National University of Kaohsiung
Department of Western Languages & Literature
Day/Time: Tuesday 1:10~3:00
Room # C01~301
Email: liza@lizamlee.com
Welcome to Oral Training I. The first day of class is 9/19.
Please print handouts before coming to class!
Thank you
1. Handouts
2. 1 Blank audio/video tape and a recorder
3. Email account and Internet access
Course Objectives:
This course is designed to help you improve your conversational English abilities in both academic and non-academic settings. General conversational skills, specialized vocabulary, cultural knowledge, and pronunciation issues will be presented and integrated into extended discussions on a wide variety of subjects. Further, we will also focus on skills involved in presenting information and opinions and in leading class discussions.
Obviously, improving conversational English is a broadly defined goal, so I want to emphasize whatever aspects of conversational English you find most difficult. If there is an aspect of English usage or American culture that you are finding difficult or are curious about, please feel free to bring it up in class.
| WEEK | DATE | ACTIVITY & PROGRESS | ASSIGNMENT |
| 1 | 9/19 | Introductions/Syllabus | 1. Prepare a 2 Minute Self-Introductory Speech.
2. Print Handouts |
| 2 | 9/26 | 1. Self-Introductions
2. Small Talk |
1. Print handouts 2. Listen: First Meeting |
| 3 | 10/3 | Appearances | None |
| 4 | 10/10 | HOLIDAY (No Class) | 1. Bring a piece of news clipping either from newspapers or magazines.
2. Print handouts |
| 5 | 10/17 | 1. News Briefs
2.The Unusual |
1. Search the Internet (or other sources) for unusual stories to be shared in class.
2. Print handouts |
| 6 | 10/24 | 1. Slang Words
2. Points of View 3. Opinion Gambits |
Print handouts |
| 7 | 10/31 | 1. American "T"
2. Advice |
Print handouts |
| 8 | 11/7 | 1. Common Phrases
2. Jobs & Occupations |
Print handouts |
| 9 | 11/14 | 1. Contractions
2. On Focus |
Print handouts |
| 10 | 11/21 | 1. English Similes
2. If You Could Be the Judge |
1. Find a love story you find interesting to share in class.
2. Print handouts 3. Listen: Perfect Match 3. Soul Mates |
| 11 | 11/28 | 1. Reductions
2. Love of All Kinds |
1. Print handouts
Listen: How to Get A Date . Visit the Internet links and view at least two trailers and prepare a short summary to be presented in class. |
| 12 | 12/5 | 1. Talking About Movies 2. Conversation Gambits: Movies 3. English Trailers |
LISTEN: 1. Horror Movies
2. Favorite Actor 3. Talking About Movies |
| 13 | 12/12 | Let's Do Tourism | 1. Print handouts
2. Thai Travel Tips 3. Packaged Tour vs. Backpacking 4. Hawaii Trips |
| 14 | 12/19 | 1. Word Connections
2. The Internet: A Debate |
1. Print handouts 2. Listen: Soccer vs. Baseball |
| 15 | 12/26 | 1. English Proverbs
2. Contentious Issues |
Print Handouts |
| 16 | 1/2 | Card Game | PrintInterview Guide |
| 17 | 1/9 | FINAL EXAM: Reporting on Interviews, Group 1 | None |
| 18 | 1/16 | FINAL EXAM: Reporting on Interviews, Group 2 | Enjoy your break! |
Grades will be determined as follows:
Attendance/Participation 10%
Presentations/Assignments 50%
Mid-term & Final Exam 40%
Because the goal of the course is to become better English speakers, and you can't practice English if you're not in class, attendance is very important! You must contact me by email or phone in advance if you will not be able to attend a class. Missing more than two classes without contacting me first will affect your final grade.
Course Website
You are required to check the course website regularly. Please make sure you print any handouts prior to coming to class. No extra copies will be available.
Presentations
You will be required to make formal and informal oral presentations on the dates specified in the syllabus. Please make sure all assignments are done on time. Late assignments will receive a grade of zero (0).
I consider it my job to make the classroom an environment in which you feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes in a second language. You can help to maintain this comfortable atmosphere by showing respect to your peers. Don't make inappropriate comments or criticize unconstructively.
1. Every student comes into the class with a different level of English proficiency. Please don't be intimidated by the students who seem "ahead of you", and be patient with students who seem "behind you". With time, everyone in class will become excellent English speakers.
2. Making mistakes is part of the process of learning! I know you all have spent enough time in higher education to know this, but it bears repeating since it is natural to feel self-concious when we make mistakes in a second language. Your grade will be based on effort and improvement, not on how many mistakes you make.
Cellular phones, wireless devices & pagers:
These must be off during class.
Multi-Media Learning Center:
You can find materials for work on pronunciation, intonation and comprehension at the school's multi-media lab (CS Building, Rm# 309 & 310) The materials/software are available to anyone with a valid student card, but cannot be checked out of the facility. The staff will get the tapes and set them up for you.
~Czech Proverb