Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
52544:[2025 Spring]Discussion ＆ Debate 1 (B1) 2025 Spring Fri4 College　Of　Business　Administration FUISTING BJORN 2

Campus

OIC

Class Venue

AC432

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

In this course, you will learn critical and logical thinking techniques through various activities including listening and reading exercises and develop advanced skills in presenting your opinion effectively in discussion and debate. Students will learn multiple styles of argumentation through discussion and debate on current issues and social issues by using the discussion tactics.

Feedback: Students will be given one to one and group feedback during lectures as well as written feedback on assignments via Manaba+R or other mediums.
この授業は対面で実施します。
【＋R授業】詳細はmanaba+Rを参照（第1回で実施予定）
Students should do the +R (VOD) lesson BEFORE the first class

Student Attainment Objectives

By the end of this course students should be able to use the following discussion tactics:
    Discussion Skills
• Introducing your argument
• Expressing your position
• Expressing reasons for your position
• Introducing evidence
• Illustrating a point
• Hedging statements
• Expressing the pros and cons of the issue
• Making a declarative statement
• Introducing surprising evidence
• Expanding an argument
• Giving clarification
• Summing up and drawing a conclusion

Recommended Preparatory Course

First year English classes.

Course Schedule

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

Unit 1: First Impressions (VOD class)

First impressions are always right.

2

Unit 2: Honesty

We should always tell the truth.

3

Unit 3: Being Single

It’s better to be single.

4

Unit 4: Social Media

Social media use is negatively affecting our social skills.

5

Unit 5: The Environment

We should continue with nuclear energy.

6

Unit 6: Superstition

Being superstitious can be beneficial.

7

Persuasive Argument Language & Evidence Test 1

Discussion Test 1

8

Unit 7: Decision Making

All decisions should be made with logic.

9

Unit 8: Business Ethics

Businesses cannot be entirely ethical and survive

10

Unit 9: College Education

You do not need to go to university to become successful.

11

Unit 10: Common Justice

Not everyone is equal in the eyes of the law.

12

Unit 11: Artificial Intelligence

We must not let artificial intelligence surpass human intelligence.

13

Unit 12: Risk Taking

Success only comes from taking risks.

14

Persuasive Argument Language & Evidence Test 2

Discussion Test 1

Class Format

All classes will be held in person on campus unless specifically stated otherwise.

Recommendations for Private Study

Students must be prepared to spend approximately an hour in preparation and /or in review of each class session. This time is in addition to class time.

This is an English class: students must be willing to use English. In class, show me know that you are trying to improve your ability. The best way to do this is to actively engage in each of the in-class activities, ask questions when you do not understand/want to know more.

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

30% Active participation
70% Homework, in-class discussion, class tasks, quizzes, etc.

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Leson location/mode of delivery is subject to change depending on the situation regarding health and safety. See course schedule.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

・Students must be prepared to spend approximately an hour in preparation and /or in review of each class session. This time is in addition to class time.
・All assignments given as homework must be prepared before the next class.
・If you miss a class, you are responsible for finding out what was covered in class and the homework that was set. Please ask your classmates.
・Students need to attend 10 or more class sessions to pass the course.
・Students who attend less than 10 sessions will receive a grade of F.
・Students need to be willing to form opinions and express them. Students also need to be wiling to listen to others' opinions.
・This is an English class: students must be willing to use English. In class, show me know that you are trying to improve your ability. The best way to do this is to actively engage in each of the in class activities, ask questions when you do not understand/want to know more.

Textbooks

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
Discussion & Debate – Building an Argument: Level 1 Michael Dyer 9798876010698 Students need to buy the textbook via Amazon.jp

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

Students need to buy the book before the course starts vua Amazon.jp The textbook will be used in every class.

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

Students should have watched and completed the VOD lesson BEFORE the first class.
【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/