Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
15096:IR18‐BA101 English for International Studies I (Intermediate)(RD) 2022 Spring Mon3,Thu2 College　Of　International　Relations STRAUMANN CHISATO 2

Campus

KIC/KIC

Class Venue

RYOYUKAN　RY209/RYOYUKAN　RY209

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

This course aims to develop essential knowledge and skills for students to succeed in today’s global society. The main focus of this course is to improve basic skills necessary for academic reading, including understanding main ideas and key details, evaluating a writer’s claims, and reflecting on own viewpoint. In order to improve their reading skills, students will learn reading techniques such as skimming, scanning, and identifying main ideas as well as building vocabulary.

Students also view TED talks related to the topics to gain deeper understanding of the contents
and acquire the skills such as global awareness, information literacy and critical thinking.

This is a student-centered language class. Pair or group work is used, and students are expected to collaborate and communicate with one another in English, therefore, students' active participation is greatly expected.

Student Attainment Objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- summarize and discuss the readings
- through these activities, they will develop logical and critical thinking skills
- master reading strategy and analytical reading
- increase vocabulary and strengthen listening ability
- work to research a topic related to each unit and make a mini-presentation

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

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

Introduction about the class

Explanation about syllabus, self-introduction
Preliminary activities

2 - 3

Unit 1 Hidden Miracles - Lesson A
Unit 1 Hidden Miracles - Lesson B

Understanding reasons and key details, Interpreting a statement
Connecting ideas using a concept map, making predictions

4

Unit 1 Mini-project presentations

Unit 1 Presentation of the topic and discussion (pairs/groups)

5 - 6

Unit 2 Sleep Matters - Lesson A
Unit 2 Sleep Matters - Lesson B

Identify reasons and effects, understanding statistics, Analyzing a writer’s claims
Understanding main ideas and classifications, Synthesizing ideas from multiple sources

7

Unit 2 Mini-project presentations

Unit 2 Presentation of the topic and discussion (pairs/groups)

8 - 9

Unit 3 Cyborg Tech - Lesson A
Unit 3 Cyborg Tech - Lesson B

Understanding reasons and key details, Analyzing an argument for evidence
Understanding a process, Reflecting on own viewpoint

10

Unit 3 Mini-project presentations

Unit 3 Presentation of the topic and discussion (pairs/groups)

11 - 12

Unit 4 Happy Planet - Lesson A
Unit 4 Happy Planet - Lesson B

Linking ideas using a summary chart, analyzing an argument, Evaluating an argument
Recognizing a speaker’s message, Questioning survey results

13

Unit 4 Mini-project presentations

Unit 4 Presentation of the topic and discussion (pairs/groups)

14 - 15

Unit 5 Career Paths - Lesson A
Unit 5 Career Paths - Lesson B

Understanding sequence, Understanding reasons, Evaluating pros and cons
Making predictions, Understanding causes and effects, Synthesizing information

16

Unit 5 Mini-project presentations

Unit 5 Presentation of the topic and discussion (pairs/groups)

17 - 18

Unit 6 Text Generation - Lesson A
Unit 6 Text Generation - Lesson B

Making comparisons, Interpreting meaning
Making predictions, Applying information to new contexts, Applying ideas to own experience

19

Unit 6 Mini-project presentations

Unit 6 Presentation of the topic and discussion (pairs/groups)

20 - 21

Unit 7 Barriers and Bridges - Lesson A
Unit 7 Barriers and Bridges - Lesson B

Understanding tone and purpose using a concept map, Evaluating an argument using examples
Understanding key details, a sequence of events, Synthesizing ideas

22

Unit 7 Mini-project presentations

Unit 7 Presentation of the topic and discussion (pairs/groups)

23 - 24

Unit 8 Personality Types - Lesson A
Unit 8 Personality Types - Lesson B

Identifying different viewpoints, Making inferences
Understanding a speaker’s message, Applying ideas to other contexts

25

Unit 8 Mini-project presentations

Unit 8 Presentation of the topic and discussion (pairs/groups)

26 - 27

Unit 9 Smart Thinking - Lesson A
Unit 9 Smart Thinking - Lesson B

Inferring conclusions, Understanding reference, Applying ideas to other contexts
Understanding main ideas and key details, Reflecting on own experience

28

Unit 9 Mini-project presentations

Unit 9 Presentation of the topic and discussion (pairs/groups)

29

Unit 10 Facing fear - Lesson A

Linking ideas and examples, Understanding a process

30

Summary and Extra activities

Class Format

[BCP Level 1 or 2]
・In principle, all 15 weeks (15 classes for once a week course, 30 classes for twice a week course) will be face-to-face.
・When a student is unable to attend face-to-face classes due to any of the following conditions, web-based follow-up will be provided for all classes. Students who fall under this category should notify their instructor by the first class.
 
[Conditions for web-based follow-up]
(1) When a student has a pre-existing condition/underlying health condition.
(2) When it is difficult for a student to commute to university due to concerns over putting cohabiting
family members at risk.
(3) When a student is unable to enter Japan due to international travel restrictions.
(4) Other valid reasons when a student has been impacted by COVID-19 and is under an unavoidable situation for which they are not responsible for.
 
 
[BCP Level 3 or 4]
・All 15 weeks (15 or 30 classes) will be web-based (Live-Streamed, using ZOOM): 15 or 30 ZOOM live-streamed lectures at the designated class hours/periods (i.e., 15 live-streamed classes for the once-a-week courses; 30 live-streamed classes for the twice-a-week courses).
 
※For more information on Ritsumeikan University's BCP Level, please refer to the following URL, Point No.1 “Measures to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).”
http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/news/detail/?id=475

Recommendations for Private Study

- Students are required to come to the class by reading and checking vocabulary in the assigned chapter /articles of every week. Also students should be prepared to discuss in class.
- Try to read and listen to authentic material in English in the field of your interest, such as news, magazines, articles, or novels

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

Class participation and discussion participation 20%
Homework assignments 20%
Mini project presentation of the unit (9 x 5%) 45%
Vocabulary log 15%

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Late submission of assignments is not acceptable.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

(1) The key to pass this course is to do all assignments and attend all class.
(2) When students missed a class, they need to contact either the instructor or classmates about what homework assignments are.
(3) Please don't hesitate to ask any questions to the instructor

Textbooks

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
21st Century Reading: Creative Thinking and Reading with TEDTalks 3 Laurie Blass, Mari Vargo, Ingrid Wisniewska National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning 13:978-1-305-26571-4

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

We will use this textbook in each class.

Reference Books

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary Cambridge University Press 10 : 1107619505
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, 8th Edition Oxford University Press 10 : 019479914X
Webster's American English Dictionary Federal Street Press 10 : 1596951141

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

Please note that class schedule and contents may be subject to change depending on the circumstances
【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:http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp//students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html