Department of Language Studies English Course Close-UP

カリキュラム

While improving their basic English skills, students will also learn about culture to enhance their ability to communicate across language and cultural differences. In their final year of study, students can choose between a graduation thesis, graduation project, or graduation seminar.

Syllabus

Department of Language Studies, English Course Syllabus

Class Introduction

American Culture
The United States is known as the "land of the free" and is home to people of diverse backgrounds. However, as exemplified by the Occupy Wall Street movement and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, there are undeniable racial and economic divisions. This class will study immigration, religion, economics, politics, and gender issues from multiple perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of American culture and society, as well as the roots of the United States. We will also discuss the extent to which the U.S. has become an international influence, focusing on issues both within and outside the U.S. in recent years. The language spoken in this class will be English and Japanese; students will also aim to improve their English skills by using materials such as the news from the U.S.

Interpretation
When you hear the word "interpretation," you may think of "simultaneous interpretation," the instantaneous translation from English to Japanese or Japanese to English at international conferences. In this class, students will learn to express Japanese culture in English to develop the English language skills required for such jobs. For example, Japanese people "confess" their feelings to another person, but Americans say to each other "Do you wanna go out with me?" Why this difference?

Introduction to English Studies
What is English linguistics? It is the process of organizing and deepening the knowledge of the English language from various angles to develop a better understanding of this language. Of linguistics, it can be said that deals mainly with the English language. During the 1st semester, students will learn not only "History of the English Language" and "Mechanism of Speech," but also "Status of English in the Modern World," "Mechanism of English Words," "Phrases, and Idioms," "How English Sentences Are Constructed" "Are There Five Basic Sentence Forms in English," "What are Formal/Informal/Slang, and Where and When to Use Them, and What is Unnatural," and "The Complicated Relationship Between Japanese and English. In the 2nd semester, we will further examine the issues of words and meanings. The topics covered include: "Why one word has many meanings," "Synonyms are not exactly the same, but must be used differently," "Similar expressions convey different meanings if the sentence form is different," "What is English logic," "English and society," and "Politeness in English."

Introduction to Global Studies
Modern society is heavily influenced by and interdependent on globalization. Many products reach us through manufacturing processes in other countries. Yet, despite the many benefits we receive, we know surprisingly little about the processes involved and the social problems faced by the countries that export raw materials. In this class, students will deepen their understanding of various issues in contemporary society from multilayered global and local perspectives, with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015 in mind. Specifically, students will learn how the complex interdependence of the international community gives rise to various problems such as inequality, poverty, and environmental destruction from the perspective of countries that export raw materials, using such products as smartphones, clothing, and chocolate as examples. In this class, students will understand the current situation in the Global South and seek solutions on what we should do as global citizens.

成績評価と単位認定

Grading Criteria

About our GPA System

The intent behind our implementation of a GPA (Grade Point Average) system is to (1) create a unified standard for the campus, (2) have it function as an impartial standard, and (3) have it function as an internationally accepted standard. Our GPA system involves the assessment learning achievements using an objective numerical value called GPA. Additionally, this system generally conforms with the grade assessment systems adopted by universities in the West, and can be used overseas as an index used to certify a student’s academic ability when studying abroad, when going on to graduate school overseas, when finding employment at a non-Japanese companies operating in Japan, and so on.

Display of Grades and Assessment Criteria

GPA Calculation Method

Credit Recognition

1. Register for classes. Use CampusSquare to register for classes online and have your classes properly confirmed. You will need to do this for both the first and second semesters.
2. Students attend classes. There are 15 class in both the first and second semesters.
   Normally, 2-credit courses consist of attendance at each class (90 minutes) and preparation and review (about 2 hours each). In order to earn the credits, students must attend all classes (from the first to the 15th) as a matter of course, and also deepen their understanding through preparation and review.
3. Depending on subjects, students are required to take exam or submit reports (accreditation methods vary from lecturers).
4. Grades of S, A, B or C mean that students have passed the course and earned the credit. Grade of D means that students has failed the course and not earned any credit. If students receive a grade of D for a compulsory subject, they require to take it again the following year or later.
   Courses which students have already earned credit cannot be retaken.
5. About Academic Grades
   • Academic grades are assessed based on final examinations at the end of the semester (written exams, oral exams, practical exams, or reports). However, depending on courses, mini tests, reports, attendance, and academic progress during class may be evaluated as regular points, or assessments may be carried out based on the regular points only.
   • Academic grades are issued on the transcript with only the evaluation. 
   • Courses which students have passed once cannot be erased or retaken.
   • Grades will be published on Campus Square every semester.
   • If you have questions about your grades, such as not receiving a grade despite taking an exam (submitting a report) after the results have been announced, please come to school at the beginning of the next semester (in principle, by the first week of classes) and ask your teacher directly. If your teacher has left the school and you are unable to make inquiries, please notify the Academic Affairs Office.

Minimum number of credits required for graduation (For students enrolled in 2022)

• *1 If the number of credits earned in the comprehensive basic courses exceeds 12, the excess credits up to 8 will be approved as a credit in common elective courses.
• *2Some credits for each course of teaching profession and curator may be included in credits of specialized education subjects or general basic subjcts.
• *3 Excessive credits for elective compulsory subjects are included in the credits for elective course.