Waseda University, Study Abroad 2014--15 Waseda TSA (Thematic Studies Abroad) at Boston University Location: Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Title: Boston University Liberal Arts & Professional Program, with specializations in either Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Humanities Incoming Language Requirements*: Minimum TOEFL requirement: 520 (PBT) / 68 (ibt) Recommended TOEFL (ibt) requirement: 550 (PBT) / 80 (ibt) Nationality: Enrollment is open to students of any nationality. GPA: There is no GPA requirement for the TSA program Dates*: * Subject to change. -Summer courses in advance of or after the program are available for Waseda students. (Please note that these courses are NOT included in our official TSA or ISA program. Enrollment in CELOP summer courses is optional for participants): Please visit www.bu.edu/celop for more information about CELOP s 12-, 6- and 4-week summer programs. First term (Fall 2014): -The date of course registration starts (for the first term): September 2 (Tuesday) -The date of accommodation registration (for the first term): August 30 (Saturday) 1 (Monday) -The arrival day to your institution): August 30 (Saturday) 1 (Monday) -Holidays: October 13 (Columbus Day)
-Vacation: November 26 (Wednesday) November 30 (Thursday) (Thanksgiving Recess) -Classes end: December 12 (Friday) Second term (Spring 2015): - Classes begin: January 20 (Tuesday) -The arrival day to your institution: January 17 (Saturday) 18 (Sunday) -Holidays: February 16 (Presidents Day), April 20 (Patriots Day) -Vacation: March 7 March 15 (Spring Recess) -Classes end: April 30 (Thursday) -Final Exams end: May 9 (Saturday) Summary: The program at Boston University provides Waseda students with an opportunity to build a strong foundation in the English language through courses at the Center for English Language and Orientation Programs (CELOP) in preparation for academic study. Students take a general course to learn about American culture, as well as learn about academic culture in more detail. Students will choose a theme of study and take increasingly challenging courses during the year. They begin with theme courses at CELOP and then take academic classes through Metropolitan College (MET) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Special lectures and field trips will further supplement students academic and cultural experience. CELOP is the intensive English language program at Boston University. CELOP is among the world s leading English language centers and has been teaching English language and culture to international students for over 30 years. As one of the 17 degree-granting bodies that comprise Boston University, Metropolitan College (MET) offers students a remarkable range of choices for study to enrich their lives and advance their careers. MET offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, diploma and certificate programs, and individual courses in over 30 areas of study. The College of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1873, is Boston University s largest and most central teaching and research enterprise, providing instruction in the liberal arts for all BU students. Over 7,000 undergraduates and nearly 2,000 graduate students are enrolled. Arts and Sciences is home to 25 academic departments and 32 CAS-affiliated research centers and institutes. Undergraduates choose from more than 2,500 courses in the humanities, natural and social sciences, and mathematics and computer science, pursuing B.A. programs in more than 70 majors and minors. BU is committed to international education by providing the type of opportunities to students that result in global understanding and worldwide goodwill. Based on this mission, we offer a comprehensive program of study in Pre-Law/Political Science and Environmental Studies to Waseda students. The basis of global understanding is derived from many different experiences, including exposure to different cultures as well as an understanding of the political, social, economic and environmental foundation of societies. The students will choose the one theme that interests them the most from these two areas. The participants will keep the same theme area
during the academic year. Boston University is an internationally recognized institution of higher education and research located along the banks of the Charles River in the heart of Boston. It is the fourth-largest independent university in the United States. There are many facilities and resources provided at no additional cost to students, including: 18 libraries, several multimedia computer labs, tutoring, as well as our new, state-of-the-art fitness and recreation center. Waseda students are fully able and encouraged to take advantage of the rich intellectual life and tremendous resources of this large university. Academic Study Sample Course Descriptions Below A Placement Test will be given before the Fall Semester. In some cases there are class restrictions and/or prerequisite courses when selecting MET or CAS. When selecting courses, students will consult thoroughly with the CELOP/Boston University TSA faculty coordinator. <Program