This course is intended to improve students' abilities in speaking and listening in English, although there will be some attention given to reading and writing as well. The aim of this course is to motivate students to build their vocabulary and communication skills by using personal and cultural issues as starting points for discussion. Students will learn how to share personal opinions and ideas as they examine the customs, practices, and values of Japan and other countries.
The schedule for this course will be decided as the semester proceeds. The progress of this class will depend on students needs and abilities; however, the basic schedule may look something like this:<BR><BR>Week 1: Explanation of Class/Introductions<BR>Week 2: Unit 1: Names<BR>Week 3: Unit 2: Kiss, Bow, Or Shake Hands (Gestures)<BR>Week 4: Unit 3: Prized Possessions<BR>Week 5: Unit 4: Cheers<BR>Week 6: Unit 5: What's The Occasion?<BR>Week 7: Unit 6: First Dates<BR>Week 8: Midterm Exam<BR>Week 9: Unit 7: On The Job<BR>Week 10: Unit 8: A Gift For Me?<BR>Week 11: Unit 9: Feast On This<BR>Week 12: Unit 10: Looking Good<BR>Week 13: Unit 11: That's Shocking<BR>Week 14: Unit 12: Glued To The Tube<BR>Week 15: Final Exam<BR><BR>This is only a proposed schedule. The pace of this course will be matched to the needs and abilities of the students. Therefore, the actual schedule may be very different than the one provided above.