Introduction

Abstract

While books concerning the instruction of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) are readily available, there are none focused on the Japanese context. Yet clearly the needs of Japanese students and students studying in Japan will be different from those in other contexts. The authors of the individual chapters in this book have all lived and taught EAP in Japan for a number of years. They are therefore familiar with Japanese learners, the educational and social background those learners have come from, and how to support them to do the tasks they are not currently capable of. Moreover, all of the research included in the book has been conducted in Japan, thus shedding light on appropriate EAP activities within the Japanese context.

EAP programmes prepare students with more than just proficiency in the English language; they prepare students with particular skills that are necessary to succeed in tertiary-level studies in English. In addition to language proficiency, there are a range of academic skills typically included in the learning objectives of EAP programmes. These include skills such as critical thinking, logic, note-taking, presentation, research, and referencing. However, many universities offering English-medium instruction (EMI) courses or programmes in Japan do not offer EAP instruction and offer no preparation at all or general language preparation rather than academic language and skills training.

Akita International University (AIU) is the only Japanese university in which all classes for which credits are earned are taught in English. AIU is highly ranked domestically and has become more and more competitive in recent years. Notably, in the 2016 edition of the Takuetsu suru daigaku [Outstanding Universities] (Daigaku Tsushin (2016). Takuetsu suru daigaku: Kiyouiku kenkiyuu no arata na paradaimu ni idomu nijiyuuitsuseiki no furonto ranna [Outstanding universities: Challenging paradigms in education and research, the front runners of the 21st century] (2016th ed.). Tokyo: Author) rankings of Japanese tertiary institutions, AIU is ranked fourth out of all 750 universities compared in terms of the overall quality of education provided, and fourth in students’ educational development after entering the university. The EAP programme is the first step of the AIU academic journey.

This chapter will describe English for Academic Purposes in detail. It will then go on to explain the different methods of admission to AIU and give a detailed description of the organizational structure of the EAP programme. Finally, it will give a brief overview of the contents and organization of this book.