English For Biotech & Life Science

Spring-Summer Term: Apr 2012 - July 2012

SYLLABUS-

English For Biotech & Life Science 3rd Years (W-2);

Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

Patricia McGahan XXXXXXXXXXXXXX　cc:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

In  this class  you will  be doing a  combination  of speaking,  listening,;  reading and  writing.  The emphasis will be on increasing your skills, with a focus on thematic and structural approaches.

Expectations

Attendance and Participation: You will be expected to attend class regularly and actively participate in expressing your ideas and opinions and to work With other students to improve your English language skills and, in addition, thinking and study skills.

Schedule of classes:

April: 11, 18, 25, May: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

June: 6,  13, 20, 27,      July: 4,  11,.18,

Portfolio: You will need a plastic file folder to keep class handouts and assignments, in addition to a notebook or note paper, and highlighters. Twice a term I will ask to check and review your portfolio. You are expected to include weekly class notes, vocabulary practice, assignments, summaries, and independent study in your portfolio.

Portfolios Reviews-May 23 & July 11

Grading: In-class Participation - 20.%, *

Weekly Class Notes*-15%,

Vocabulary Practice -  20%,

Assignments and Summaries -  25%,

Independent Study - 20%

Tasked Based Learning: Include the following in your portfolio & make sure to identify your work with the class session # (number) and date - (Ex: Class #1: April 11. 2012)

1)  Class  Notes  -   include  in  your  portfolio  a  notebook or note  paper which  contains weekly class notes written on the board during class. Do remember to give your own answers to questions in writing & at times you will be asked to give written answers from partners you work with on assignments.

2)  Vocabulary Practice - each week choose 5-10 terms and or expressions to focus on from readings or materials used in class, or from materials you choose as part of your independent   study.    Focus    on    definitions    both    English    to   Japanese    and English-English,  as well  as  synonyms  and  antonyms  using  a  thesaurus.  Practice using the terms and expressions in your own sentences and questions. Include this practice in your portfolio.

3)  Assignments -  at times you will be given handouts (materials) in class, do make sure you complete the exercises and answer the questions and practice drills. In addition, you will be asked at times to access materials from the internet, print out materials, and bring them to class. Include all materials, given to you and which you access, in your portfolio.

4)  Summaries -  at times you will be asked to write summaries (focusing on key points, main ideas, and your opinions) on various topics we use in class.

5) Independent Study -  at least twice a term (once for the first half and again  in the second  half of the term),  choose a  topic & materials  (it can  be a  written article,  a newscast, a video, a podcast, an audio recording, that you are interested in) -  write 5 to 10 comprehension questions and answers about the topic, include a summary, and give your opinion in a paragraph.

Mid-term portfolio review - May 23

Final portfolio review - July 11

Make sure all of the above is included together in a plastic file folder which also will contain your portfolio grading record forms. (Two copies of the portfolio grading record form will be given to you at the time of the midterm review, on May 23. Please write your name, student # and the class code on both copies and include both copies in the front of your portfolio. One copy, I will keep for my records, and one copy will be returned to you along with your portfolio after the mid-term review. Keep your copy of your grading record and include it again at the time of the final portfolio review in the front of your portfolio.)