NEWS

February 13, 14, 15, 16, 19

During this course, we will be using a range of communicative styles to investigate contemporary issues and improve our critical thinking skills. Classes will normally begin with a background discussion of a topic from the textbook, Good Bye, Galapagos, followed by a reading of the chapter. Following this, students will work in pairs and small groups to explore the theme via discussions, debates and short presentations. This is not a lecture-style class. This class will enable students to discuss topical issues with the goal of improving both their own critical thinking abilities and English communicative skills. These skills will be very useful for academic situations where students are expected to express an informed opinion supported by relevant research.

Good Bye, Galapagos: evolving aspects of Japanese society, Paul Stapleton, Cengage Learning, 978-4-86312- 216-1 (To be sold at Tokyo Tech Co-op, 東工大生協で販売予定)

February 14, 15, 16, 19, 20

Mark Stoneburgh

W3-707 (W371)

This five-day intensive course is designed for students looking for a forum that will allow them to speak English on a wide array of topics. It will be student-centered and (very) active participation will be expected. The general daily format is discussion/debate with presentations at the end of the day. Aside from general fluency, other areas that will be addressed include critical thinking skills, presentation skills, listening skills, and vocabulary building.

50% Attendance and Class Participation, 30% Presentations, 20% Quizzes

 Presentation: 50%, Final reaction paper: 50%

February 13, 14, 15, 16, 19

Paul Narum

ZOOM

Course title: Around the World in One Week—Talking about Global Travel and Current Affairs

This week-long intensive course is geared to those students wishing to improve their English oral expression skills, particularly discussion, debate, and presentation, through a comparative look at different countries around the world. The main subjects to be dealt with shall include world travel, comparative culture, education, health, welfare, and science and technology. The pair presentation will focus on a travelogue to a certain country, while the individual presentation will be about criteria for what can be considered the “best country.” Critical thinking strategies will be emphasized as students become more effective speakers, with timely feedback given.

50% Attendance and Class Participation, 20% Pair Presentation, 30% Individual Presentation

February 20, 21, 22, 27, 28

Paul Narum

Course Title: Getting Your Point Across—Giving Better STEM Presentations

This week-long intensive course is geared to those students wishing to improve their English oral expression skills, particularly discussion, debate, and presentation, through an exploration of timely issues in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students will be expected to listen to and discuss various lectures (mainly TED Talks) and famous speeches. The pair presentation will focus on one of the issues already discussed in class, while the individual presentation will be about a topic chosen by each student according to his or her preferences and field of expertise. Critical thinking strategies will be emphasized as students become more effective speakers, with timely feedback given.

All materials to be distributed in class.