Discussions on Public Policies

Discussion

Keywords:
Discussion, Presentation, Research, Speaking, Vocabulary

授業の実施形態/Delivery
完全オンライン/Fully Online

We will have a "cameras ON" policy for this class.

Students on this course study a range of public policy issues, develop the ability to analyze these issues, provide solutions, hold extended discussions with classmates, and make academic presentations. We will widen students’ content knowledge in English on these issues while also working on the skill of openly exchanging ideas and opinions.

The overall objective is for students to develop discussion and communicative skills in English through studying content from a range of public policy topics as well as skills to make effective academic presentations. Students will develop spoken fluency and will be able to hold extended group discussions on the range of policy topics studied in class. A range of communicative skills will be developed including ability to use listener reactions, support opinions with reasons and examples, check understanding by paraphrasing, ask quick follow-up questions, and adopt a range of language functions to have long, deep, meaningful discussions in English. Students will also learn how to adopt a range of non-verbal and verbal skills to deliver engaging academic presentations.

Participation and attendance: 20%
Vocabulary Diary: 20%
Research Journal: 20%
Mid-term Presentation: 20%
Final Presentation: 20%

1	Distribution of syllabus and supplementary teaching materials, and explanation about class contents and expectations. Get-to-know you activities.
2	Japan’s aging population
3	English education in Japan
4	Immigration policy
5	Gender gap and Womenomics
6	Mid-term presentation
7	Security and military policy
8	Climate change policy
9	Nuclear policy
10	The Japanese economy and government debt
11	Presentation preparation
12	Final Presentation
13	Course Review
14	Office Hours
15	Office Hours

Textbook:

No textbook is required for this course. The teacher will provide weekly article links and students will carry out their own research into the weekly topics.

Homework:

Students will also be required to complete individual research on the topics for their research journal and maintain a weekly vocabulary diary. Presentation preparation shall also be done outside of the classroom.

Teacher Message:

Attendance is essential for a communicative course. Preparation, attendance, and participation are seriously considered in assigning final grades.

Communication / skills classes require strict attendance in order to progress in language development. Students are allowed a maximum of 3 absences. More than that will result in a fail grade. Homework preparation should be completed well before each class in order to understand the vocabulary and contents of the course.

Classes are taught in English. Students need to be prepared to speak in English throughout each class. Students should expect 1.5 hours or more of homework and study time a week outside class.