Prerequisites（履修上の条件等）

ü         Because this course will be taught entirely in English at the university level, I recommend
 that your English ability be approximately TOEIC 450 or higher.

ü         If you were an “A” student in all your English classes during the first semester, you will
probably be able to do well in this course.

ü         You must be able to type all your homework reports.

ü         You must be able to use the Internet to find information (browser, saving, printing, etc.).

ü         You should know how to write outlines, paraphrase, summarize, and be able to express your
opinion in written English.

Overview

This content course (senmon kamoku) aims to develop a basic understanding of literacy--how and why people learn to read and write--from social, economic, psychological, and educational perspectives. It examines literacy programs for native, nonnative, and bilingual learners in developing and industrialized countries around the world. Materials for student reports will come from the INTERNET, for example UNESCO. Some of the topics to be covered are literacy programs in Africa, Asia, Central and South American, the Middle East, North America, and Oceania.

Class Activities

Each class will usually be divided into two parts:

l         Part I (about 30 min.): We will watch a video or the teacher will give a lecture. After that, there
 will be a short quiz (write a summary, answer comprehension questions, or give your opinion).

l         Part II (about 60 min.): In small groups (about 5 members each), students will present a
written report or project and the other members will take notes and discuss the contents.

 Reports

(1) For your report, you will find 1-3 articles on the Internet, summarize them, and then express your
opinion. The teacher will give you advice on where to find them. (2) You will present a report every
two weeks (in total 6 reports). (2) Each report should be about 500-600 words long (about two A4
pages typed) and also include an outline, graphic, or illustration (one A4 page). You will also make
your own short quiz (T-F, etc.) and give the quiz to the other members of your group for practice.

 Evaluation

Evaluation will be based on attendance (25%), classroom participation (25%), and your homework
reports (50%). You will assemble all your homework reports and notes into one folder (portfolio).