About the Course

Course Description

Students explore the use of spoken English in academic and professional contexts. They analyse extended formal speech as well as mini-lectures,and identify non-verbal features such as emotions from both linguistic and non-linguistic clues. Students then apply the knowledge gleaned to take part in discussions and other spoken activities, such as creating and delivering presentations, delivering public speeches, and participating in interviews.

Course materials

We will make use of a range of video, print and web-based materials.  Materials, links and messages will be posted on BbLearn, so you must bring an electronic learning device (laptop or iPad) to every class. 

Course Learning Outcomes:

• CLO 1- Understand the main ideas in extended formal speech, including complex lines of argument, when the topic is reasonably familiar. Be able also to identify non-verbal features such as emotions from linguistic clues such as intonation and from body language.
• CLO 2- Extract information from a clearly structured mini-lecture, and record sufficient details.
• CLO 3- Take an active part in face-to-face semi-formal discussions and problem-solving activities, being able to present his or her views clearly in mainly accurate English with few hesitations, and to handle turn-taking conventions smoothly. Generally, the required level is about CEFR B2+.
• CLO 4- Give a clear, systematically developed presentation, highlighting significant points and supporting details. Handle questions from an audience in a professional manner.
• CLO 5- Using language with a high level of clarity and fluency, make effective short public speeches from a pre-prepared script to meet a range of communicative purposes.
• CLO 6- Take part in an interview as either interviewer or interviewee, following up ideas and spontaneous questions as well as more structured ones.

Delivery Framework:

This course equips students to follow lectures, demonstrations, and broadcasts aimed at near-native speaker audiences, to participate effectively in professional and academic discussions, and to make announcements and presentations in a professional manner

Assessment

• Coursework A: TED Talk and Group Discussion (15%) and Debate (15%)
• Coursework B: Interview (20%) and Oral Presentation (20%)
• Final assessment:  Final Written Exam (Listening Test) (30%)

Instruction should be based round the modules from the LSC1503 Blackboard Learn course which contain more than enough by way of activities and can be used selectively. Key learning outcomes must be covered. Completion of relevant tasks to an increasing standard is important so that, by the end of the course, students can handle spoken communications in a professional manner. Individual feedback, by teacher and by peers, and practice on aspects found to be challenging (e.g. areas of pronunciation) are to be encouraged.

COURSEWORK AND FINAL EXAM ASSESSMENT

1. Score: 50+50=100
Note taking (50)
Listening (50)

2. Score: 100
Show & tell (demonstrations)

3. Score: 100
Oral presentations

4 Score: 100 (Final exam, BBLearn)
Listening test