Discussion Skills: Addressing Global Issues

Discussion

Keywords:
Discussion, Listening, 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 global issues, develop the ability to analyze these issues, provide solutions, and hold extended discussions with classmates. 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 contemporary topics. Students will develop spoken fluency and will be able to hold extended group discussions on the range of contemporary topics studied in class. Students will develop two roles on this course: a speaker role AND a listener role in discussions. 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 discussions in English.

Participation and attendance: 20%
Vocabulary Diary Test: 20%
Research Journal: 20%
Discussion Tests: 40%

1	Distribution of syllabus and supplementary teaching materials, and explanation about class contents and expectations. Get-to-know you activities.
2	Monetary Policy
3	Liberalism
4	Japanese Security Policy
5	Poverty
6	Discussion Test 1
7	Minorities
8	Education policy
9	International Relations: The Middle East
10	International Relations: Asia
11	AI and the Future
12	Discussion Test 2
13	Vocabulary Diary Test and course review
14	Office Hours
15	Office Hours

Textbook:

知への英単語 The Path to Deep Knowledge: Critical explorations of contemporary topics in English

ISBN: 9784887842533

Homework:

Students will also be required to complete individual research on the topics for their research journal and maintain a weekly vocabulary diary. Discussion 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.

If you miss a class or if you want to review the class content, the lecture notes, assignments and homework will be posted on the SFC-SFS course web page.