This document outlines the syllabus for an academic discussion and presentation course. The purpose is to prepare students for academic discussions, presentations, reading articles, and participating in class. Classroom rules encourage speaking English, asking questions, and helping each other learn. Today's class will have students introduce themselves, discuss a newspaper article on social media use after Japan's earthquake, and watch a related video. Students will then post reflections on Facebook. Future classes will include online discussions and presentations to practice skills.

1. Academic Discussion and PresentationKansai University, Spring 2011

2. PurposeThe purpose of this course is have studentsPrepare for academic discussions and presentations. Read newspaper and academic articles, Watch and understand videos, Write papersParticipate in academic discussions

3. Classroom RulesIt’s OK to make a mistake. That is how you will learn and get better.Speak English as much as you can.Ask for help, when you don’t understand.Treat others with respect.Help each other.Relax and enjoy the class.

4. Today’s Class In today’s class, we get to know each other.Students will Introduce themselves and discuss their area of research. Read and discuss a newspaper article, Watch a video and discuss what they learned. After class, students will post their reflections and comments on Facebook.

5. Basic IntroductionMy name is ______________________You can call me __________________I’m a graduate student. OR I’m a first year master’s candidate.(at Kansai University in Osaka, Japan).I’m majoring in Informatics. It’s sometimes called IT.My area of interest is in ________________________.I’m from __________ City in _________ Prefecture.Nice to meet you. I’m glad to meet you.

6. Student Course ExpectationsPlease write about at least three things that you would like to learn or do in this class.For exampleIn this class, I would like to learn about Social Networking Services (SNS) because I would like to write a research paper comparing SNS in Japan and other countriesIn this class, I would like to learn about ___________________ because ___________________________________ because ___________________________________ because ________________

7. A Newspaper ArticleToday, we will read a newspaper article about the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan and how it has increased the use of social networking sites.ADP L1 The Disaster in Japan Sparks Social Media Innovation.docxAbout what percent of the article did you understand when you tried to read it by yourself? _____%How difficult was the article to read? Circle your answer: 1 (very easy) 2 3 4 5 (very difficult)Please write about three important points that the author of the article is trying to say.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Watching a VideoWatch a video about the recent events in Japan and how it is resulting in innovation in Japan.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fle6Vr7C9Jc&feature=shareAbout what percent of the video did you understand when you listened by yourself? _____%How difficult was the video to understand? Circle your answer: 1 (very easy) 2 3 4 5 (very difficult)Please write about three important points that the presenter on the video is trying to say.____________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

9. Vocabulary and GrammarLearning vocabulary and grammar are important parts of becoming better at discussions and presentations. Please write new words or grammar that you learned in today’s class____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. Posting Reflections and CommentsPost your reflections and comments on a Facebook group page. Only members of the class can see this page.To post your reflections and comments, please select the document “Doc” button. I will post a template for you to copy and paste. Title: ADP Lesson Reflections and Comments Write your reflections by using the following format:Lesson 1 Today I learned many things in class. First, I learned ___________________Second, I learned _________________Third, I learned ___________________Fourth, I learned _________________Fifth, I learned ___________________In conclusion ____________________Comments about today’s class.____________________________________________________

11. Next Week’s ClassNext week, we will do some work in class. We will talk with Bert sensei on Elluminate.We will practice having an online class, to prepare you for online discussions and presentations. If you have a computer, please bring it to class and be sure that you can download Elluminate. Ask other students if you don’t understand.If you don’t have a computer, you can share a computer with another student.

12. Questions and AnswersMary Kimura marykimu@gmail.comBert Kimurabert@hawaii.eduMasashi Okada