Structure> Fall 2014 Semester Students will take: the CELOP core English program (English for Academic Purposes), 15 hrs/wk. (9 credits). Waseda students will be integrated into the appropriate fall semester core courses based on their placement test results. a CELOP content or skill elective class (5 hrs/wk. (3 credits).. This elective course will be offered to all CELOP students. Examples: o Introduction to U.S. Culture o the American Legal System o American Culture through Movies o Academic and Professional Writing o Reading, Speaking, and Vocabulary o Pronunciation, Speaking, and Listening Theme course in Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Humanities 5 hrs/wk. (3 credits). This course may be offered to all CELOP students (based on space availability). The program above is 25hrs/week (15 credits). Spring 2015 Semester Option 1. Students attaining a TOEFL score of 550+ (PBT) / 80+ (ibt) will take: 2 CAS courses* (8 credits) 1 MET course* (4 credits) * at least one of the three courses will be in the area of specialty (Social Sciences, Natural
Sciences, or Humanities) The program above is 12 credits. Option 2. Students attaining a TOEFL score of 570+ (PBT) / 88+ (ibt) will take: 3 CAS courses* (12 credits) * at least one of the three courses will be in the area of specialty (Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Humanities) The program above is 12 credits. Option 3. Students attaining a TOEFL score below 550 (PBT) / 80 (ibt) will take: the CELOP core English program (English for Academic Purposes), 15 hrs/wk. (9 credits). Waseda students will be integrated into the appropriate spring semester core courses based on faculty recommendation. 1 CAS or MET course (4 credits) in the area of specialty (Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Humanities) The program above is 13 credits. Housing and Meal Plan Waseda TSA students are assigned to a shared room in the dormitories along with other Boston University students, including undergraduates (both domestic and international students), and other CELOP students. If they are assigned to other CELOP students, BU Housing will make every effort to assign Waseda students to a non-japanese speaker. All residential students must select a dining plan. There are a number of options, and many students choose the unlimited meal plan. This dining plan allows unlimited visits during any meal period at any residence dining room. For example, students can have lunch at noon and then come back for a mid-afternoon snack. Opportunities for Learning Through Experience Boston University, located in the heart of Boston, provides many opportunities for students to integrate into both campus life as well as the community in general. Specific opportunities available for Waseda TSA students in the Pre-Law/Political Science areas include: International Affairs Society, American Constitution Society, Public Interest Project.
For those students interested in the Environmental Studies area, Boston University offers them membership in the large and very active Environmental Student Organization (ESO). ESO strives to raise environmental awareness and create beneficial environmental change on the BU campus as well as in the surrounding community of Boston. Some opportunities offered to all Boston University students include: BU Volunteer Center: A great way for Waseda TSA students to meet English-speaking BU students, practice their English skills outside of the classroom and help the BU community by volunteering their time and talents. Some of the possible volunteer programs include: Children's Theater Volunteers create original shows that they perform for young children in hospitals, shelters, and after-school programs. Joining Hands Volunteers work with people with disabilities and elders in a variety of settings in the Greater Boston Area. Volunteers may serve organizations including the Committee to End Elder Homelessness, Best Buddies, or Winners on Wheels. Making Music Volunteers teach instrumental or vocal music to school children who do not have access to a formal music education program. Both students and volunteers have the opportunity to perform on campus at the annual Making Music Recital. BU Fit-Rec Sports Classes Students can sign-up (usually for a minimal fee) for sports classes including swimming, racquetball, fitness, yoga and many more. This is a great way for students to stay active, learn or improve their athletic skills and meet new people! BU Student Activities The Boston University Student Activities Office oversees the many clubs and organizations on-campus that all Waseda students can join. There are many to chose from including the following: Ballroom Dancing Badminton Club Chess Club Debate Society Fencing Club Knitting Club Modern Art Club Running Club Ski Club
These are only a few of the over 100 organizations on-campus. There is something for everyone. Along with the above, the BU Student Activities Office, the CELOP Student Life Coordinator, and the TSA faculty coordinator also sponsor many trips, events and activities during the academic year, which Waseda students may also join for free or for a minimal fee.
