Spoken English for Nonnative Speakers (380-0-22)
Topic
Integrated Academic Skills
Instructors
Jennifer Alexandra Alexander
847/491-5831
Swift 006
Office Hours: by appt
Meeting Info
University Hall 412: Tues, Thurs 5:30PM - 6:50PM
Overview of class
The goal of this course is to give students the tools to improve their intelligibility and effectiveness when communicating in English, with an emphasis on oral communication in the American academic context. Students will consider how the academic context may vary across cultures, and become acquainted with American norms and expectations. They will develop key skills for academic interactions, such as making small talk, effective use of email, and formal/informal presentations. Along the way, students will learn about the sound structure of English as they work towards improved pronunciation and fluency. Students will have an opportunity to consider their own oral English proficiency in light of proficiency assessments used at Northwestern, and will receive feedback on Versant test performance and practice sessions.
Registration Requirements
Students must qualify for the Integrated Academic Skills curriculum to be eligible for the class. Students who qualify will be contacted by English Language Programs with registration details. Contact elp@northwestern.edu with questions.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will 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. Describe key components of oral language proficiency as measured by the Versant English Test and specified in the ACTFL Can-Do Statements.
3. Compare and contrast academic norms across cultures.
4. Identify and execute strategies for effective communication in the American academic context, including small talk, email, reporting on visual information, and formal/informal presentations.
5. Identify their own specific strengths and weaknesses when using spoken English. Demonstrate progress toward achieving goals targeting improved proficiency.
Teaching Method
Lecture, discussion, small group activities, peer feedback, and homework
Evaluation Method
You are expected to complete regular readings and assignments each week. The concepts introduced in these readings and assignments will form the basis for 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)
The textbook for this course is Well Said, Fourth Edition, by Linda Grant (ISBN-10: 1305641361, ISBN-13: 9781305641365). Previous editions are not acceptable. New and used copies of the textbook are available for purchase at the Norris Center Bookstore, or you may purchase a copy of the same edition online or from another student.