HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPE-007
Bergen Community College
Division of Arts, Humanities, and Wellness
Department of ESL Speech
SPE- 007 Advanced Pronunciation for English Language Learners
Course Description:
SPE-007Advanced American Language Pronunciation is a course designed to
help the advanced nonnative speakers of English to polish their American
pronunciation. The primary goals of pronunciation training are clarity of speech
and effective communication. Emphasis of this course is placed on rhythm,
phraseology, intonation, thought groups, and linking. Individual challenging vowels
and consonant blends are addressed. This course offers ample opportunities to help
students internalize and use their new skills through interactive activities.
2 Lab hours, 1 credit (non-degree credit)
Pre-requisite: SPE-006 or permission from department chair
Textbooks:
Grant, Linda. Well Said: Advanced English Pronunciation, Third Edition, 2008
Other Materials:
Recording device, hand-held mirror
Computer and Media Resources:
Students are guided to various sites for listening and “noticing” of American English production.
Students will also be required to listen critically to TV and Radio programs.
Student Learning Goals: As a result of meeting the requirements of this course, students should
be able to:
Increase auditory discrimination capacity
Identify and monitor own pronunciation challenges
Identify and produce correct stress of single words, phrases and sentences
Implement the “music” and the stressed/unstressed rhythm of American English
Use connected speech – thought groups, linking, and pausing.
Produce appropriate rising and falling intonation
Polish the clarity of ending sounds
Pronounce consonant clusters clearly – initial and final (on individual need basis)
Speak with an appropriate volume
Monitor and control speed
Speak with increased fluidity, speed, control, and confidence
Student Learning Assessment:
Progress in pronunciation happens in stages. Some of the initial changes, such as improved
listening or increased pronunciation awareness, may not be immediately evident in spe ech, but
they prepare students for future pronunciation changes. Students will be assessed on their ability
to recognize as well as produce target skills.
Procedure:
1. Ongoing informal assessment during daily class activities – individual, pair, and group
(instructor, self-assessment, peer assessment)
2. Individual formal and informal assessment of each outlined learning outcomes through
class participation, presentations, class discussions, and voice recordings.
Course Requirements:
Students are expected to participate actively in class.
Students must attend class regularly, do all the assigned work on time, and make up any work
missed because of absence or lateness.
Students need to arrive on time for class. Two latenesses will equal one absence.
Poor attendance will affect a student’s grade. Three absences will result in a drop of a letter grade
or he/she may even fail the course.
A passing grade for this class is 70 or a letter grade of C.
Course Evaluation:
Class participation 50%
Homework 25%
Voice recording 25%
Grade Breakdown: A 90-100
B+ 86-89
B 80-85
C+ 76-79
C 70-75
F 69 or below
ELRC: Students are strongly encouraged to attend the English Language Resource Center
(ELRC) in East Hall (E-126) to get more practice and the help of professional tutors.
ELRC telephone number: 201-612-5292
Website: http://www.bergen.cc.nj.us/library/learning/english/links.html
College Closing:
The easiest way to find out whether the college is open or closed during bad weather is to check
the Bergen Community College website: www.bergen.edu
You can also listen to the following broadcast stations: WABC/77, WCBS/88, WOR /710, WMCA
/57, Cablevision (channel 25). You can also call Public Safety at 201-447-9200.