Facilitation Plan The coordinator will be a fulltime CELOP faculty member assigned to the Waseda student group for the full year. The coordinator will be heavily involved in all aspects of the Waseda program. Some examples include: - The Coordinator will hold sessions during the semester to discuss students experiences in classes. Additionally, the coordinator will meet individually with all participants three times per semester to ensure that they are on track and be available for writing support throughout the semester. - Liaison between CELOP and academic departments. The coordinator will work with faculty members from host academic departments to plan theme courses, facilitate participation in department activities and resolve any issues that may arise. - Orientation to the program will be conducted by the coordinator for Waseda students upon arrival in the 3 weeks before classes start and throughout the semester. The coordinator will arrange for student participation in Residence Life orientation activities and university class visits as well as work with the CELOP Student Life Coordinator to involve Waseda students in all aspects of global orientation activities with other CELOP students. - Special events will be planned by the coordinator. Some examples may include field trips to local places of interest and a Waseda student closing ceremony. - Office Hours will be held by the coordinator. He/she will be available to students throughout the program during scheduled office hours to provide advice and support. Credits (24-30 semester credit hours) After completing a semester of English language training and academic preparation at BU, most international students take three courses their next semester. Three courses (12 credits) represent full-time status at BU. Credits issued by MET College will be recognized as CAS credits whereas credits of CELOP will not. A transcript will be issued with results from CELOP, MET and CAS. Web Page http://www.bu.edu/celop http://www.bu.edu/met/ http://www.bu.edu/cas/index.html CELOP Metropolitan College Boston University College of Arts and Sciences
Sample Course Descriptions English for Academic Purposes As with all CELOP core classes, English for Academic Purposes will help you develop the skills, fluency and confidence you need to communicate effectively in English. You will improve your overall abilities in both spoken and written English, as well as your understanding of US culture. After completing your program, you will be better prepared to use English at work, in school, or among international friends. Introduction to American Culture You will be introduced to various aspects of U.S. culture, including societal values, education, family life, politics, the media, race and gender relations, and social relations. You will also be introduced to U.S. academic culture, including modes of communication, classroom expectations, the organization of the academic institution, and relationships with professors and other students. The course objectives are to provide students with a foundation of knowledge about U.S. culture in order to smooth the progress of their experience in the United States and to improve speaking and listening skills. The American Legal System This course examines the American legal system and its impact on American society and business. You will learn how the legal system functions, looking at both criminal and civil law, the jury system and significant cases, which have shaped American society. You will do substantial work in the areas of vocabulary building, listening, speaking, reading, and critical thinking while gaining a broad understanding of American culture and history. You will also evaluate and prepare oral arguments on different topics. Course activities and materials may include readings, discussions, debates and simulations, legal news stories from tape and print sources, and videos of actual or fictional cases. There will be some written work. Introduction to Environmental Studies You will be introduced to the study of environmental science. We will examine the basic physical, biological and ecological concepts underlying the relationship between human society and the natural environment. The course will be particularly useful to anyone interested in better understanding the pressing science and technology issues of our day or planning to take college science courses. Through study and application of the scientific method, students will develop not only basic scientific literacy but also the critical thinking skills necessary for further college study. Discussion will include the role of science in policy-making and will cover issues such as global climate change, water pollution, and other topics of particular interest to students. Introduction to Political Science In this course you will learn about the political structure of the United States, including Congress, the Presidency, administrative agencies, and the judiciary. Students will follow current political issues in the United States and practice the academic skills of reading, listening/note-taking, discussion participation, presentation, test-taking, and writing.