English Track
Index
Features of the English Program
The English track offers a curriculum designed to equip students with the skills to use English, the global language of the world, in a variety of situations over four years. The first and second years are primarily dedicated to intensively developing the English skills necessary to take specialized subjects in English. In the first year, students receive thorough training in the four skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing through eight compulsory courses per week.
In addition, you can freely choose from a wide range of elective compulsory subjects centered on test preparation and CLIL (Content-Language Integrated Learning), presentation skills, discussion, and language and culture. By combining these subjects, students can further hone their overall English skills while learning according to their interests and goals. All English classes are organized by level, with experienced and dedicated teachers providing instruction. In addition to classes, there is also a wealth of extracurricular learning using online materials. In the spring semester of their second year, more than half of the students participate in an overseas study program, further enhancing their language acquisition and deepening their understanding of different cultures and values. In addition, we recommend that everyone participate in both long-term and short-term study abroad programs. Through these curricula, students develop the ability to understand specialized Major subjects taken from the second year onward in English.
Language test scores required for taking specialized courses
These are the language test scores required to take the compulsory specialized subjects (Global Studies courses) from the second year onward. Since graduation is required to meet this requirement during university life, we provide education to raise all students to the language scores listed below. Furthermore, students will study specialized subjects for each Major in the language of their chosen track to deepen their expertise.
English Track
- IELTS™ 5.5 or higher
- TOEFL iBT 61 points or higher
- TOEIC® L&R 600 points or more
- Duolingo English Test (DET) 90 points or higher
Class Featured
Comprehensive English A
This is one of the required subjects for first-year students, and it focuses on acquiring listening and speaking skills. Of the two classes held per week, one class strengthens practical listening skills through listening to textbooks and various other materials. The other class aims to improve speaking skills by incorporating as many opportunities as possible to speak, such as through discussions.
Comprehensive English B
This is one of the required subjects for first-year students, focusing on reading and writing skills necessary for studying specialized subjects in English. In one of the two weekly classes, Academic Writing, students learn fundamental knowledge such as paragraph structure, how to write in an academic style, and rules for citing sources, while also gaining practical experience by actually writing assignments.
English Practice IV (Public Speaking)
Each semester, approximately 25 elective courses called "English Practice" are offered. These courses are structured to allow students to choose different skills and content at each level, enabling them to select courses based on their interests and needs. "English Practice IV (Public Speaking)" is one of the highest-level "Level 4" classes, focusing on developing the skills needed for public speaking in English. It covers not only English vocabulary and grammar, but also speech structure, pronunciation, gestures, and all the other skills necessary to deliver an effective and engaging speech. At the end of the class, students actually deliver a speech to an audience.
Special English B(Social Sciences-b)
"Special English B" is a CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) type class aimed at bridging the gap between language learning and specialized subjects. Each class selects one interesting theme from a wide range of fields. For example, "Special English B (Social Sciences-b)" is a class that examines the relationship between soccer and society from various perspectives such as sociology, economics, politics, and anthropology. While learning academic content, the class also focuses on strengthening English skills.
Various learning support
College of Global Communication ・English Passport Course
J. F. Oberlin University This is a small-group class that supports students aiming for about one year of academic study abroad (not language study but studying specialized subjects locally). From the moment you enroll, you will receive detailed guidance to acquire academic English skills and test scores necessary for long-term study abroad. Since the start of the 2014 academic year, nearly 100 students have taken the opportunity to study abroad through the passport course, and after graduation, they have used their experience to succeed both domestically and internationally.
College of Global Communication ・About the English Passport Course
College of Global Communication ・About the English Passport Course
Brown Bag Café
International students studying at J. F. Oberlin University serve as 'café masters,' creating a space for interaction among students. The language used is English. Through free conversation and games, you can enjoy international exchange while experiencing natural English.
Various online learning materials
In the English track classes, we support English learning with a variety of online materials. These include English Central to strengthen listening and speaking skills, Word Engine to help expand vocabulary, and materials to review textbook content.
Characteristics of the academic group
Open list of subpages
Content of learning
Student life/environment
Open list of subpages
Career paths, qualifications, and achievements