Global Literacy Education and Learning Support throughout Campus Life
Osaka University is constantly improving its curriculum and educational systems in order to provide an environment for students to study foreign languages and cultures “anytime, anywhere,” be it in class, outside of class, and even online. This educational system is called “Global Literacy Education and Learning Support throughout Campus Life.”
Osaka University currently carries out the following initiatives in this system.
Studying Foreign Languages and Cultures in Liberal Arts and Sciences Education
Liberal Arts and Sciences Education, which students will take during their 1st and 2nd years at the university, includes Multilingual Education provided by the Center for Multilingual Education.
Multilingual Education consists of three categories: “First Foreign Language,” “Second Foreign Language,” and “Global Understanding.” For more information, visit the website of the Center for Education in Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Characteristics of English Language Education at Osaka University
In the Multilingual Education category of Liberal Arts and Sciences Education, Practical English (e-learning), a self-paced English course using standardized teaching materials, is available online. This course is for students to acquire basic skills in English learning, such as building vocabulary and improving listening ability, through drilling.
In addition, students can comprehensively learn various skills required for English language acquisition through a variety of lessons, assignments, and activities in the Integrated English course held in face-to-face classes.
Students can acquire academic English ability by taking these two types of English courses.
- To view classes of Project-based English, a course newly introduced to the Integrated English course, click here. (link in Japanese)
Advanced Global Literacy Education: Providing students with opportunities to study foreign languages and cultures throughout their time at OU
Advanced Global Literacy Education, which allows students to study foreign languages and cultures after their 2nd year of undergraduate studies and during master’s courses (if they advance to graduate school), is provided as a graduation/completion requirement.
For details, please view your school’s Student Handbook.
In Advanced Global Literacy Education, subjects are provided in the following categories:
- Language acquisition courses
- Courses for learning the history, culture, and society of foreign countries
- Courses held in foreign languages and courses for students to enhance their ability to speak and share their opinions in foreign languages
- Courses that allow students to earn credits for their activities abroad
OU Multilingual Plaza: A plaza for students to receive support in their foreign language studies
When students find themselves having trouble with their foreign language courses or when they want to teach themselves a foreign language, they can get support from the OU Multilingual Plaza. The Plaza provides various activities and events both in-person and online that will support students in their foreign language studies.
For more details on the OU Multilingual Plaza, click here.
Faculty Development and Open Lectures
Osaka University actively provides Faculty Development programs (teacher training/workshops) in order to enhance language teaching capabilities at OU. A portion of these faculty development courses are also open to educators outside of the university as well as students who wish to become educators as Open Lectures.
For more information on Faculty Development Courses and Open Lectures, click here.