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ENGLISH SUBJECTS

First-year compulsory courses

We offer a curriculum that provides students with comprehensive English communication skills.
There are two patterns of study for first-year students. Each of them will allow you to take four English credits. Please see Guidance for more details.

Combinations of first-year compulsory courses
(Total 4 credits)

Pattern 1
Pattern 2

First-year Compulsory Courses

Course title Number of credits Course description
Interaction
Once a week
(1 credit)		 Cultivate communication skills to engage in everyday interactions. Participate in English conversation sessions with Student Assistants (SAs) at English House.
Presentation
Develop your verbal and non-verbal skills to give short individual or group presentations on familiar topics.
Discussion
Cultivate the skills you need to discuss various topics in pairs or small groups based on information you have researched.
Writing
Develop basic skills for writing logically organised paragraphs and essays. Check your accuracy using the university Grammarly account.
CALL
Twice a week
(2 credits)		 Develop listening comprehension and vocabulary skills in natural spoken English using web-based materials developed by Chiba University. Materials are assigned according to each student's English proficiency level.

Introduction to each course

Interaction
Presentation
Discussion
Writing
CALL

Second-year compulsory courses

There are also two patterns of study for second-year students. For more details, please see the Guidance

Second-year compulsory courses
(Total 2 credits)

Pattern 1
Pattern 2

Second-year Compulsory Courses

Course title Credit Course description
Critical Thinking
in
English
Once a week
(1 credit)		 Cultivate the ability to understand, analyze, and evaluate information and arguments, and to express and argue your own points of view in a coherent and logical manner.
English for
Specific
Fields
Develop skills and vocabulary needed to use English in your field of study.
CALL2
This is an on-demand course using web-based materials compatible with learners’ levels and preferences to develop comprehension skills and vocabulary knowledge while listening to authentic English.

Introduction to each course

Critical Thinking in English
English for Specific Fields
CALL2

Curriculum overview

The table below shows the English courses offered at Chiba University by skill level. In addition to the courses listed in this table, each faculty offers specialized English courses. Course titles in red are compulsory and course titles in black are elective. Please see the syllabus for more details.

Courses for undergraduate students Courses for graduate students
Speaking
  • Interaction
  • Discussion
  • Basic English Communication
  • Pre-Intermediate Communication
  • Intermediate Communication
  • 場面から学ぶ英語表現
  • Professional English
  • Business English Communication
  • Academic Reading and Discussion
Presentation
  • Presentation
  • Advanced English Presentation
  • Academic Presentation
  • Online Academic Presentation
  • English for Presenting at International Conferences
Writing
  • Writing
  • Advanced Essay Writing
  • Paragraph and short essay writing
  • Academic Writing
Reading
  • Extensive Reading
  • 英語リーディング
  • Academic Reading and Discussion
Listening
  • CALL
  • CALL2
  • CALL3
  • Academic Listening
Critical Thinking
  • Critical Thinking in English
ESP
  • English for Specific Fields
  • 科学英語基礎
Study Abroad
  • Study Abroad Preparation A
  • Study Abroad Preparation B
  • Study Abroad Preparation C
Culture & News
  • Media English
  • ニュース英語
  • 講読・イギリス文化
  • アメリカ文学講読
  • アメリカ文化から学ぶ英語
  • American Popular Culture and Social Issues
Research Methods
  • Research Methods for Social Sciences

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Interaction

  • Introduction

    This course will introduce language and strategies that will help you to communicate more effectively in English. This includes things like sharing opinions, making suggestions, giving instructions, requesting information, and clarifying ideas to help other people understand you more clearly. You will see words and phrases that are useful for talking about a particular topic, or for interacting in a particular situation. You will watch and listen to examples of how to use this language in conversations. Then, you will use the language to communicate with your classmates, to solve problems or complete tasks together. In addition to a variety of activities during class time, you will also be encouraged to practice outside of class, by visiting the university’s English House to meet and talk to different people there.

