1) Workplace Presentation Skills
In the first part of the course, students will learn the skills required to write a professional resume and participate in other workplace related role plays (interviews, answering a telephone, interacting with colleagues, meeting negotiations). The second part of this course, students will work in groups to create a PowerPoint multimedia presentations through the use of the computer. Groups will decide on a project topic related to the Business & Technology Trends content course, and will present their work at an end of program speakers forum in front of a live audience. All four skills will be used to develop and deliver the presentation, and groups will be evaluated on both their active participation in the development of the project and the effectiveness of their final presentation.

2) Current Events
This course will focus on recent political and social issues that affect the US and its relationship with the world: for example, globalization, out-sourcing, international conflicts, etc… Students will access different forms of media such as newspapers, magazines, TV, and the Internet to collect information that will provide a broad view of current events, and then bring that information to class through group presentations, discussions and mini-projects.

3) Business & Technology Trends
In this content-based course, students will explore exciting trends in business and technology with the goal of conducting their own research project and presenting their findings in a professional setting. Students will work with authentic readings, interact with guest speakers, and survey community members about course topics.

4) Pronouncing American English
This skills focused class will emphasize the importance of clear pronunciation with particular focus on difficult sounds for Japanese speakers. Attention will also be given to intonation, connected speech, and reductions found in native speakers’ speech patterns so that students can develop a stronger awareness of their own pronunciation and feel more confident when interacting with English speakers.

5) Panel Discussion
In this class, students will first prepare for, then interact with and listen to, and finally reflect on presentations given by guest speaker panels that have a topic related to aspects of American life and culture. This class will not only allow students to learn about different parts of American life and culture, but will also develop listening comprehension and vocabulary skills.

6) Community Language Skills
This course will provide students with ample practice communicating effectively in realistic social and work place situations as well receive and practice relevant cultural and social information. Through role plays and community surveys students will learn how language is used in different contexts, and discuss troublesome communication situations