations should clearly communicate the student’s point of view and propose actionable strategies for addressing challenges associated with 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.E431 ： Oral Expression in English 13
Prerequisites
None
Other
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with LAE.E431 (Oral Expression in English 13).
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.