Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
50563:Academic Communication Skills II (P) § 50564:Academic Communication Skills (P) 2025 Spring Thu4 College　Of　Policy　Science KOJIMA NAOKO 2

Campus

OIC

Class Venue

AS452

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

Having successful communication in academic contexts requires various skills such as critical thinking, choosing appropriate vocabulary, and meeting audience needs. This course will help improve these skills through group discussions, debates, and presentations. Therefore, you are asked to work collaboratively and be ready to contribute your ideas and energy to your group and the class.

Student Attainment Objectives

When you complete this course, you should be able to
1. gain the skills needed in different communication styles in academia
2. develop critical thinking needed to discuss in academic contexts
3. develop verbal communication skills in discussions, debates, and presentations
4. learn how to use evidence to build arguments effectively
5. gain the skills needed to present your knowledge and research logically and clearly using visual aids
 

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) Theme
Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
1

Course orientation

Introduction to the detailed course schedule, assignments, and methods
[+R Jugyo] Information for + R Jugyo will be posted on Manaba +R

2-3

Introduction to Roundtable Project & preparation for the presentations

Choose a theme for each group
Decide sub-topics and give each other feedback
Begin your research
 
*Roundtable project: a group of students has a theme as a group, but each student decides his/her own sub-topic to research & present individually.

4-5

Presentations

6

Introduction to the compare and contrast project

Choose an appropriate topic to make a comparison

7

Preparation for the presentations

How to use visual aids effectively

8-9

Presentations

10

Introduction to debates

Pick good topics for debates
How to prepare your argument (e.g., researching your topic, building strong arguments)
How to prepare your counterargument
How to use visual aids effectively

11 & 12

Preparation for the debates

13-14

Debates

Class Format

14 in-person classes

Recommendations for Private Study

Complete your research at home, so you can use class time to collaborate and discuss with your classmates.

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written)

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)

Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment　
(Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class)		 100

Presentations (e.g., In-class small presentation, Roundtable project)
Debate
Homework assignments and in-class participation

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

Reading materials will be provided in class or on manaba by the instructor

Reference Books

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

Web Pages for Reference

How to Communicate with the Instructor In and Out of Class(Including Instructor Contact Information)

Learning Management System （manaba+R）,Talk with Students,Other (Separate instructions will be provided)

Other Comments

The schedule and weekly focus are subject to change. The goals will be consistent with this syllabus.
The instructor will give a more detailed course outline in the first or second week of class including learning topics, evaluation criteria, and learning methods.
You must attend more than 2/3 of the course to be graded.
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