This is a survey course offering an overview of cultural, economic, historical, social and political developments in North America. A variety of materials (including readings and films) and tasks will be used with the aim of gaining an insight into the U.S. At the same time, this course will act as a bridge to university-level studies. Topics will include both historical and contemporary issues that relate to the United States and its place in the world.

This course introduces key concepts and skills related to public speaking, discussion, and other forms of communication. Students will prepare and deliver short speeches (informative, layout, demonstration, and comparison) on topics of their choice. Attention will be focused on both content and delivery. Students will also participate in group discussions, where they will be expected to offer and support their opinions, and ask as well as answer questions.

In this course, students will be introduced to the CUBE English program and learn essential study skills that will help them in their other CUBE classes and beyond. This course will also provide language support for students in their first-semester English courses. Key areas addressed in CUBE English I will be vocabulary building strategies, and improving listening and reading comprehension. Main themes of the course are time management, effective listening, note taking, reading strategies, designing and using study plans, good study habits, and self-assessment.

This course will be used to explore some of the major challenges facing the world’s inhabitants here in Japan, around the rest of Asia and throughout the world. Assigned readings on key issues such as the environment, population, quality of life, and peace/conflict will be analyzed and discussed from various perspectives, especially as these issues relate to economic development, consumerism and management of resources. Students will generate and evaluate a range of solutions, both conventional and unique, to various environmental, social and political issues. Material will be introduced through stories, personal histories, and case studies.

This course builds on concepts and skills presented in Speech and Discussion. Attention will shift away from prepared speeches toward more natural and spontaneous interaction. Students will work on developing conversation strategies and skills that can be used in a variety of settings, including semi-formal debate. Discussion topics will come from the course textbook as well as the content of the Global Challenges course. Students will also participate in a group Deliberative Poll project.

This course is an extension of CUBE English I, where students build on and reinforce effective study skills and habits that will help them in their other CUBE classes and beyond. This course will provide language support for students in their second-semester English courses. Key areas addressed in CUBE English II are vocabulary building strategies, improved listening skills and the reading-writing connection. In addition to revisiting themes from CUBE English I,  the course will focus on organizational skills, retention strategies, advanced note taking, deconstructing and responding to text, and genre writing.

Japan Studies is a content-based English course, with an integrated skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) focus. This course will be taught in three-week modules by one teacher, and will cover four broad themes as they relate to Japan: (1) society/culture, (2) business/economy, (3) the environment, and (4) politics. Students will be challenged to build on their existing background knowledge and reflect more deeply on what it means to be Japanese and Japan’s role on the world stage. Weekly assignments will be used as a basis for in-class discussions and activities. Students will write short essays on Japan-related themes.

This is a survey course offering an overview of cultural, economic, historical, social and political developments in Europe. A variety of materials (including readings and films) and tasks will be used with the aim of gaining an insight into the field of European Studies while improving overall academic and research skills. Topics will include both historical and contemporary issues that relate to Europe and its place in the world.

This is a practical skills course aimed at preparing students for international and domestic business contexts. Using a variety of tasks and exercises (including reading, writing, speaking, and listening), students will be challenged to handle basic business content and situations with communication skills and strategies appropriate for the real world. Students will be responsible for individual preparation and contributions to team projects as they gain experience with the expectations of the workplace beyond the classroom.

This is a test preparation course, with special emphasis on the TOEIC and TOEFL tests. In addition to studying academic content, students will be introduced to various test-taking strategies and skills and will develop personalized plans to prepare for these tests. Test questions, examples, and model answers will be used to highlight successful approaches and potential trouble spots. Extensive reading conducted outside of class will be supported with silent sustained reading (SSR) in class for fluency development.