HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPE-006Bergen Community College
Division of Arts, Humanities, and Wellness
Department of ESL Speech
Student Guide
SPE 006: American Language Pronunciation
Please turn off all electronic devices before entering the classroom. Texting, camera use, recorders,
and cell phones, etc. are not allowed during class.
Course Description:
This course is designed to help non-native speakers of North American English improve their American
English pronunciation. Basic drill material on all the individual sounds, the more important combinations
of the English sound system, and the study of intonation and stress in ordinary speech patterns will be
provided for practice.
Course Goals:
Increased clarity of speech
Increase or gain confidence in speaking English in various situations
Increase listening comprehension skills
Improve presentation skills
Text: Well Said Intro: Pronunciation for Clear Communication, Linda Grant
(You are not required to buy this book, although you may find it helpful to do so. You can
purchase it from the BCC Bookstore or the Barnes and Noble website, or you can borrow it from
the BCC library.)
Recommended: Longman Dictionary of American English for English Language Learners (any edition)
Course Requirements: Students are expected to speak voluntarily during each class meeting. Students
who do not voluntarily speak for at least 90% of the total classes for the semester will not pass this class.
Participating means contributing to class discussions, giving oral presentations, participating in group or
paired activities, reviewing homework assignments, etc. Your class participation will be noted at each
class meeting, so come to class prepared to speak. You are responsible for all assigned course work and
must be prepared with assignments when they are due. Homework or other assignments will not be
accepted late, and there will be no make-up projects, make-up orals, or make-ups for other missed
assignments. If you are absent or late, contact a classmate to find out what you have missed so that you
can return to class prepared with that day’s assignment; DO NOT CALL or EMAIL ME FOR AN
ASSIGNMENT. Being absent or late does not excuse you from assignments.
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend class regularly and punctually. Attendance will be taken at the beginning
of class. You are allowed only 2 absences in this class. If you enter class late, please quietly take a seat.
At the end of the class, please let me know that you were present so that I can change your absence to a
present. Do not wait until the next class because unless I can personally verify that you were present, I
will not change the absence. To be excused for any absence over the allowable 2, you must present
documentation in the form of an official letterhead from the doctor, immigration, motor vehicles, funeral
director, etc. Excessive absences without documentation will result in a failing grade.
Grading Policy:
Class Participation: 60%
Oral Presentations and Homework: 40%
(It is strongly suggested that you attend the ELRC in E156 for additional practice and help with
pronunciation and speaking throughout the semester.)
Tentative Schedule
(Students are expected to practice and study the phonetic alphabet throughout the semester as a running
homework assignment.)
Weeks 1-9:
Depending on class needs, we will follow the book chapters skipping some chapters that may not be
necessary. I will attempt to cover at least two chapters per class meeting: one from Part 1, and another
chapter (in order) from Part 2. Chapter coverage will be synchronized whenever possible. Not everything
in each chapter will be covered. We will begin with Chapters 1 and 2 in Part 1 and Supplements 1 and 2
in Part 2. (You can also make copies of pages of the book by getting the book from the Reserve Desk in
the library.)
Week 10:
Spring Break: No classes. March 26-30.
Weeks 11-15:
Oral Projects, continuation of book chapters
Student and Faculty Support Services
ELRC (English Language Resource Center) Room E156 201-612-5292
The Office of Specialized Services (for students Room S131 201-612-5270
with disabilities)
The Sidney Silverman Library—Reference Desk Room L226 201-447-7436