    < Message >

    In my class, we will try to spend as much time as possible practicing your speaking and listening skills in conversations with partners and groups. The whole class will be in English – that means that I will speak to you in English, the textbook and everything that we watch and listen to will be in English, and you should do your best to talk to me and other students in English. Don’t worry, you don’t have to speak English perfectly to do well in this class. If you try to take part and practice, your communication skills will improve. Ask me a question any time you like.

    Daniel Jenks
    Language Lecturer
    Institute for Excellence in Educational Innovation

Presentation

  • Introduction

    Welcome to the Presentation Skills course! This dynamic course has been created to elevate your speaking skills and equip you with the power to deliver impactful presentations. You will move beyond classroom English to embrace natural, real-world communication. Through engaging speaking and listening exercises, you will develop fluency, confidence, and the ability to express yourself effectively. By the end of the course, you will have practiced the skills you need to deliver clear, organized, and compelling presentations. You will also learn how to use visual aids and non-verbal cues to captivate your audience. Join us on a journey to transform your presentation abilities and command the attention of your peers.

    < Message >

    Come and embark on a transformative journey with our Presentation Skills course at Chiba University! Elevate your English proficiency, moving from the classroom to real-world communication. This course is designed to enhance your speaking skills, instil confidence, and refine your ability to deliver impactful presentations. Through interactive exercises, you'll gain fluency, sound natural, and communicate effectively. Unleash your potential to give clear, organized presentations, utilizing visual aids and non-verbal communication. Join us in cultivating the skills necessary for success in both academic and professional situations. Hope to see you soon!

    Dr. Leveth Jackson
    Language Lecturer
    Institute for Excellence in Educational Innovation

Discussion

  • Introduction

    Build your confidence in English communication with our Discussion course! This program is designed to boost your ability to express opinions on current issues using simple academic language. You’ll learn effective discussion techniques like giving opinions, politely agreeing or disagreeing, turn-taking and questioning, while enhancing your comprehension skills to understand and seek clarification from others. You will engage in small-group discussions supported by authentic materials each week. Our Discussion course will give you an enriching language experience and help you to develop the confidence to navigate discussions effortlessly.

    < Message >

    This is an opportunity to learn English in a practical and supportive environment. In this course, you will be able to learn how to overcome challenges, communicate your ideas effectively, and encounter new perspectives. Join us for a comprehensive language journey that goes beyond the basics, providing the tools you need for impactful English communication.

    Adriana Estevez
    Language Lecturer
    Institute for Excellence in Educational Innovation

Writing

  • Introduction

    In this class you will learn about and practice writing in English. You will learn how to organise, connect, and express your ideas to create paragraphs and essays. You will brainstorm, find information, plan, write and edit your writing. Teamwork is an important part of this class as you will read other students’ essays and give them feedback about their writing, and you may share your research and ideas. Your teacher will also give you feedback to help you improve your writing and you will review and edit your own writing. By the end of this class, you should be more confident in your ability to plan, write and edit in English.

    < Message >

    Writing in English is not easy, especially at university level. However, learning about writing in English at Chiba University will really help you to improve your writing skills. By working together with your teacher and other students, you will develop the skills and confidence to enjoy writing in English. As both a Japanese learner and an experienced academic writing teacher, I know how difficult writing in any language is. We all make mistakes when we write (Even teachers)! I believe that cooperating with your teacher and other students is key to learning. We will support each other to improve our writing.

    Dr. Owen Minns
    Language Lecturer
    Institute for Excellence in Educational Innovation

LTM-CALL

  • Introduction

    This course aims to improve students' English listening skills and vocabulary knowledge by using the online CALL materials developed by Chiba University. Listening to natural English is a challenging task. This is because it requires the listener to compensate for imperfect spoken language with a variety of knowledge and information, and to perform sophisticated information processing. Chiba University's CALL materials are designed so that students can learn this difficult task without too much difficulty. Students work at their own pace, using materials appropriate to their English ability. The listening and vocabulary skills acquired will also form the foundation for speaking, reading, and writing skills.

