Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
16873:[2025 Fall]Academic Skills 1 (GC) § 16874:Basic Academic Skills (GC) § 16875:Special Lecture 1 (LC) 2025 Fall Wed2 College　Of　Law,College　Of　Social　Sciences,College　Of　International　Relations,College　Of　Letters KAWANO MAKO 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

IGAKUKAN　IG305

Language

English and Japanese

Course Outline and Method

Students will learn the significance of studying abroad. In addition to activities in English using the 5 skills of language (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), students will also learn the basic skills needed while on their study abroad, including how to read a syllabus, making the most of office hours, and more. In addition, they will also work on the language skills so essential for studying abroad.They are encouraged to actively participate in group discussions in each class.

Student Attainment Objectives

By learning about the significance of studying abroad, students will be able to clarify their reasons for taking part. Students will also acquire the basic academic skills and language skills needed for studying abroad.

Recommended Preparatory Course

This course will be conducted in English (main) and Japanese (upon necessity), so students should be able to perform English proficiency equivalent to TOEFL ITP 400/ TOEFL iBT 32/ TOEIC 380 / IELTS 4.5 or above.

Course Schedule

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

Introduction

Course introduction, Icebreaking - Let’s get to know each other
【+R-Jugyo】For the details, go to "Reference Video" below

2

How to choose a study abroad program

Share your motivation, Explore potential programs, Set your goal

3

Learning skills for studying abroad

Search for a syllabus, Understand what it says, How to write a email in English

4

What is academic writing?

English essay structure, Reference to existing studies, Critical thinking

5

How to use the university library

How to use the library database, Library tour

6

Paraphrasing and summarizing

Techniques for paraphrasing, Stages of summarizing

7

Essay writing

Introduction and conclusion, Create an essay outline

8

Reading

Reading an academic essay - Reflect on what you have learned

9

Speaking and listening

Does pronunciation matter? Speaking practice (TOEFL sample questions)

10

Presentation skills

How to deliver good presentations

11

Preparing for a group presentation

How to get on in groups

12~13

Group presentation

Speak, Listen, Ask, Respond

14

Course wrap-up

Feedback and self-reflection

Class Format

Face-to-face session in the classroom

Recommendations for Private Study

There will be small assignments on a weekly basis, based on what you have learned at each class. Students are expected to complete these assignments by the following week.
Also, there will be an essay assignment and group-presentation assignment.

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written) 0

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)		 0

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

Participation in in-class activities 25%, Weekly assignments 25%, An essay writing assignment 25%, A group presentation 25%

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

-Policy on attendance/participation
Students must attend/take part in at least 10 out of 14 classes to obtain credit for this course.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

-Choosing the right class for you
This class is for students who have never studied academic English or citation styles such as MLA or APA. If you have some knowledge of academic citation styles, please take Academic Skills 2 or Intermediate Academic Skills.

This class is NOT recommended for students in English-based degree programs such as GS, CRPS, or GLA, as this class would be too basic.

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

Materials will be provided in class or through the Learning Management System

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

【科目ナンバリング・カリキュラムマップはこちらから/Click here to see the Curriculum-Map and Course-Numbering】
URL:https://secure.ritsumei.ac.jp/students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html/