Language Institute, Thammasat University

TU 105 Communication Skills in English

(Mathematics & Statistics)

Course Outline Semester 1/2015

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Course Description

Development of English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, focusing on the ability to hold a conversation in exchanging opinions, as well as reading comprehension of academic texts from various disciplines related to students’ field of study.

Course Objectives

  • have a broad understanding of general academic English usage
  • be familiar with a broad range of academic disciplines
  • develop skills which enable them to deal with unknown vocabulary
  • discuss and give opinions on academic and controversial topics
  • improve their understanding of key standard English Language functions
  • understand how learning English is empowering and become more autonomous
  • use a number of English academic skills beneficial to subsequent TU classes
  • be a little more wiser about the world in general through the English Language
  • foster positive relationships towards English Language Learning

Teaching Methods

Student-Centered Learning, Autonomous/Self-Directed Learning, Discussions, Pair Work, Group Work, Oral Presentations, Media Application

Materials

  • Viewpoint Student’s Book 1

(by Michael McCarthy, Jeanne McCarten, & Helen Sandiford, CUP)

  • Supplementary exercises (provided in class)

*** Note:Contents covered in the book

Midterm Part / Final Part
Unit 7 Lessons A, B, D
Unit 8 Lessons A, B, D
Unit 9 Lessons A, D / Unit 10 Lessons A, B, D
Unit 11 Lessons A, D
Unit 12 Lessons A, B, D

Schedule

  • Class Dates:17 August – 4 December 2015
  • Add/Drop period26-31 August 2015
  • Drop “W” period19 - 26 October 2015

Lecturers: Sec/Gr650101: Asst. Prof. ChorthipViriya

Sec/Gr650201: A. Wipakorn Chayopong Kawasaki

Course Evaluation

Parts / Points / Detailed Assignment
Class attendance & participation / 20 points / - 80% mandatory class attendance
- Absences with/without any reasons for more than four class meetings subjected to an automatic “F” grade in the course.
- Two points deducted for each absence / one point deducted for each late occurrence
Creative writing / 20points / Assignment 1: Does your happiness depend on others?
Give specific reasons and examples. (10 points)
Assignment 2: (Writing Task: 1 of 2 choices) (10 points)
Choice 1: How can my Hometown/Thailand Attract More
Tourists?
Choice 2: Interesting Culture
Creative presentation / 20 points / - A creative presentation based on self-selected topics and tasks
2 Listening tests / 30 points / - One before the midterm and the other before the final exam
Midterm examination / 50 points / - Units 7 - 9 (multiple-choice questions and creative writing)
Final Examination / 60 points / - Units 10-12 (multiple-choice questions and creative writing)
TOTAL / 200 points

Tentative Schedule

Weeks / Dates / Units / Activities/ Tests/ Assignments
1 / 17-22 August 2015 / - Course introduction
- Unit 7 (Lessons A & B) / - Course introduction
- Ice breaking activity
- Unit 7: Getting Along (Lesson A)
2 / 24-29 August 2015 / - Unit 7 (Lessons C & D) / - Unit 7 (Lessons B:& D)
[Lesson C:Optional]
3 / 31 August-
5 September 2015 / - Unit 8 (Lessons A & B) / - Unit 8: Food Science (Lessons A & B)
4 / 7-12 September 2015 / - Unit 8 (Lessons C & D) / - Unit 8 (Lesson D)
[Lesson C:Optional]
5 / 14-19 September 2015 / - Unit 9 (Lessons A & B) / - Unit 9: Success and Happiness
(Lessons A & B)
[Lesson C:Optional]
6 / 21-26 September 2015 / - Unit 9 (Lessons C & D) / - Unit 9: Success and Happiness
(Lessons D) + Discuss Assignment 1
7 / 28 September-
3 October 2015 / Review Units 7-9 / -Submit Assignment 1
-Listening test 1 (15 points)
-Revision (Units 7- 9)
8 / MIDTERM WEEK
4-10, 13 October 2015 / Thursday
8 October 2015 / Midterm Examination
09:00 – 11:00
9 / 12-17 October 2015 / - Unit 10
(Lessons A & B) / - Unit 10: Going Places
(Lessons A & B)
10 / 19-24 October 2015 / - Unit 10
(Lessons C & D) / - Unit 10: Going Places
(Lessons D) + Discuss Assignment 2
11 / 26-31 October 2015 / - Unit 11
(Lessons A & B) / - Unit 11:Culture (Lessons A & D) +
Discuss Assignment 2
12 / 2-7 November 2015 / - Unit 11
(Lessons C & D) / - Unit 11 (Lesson B )
13 / 9-14 November 2015 / - Unit 12
(Lessons A & B) / - Unit 12:Ability (Lessons A & B)
14 / 16-21 November 2015 / - Unit 12
(Lessons C & D) / - Unit 12 (Lesson D)
-Submit Assignment 2 (10 points)
-Listening test 2 (15 points)
15 / 23-28 November 2015 / Creative Presentation
Review Units 10-12 / -Creative presentation (20 points)
- Revision (Units 10-12)
16 / 30 November-
4 December 2015
**5 Dec: Father’s Day** / Review Units 10-12 / - Revision (Units 10-12)
17 / Wednesday
9 December 2015 / FINAL EXAMINATION / Final Examination
09:00 – 12:00