    < Message >

    千葉大学はCALL（Computer-assisted Language Learning）の分野では先駆的な役割を担ってきており、CALLは本学の英語教育の特色の１つです。この科目で使われているLTM-CALL教材シリーズは、千葉大学の教員が中心となって約30年にわたり継続的に開発され、多くの学生がそれを使って英語を学び、英語力をアップさせてきました。動画で生の英語を楽しみながら、妥当性の高い理論に基づいた方法で学習することで、「雑音にしか聞こえなかった音声が意味のあるものに聞こえてきた！」という感覚を、みなさんにもぜひ味わってほしいと思います。

    Nobue Yonaha
    Associate Professor
    Graduate School of Global and Transdisciplinary Studies

Critical Thinking in English

  • Introduction

    This class introduces various aspects of critical thinking, including recognising, analysing and evaluating arguments. It also includes practice in reading, listening, speaking and a little writing in English. The course covers a range of themes from familiar, personal topics such as SNS to more far-reaching issues such as workplace culture. For each theme, you will receive information through either reading or listening, consider a related aspect of critical thinking, research the theme by yourself and discuss your ideas and arguments with your classmates.

    < Message >

    I hope that you will not only enjoy this course, but also be able to use what you learn about critical thinking to good effect outside the classroom. It may help you with your writing, discussions or presentations, and in your everyday life with your digital literacy and decision-making. In the course, the focus is on developing an ability to express yourself logically using reliable and relevant support for your ideas rather than on having the “correct answer”. Additionally, you will improve your ability to analyse the claims that you read and hear around you. This is a skill that anyone can develop with practice, and as you will be taking the class in English, you’ll improve your English at the same time.

    Sarah Morikawa
    Associate Professor
    Graduate School of Global and Transdisciplinary Studies

English for Specific Fields

  • Introduction

    English for Specific Fields (ESF) is not just one course, but many. Each course was created based on a needs analysis from your own department or faculty. Some courses take a more general academic approach, while others use more subject specific texts and introduce vocabulary directly related to your subject. In each case, the course aims to equip you with some of the English language and skills you will need when studying your own chosen subject. For a detailed view of the syllabus for your ESF course, please refer to Portal.

    < Message >

    The ESF courses are a great way to further develop the English skills that you learned in your first year. We aim to address your needs for your own major, and hope that we can help you in your future studies. It is incredibly interesting creating and teaching these courses and I find that I can learn a little about students’ subjects as I help you with your English. If you have any comments about your ESF course or suggestions for content that could be included, don’t wait for the end-of-semester questionnaire; please feel free to contact me at any time. I hope you will enjoy your courses as much as I enjoy teaching them.

    Sarah Morikawa
    Associate Professor
    Graduate School of Global and Transdisciplinary Studies

CALL2

  • Introduction

    CALL2 is an on-demand course that uses LTM-CALL materials. The aim of this course is to improve your English communication skills by improving your listening skills and your spoken vocabulary. You can learn at your own pace with materials that match your level and interests. Videos filmed at universities in the U.S., U.K., and Australia allow you to listen to students and professors speak in English, simulating the experience of studying abroad at universities in those countries. Additionally, there are materials available to learn about nature and people in Canada through videos taken in the country. In addition to learning from the listening materials, you will also increase your range of vocabulary. The vocabulary learning materials are designed to assist in the use of appropriate phrases, particularly in listening and speaking, through an 8-step learning process.

    < Message >

    Do you ever find yourself smiling when speaking to international students in English, even though you don't understand what they're saying? Improve your listening skills in a scientifically proven way and you will develop your speaking and reading skills as well. All materials are based on the Three-step Auditory Comprehension Approach. Build your vocabulary and your overall English skills will improve. Develop your English communication skills by learning with our listening and vocabulary courseware!

    Junko Takefuta
    Professor
    Graduate School of Global and Transdisciplinary Studies