英語English

Course content

1. Curriculum - English Intensive and Project English

English courses taught at SFC are all named "Project English" based on SFC's educational philosophy of "identifying and resolving problems." We have developed and implemented an English program that focuses on actual communication skills while also ensuring the content is consistent. Through this English program, we have placed a focus on developing the language skills necessary to survive in a global society. We will now get into the details. English classes are divided into two main courses depending on TOEFL scores: English Intensive and Project English.

2. English Intensive - Resource development

This course is an intensive course to learn English communication and practical skills that form the basis for using English. It is a great option for those looking to transition from previous English learning methods to a more self-expressive style.

• Expected level: Students with TOEFL scores 449 or under
• Class schedule and credits: Twice a week, two periods in a row for each class (180 minutes × 2 days, 4 credits)
• About the course: It is a one semester intensive course for learning basic English skills.

For students in their 2nd year or above: Please check the English Section website at the end of March. Make sure to pre-register and take part in the English section orientation in April.

3. Project English - Language Communication Courses

According to the new curriculum, students entering SFC from 2014 onward will be able to advance to their third year by earning credits from 4 Project English courses.

• Expected level: There are 3 levels, A (TOEFL 450-490) Operational, B (471-535) Functional, and C (516 and above) Professional *The TOEFL score for level placement was updated in April 2023.
  (Level D classes will be offered only when the English Section considers and specifically recognizes the value of merging the levels and will not necessarily be offered every semester.)
• Class schedule and credits: Once a week, 90 minutes per period, 2 credits for each class
• About the course: The courses are designed to thoroughly refine comprehensive practical English ability and specific applied English skills.
• Course syllabus: Please check the English Section web syllabus for full descriptions of the class.
• Classes: Over 60 classes offered each semester

Next, we will explain a bit more about the Project English courses to better your understanding of them and help select the right courses for you. The Project English course basically consists of two types of courses: content-focused courses and skill-focused courses. In the content-focused courses, students will present the results from what they have learned through various project activities based on themes they are interested in. Essentially, students will be given freedom to explore academic content through project activities and use English to find and solve problems. Specifically, some examples of the variety of opportunities our courses offer include making websites using globally-understood English to introduce Japanese culture, working on entrepreneurship-related projects, research on specific locales/regions, producing newspapers and magazines through cultural and language exchange events with university students from abroad, creating documentary films, working on architecture projects and educational projects, and so on.
In the skill-focused courses, students will be able to develop their communication skills. The aim is to acquire the necessary practical English abilities to work on projects in the content-focused courses. Based on the practical English skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, the goal is that students will learn the necessary English skills for researching, giving presentations, having discussions, debating, and negotiating as professionals in the future. Specifically, in the skill-focused courses, the coursework is structured so students can focus more on their studies even outside class--sessions will be supplemented by online homework submissions, such as updating course blogs and uploading presentations and then receiving feedback. In order to achieve these goals based on the philosophy of SFC Education, we strongly recommend you initially take a balance of skill-focused courses and content-focused courses simultaneously and then continue with content-focused courses. *Please see the class system diagram.

English course syllabi

Each Project English class is unique in what it offers, so be sure to read through the syllabuses carefully and familiarize yourself with the classes you are interested in taking. Please check the SFC Course Syllabus for the latest information after mid-March for spring semester class syllabi, and after mid-September for the fall semester class syllabi.

4. Important notes on English courses

Below are all the important points students should be careful of when taking English courses and some important points about the class system.
The most important points are written below but please attend the English Section orientation at the beginning of each semester. Please check the English Section website for details about the class registration system, notices, and Project English syllabi. Also check the Language Communication Course website for times and dates of the Language Course Orientation at SFC, registration for the TOEFL test, and Project English course registration.
Inquiries may be submitted via e-mail (english-system@sfc.keio.ac.jp).

English registration period

For new students enrolling in April who would like to take English Intensive or Project English, classes will start from your first (spring) semester. Students will be separated into two classes, either English Intensive (for students with TOEFL scores of 449 or below) or Project English classes at the beginning of the year. You will experience new methods of learning English at SFC while embarking on your new university life. We hope that you will take this opportunity to re-consider English as something that you can make real use of in your life. Students who enroll in September can also take English Intensive and Project English from the fall semester immediately following their enrollment.

Submitting your TOEFL score

New students starting in April will take the TOEFL ITP test at SFC on the same day as the Language Course Orientation. The score will be used in registration for English courses from the spring semester. A TOEFL score is also required for students in their 2nd year or above. To those who do not yet have a TOEFL ITP or other TOEFL score, please take the TOEFL test on your own. Please follow the instructions provided by the Academic Affairs Office for the submission deadlines for each semester.

-Caution-

1. a. TOEFL ITP scores taken in the English Intensive class will affect level placement. Submit a copy of your returned score to the Academic Affairs Office by the beginning of the semester to update your score.
2. b. TOEFL scores from external administrations of the TOEFL iBT tests are also equivalent to the TOEFL ITP test at SFC (given in November). Please be sure to check the deadline for submitting the TOEFL score and make sure to take the test well ahead of time. (It will take about 3 or 4 weeks to receive your score.)
3. c. You cannot use a TOEIC score instead of a TOEFL score.

Limits on the number of Project English courses you can take in the Spring Semester

Without exception, a student may take a maximum of 2 Project English classes (4 credits) each semester.

Registering for the English Intensive Course and screening

• ・The English Intensive course is provided on either Monday/Wednesdays or Wednesday/Fridays (2 periods each day)
• ・First-year students will be given priority in terms of assignment, followed by students in their 2nd-year and later who are interested in taking the course, provided there are seats remaining. Be sure to check the orientation and student screening schedule on the English Section website or keio.jp.
• ・Eligible applicants must have a TOEFL score of 449 or less in order to register. Students who have already earned credits for an English Intensive course cannot retake it.

Project English and English Intensive Registration

From Spring 2023 onward, all registration for English Intensive and Project English courses will be conducted using SOL-A. For more details, please check with the Academic Affairs Office.

Important general precautions

English Support Center: English In Action! Make your way to λ301, λ307! - Providing opportunities for a richer English experience -

At the English Support Center (ESC), we are committed to providing a more active and enjoyable English language experience for everyone. From 2014, we have started a new project called "English In Action." The project includes student-led English study groups, movie viewing parties, cross-language and intercultural exchange events, lectures from various fields of expertise, and seasonal gatherings that are offered with the utmost confidence by the faculty in charge of the program. We invite you to join ESC and English In Action and become a part of a community that uses real, everyday English.

Class system diagram

Faculty member

Full-time faculty member

Visiting lecturer