Spoken English for Nonnative Speakers (380-0-20)
Topic
Pronunciation
Instructors
Tamra Wysocki
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-335: Mon, Wed 4:30PM - 5:50PM
Overview of class
This course focuses on developing and improving oral proficiency in spoken English, with an emphasis on the sound structure of American English used in the academic environment. This class will address accuracy in pronunciation of segments (sounds) in a variety of speaking environments (words, phrases, sentences) as well as sound changes, linking, and reduced sounds. Work on these skills will be helpful to students in a variety of academic contexts, including increased comprehensibility while giving class presentations, reporting on research at lab meetings, engaging in job interviews, and presenting papers and posters at conferences and colloquia. It is also applicable to teaching, including giving lectures, leading discussion sections or lab sections, and interacting with American graduate and undergraduate students. Active participation and evidence of progress towards proficiency must be demonstrated in order to achieve a satisfactory grade in the course.
Registration Requirements
Students must complete an online form from English Language Programs in order to be eligible for the class and obtain a permission number. Contact elp@northwestern.edu for specific registration instructions.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. Describe key features of the sound structure of English, including the articulation of consonants and vowels, word stress, linking, intonation, and prosody.
2. Prepare and deliver a short presentation in English.
3. Use instructor and peer feedback to identify their own specific strengths and weaknesses when using spoken English.
4. Demonstrate progress toward improved proficiency in oral English (intelligibility and effectiveness).
Teaching Method
Lecture, discussion, small group activities, peer feedback, and homework
Evaluation Method
You are expected to complete regular asynchronous assignments each week. The concepts introduced in these assignments will form the basis for synchronous classroom work, so it is important that you complete them in advance of the class for which they are assigned. You will also be assessed on attendance and participation.
Class Materials (Required)
All assigned reading will be available to students on Canvas
Class Materials (Suggested)
Grant, Linda. Well Said (4th edition). Heinle and Heinle, 2016. ISBN-10: 1305641361; ISBN-13: 9781305641365