UNIVERSITY PREPARATION

Listening & Speaking

Spring II 2015 M-F 2-2:50 Dragas 2109
Instructor:
Email:
Office:
Office Hours:

Ann Kumm
akumm@odu.edu
Dragas 1108
by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES: What will you learn?

The main purpose of this course is to help you develop your listening and speaking skills by actually speaking, through
engaging in various tasks and participating in discussions relevant to academic and non-academic settings. Developing
presentation skills and class discussion skills are core strands which run throughout the course. The two goals of this course
are (1) for you to build your listening competence and communicative fluency to a level sufficient to handle academic and
everyday encounters, and (2) for you to build self-confidence in your listening and speaking abilities. By the end of the class,
you will be able to complete the objectives listed below.
CONTENT

OBJECTIVES

Listening Comprehension

Explain the subject and context of audio; answer questions and then explain and summarize in your own words

Inference

Draw a logical conclusion or legitimate implication based on factual information heard in audio

Note-taking and Graphic Organizers

Take notes and create graphic organizers (outlines) to be used to recall information from audio materials

Grammar Development

Utilize level-appropriate grammar skills in small group situations, in classroom discourse, and in formal/informal presentations

Vocabulary Development

Properly use new words in both academic and informal settings

Critical Thinking Skills

Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate extensive oral and written materials

Pronunciation

Exhibit generally clear pronunciation that can be understood with minimal listener effort. Understand the usage of
suprasegmentals, stress, intonation and rhythm.

Oral Presentations
formal/informal & individual/group

Understand and demonstrate presentation skills. Sustain a 10-12 minute oral presentation.

Tone and Attitude

Interpret a speakers tone and attitude; use appropriately

REQUIRED TEXT (bring textbook to every class)

LEAP Advanced Listening and Speaking, by Ken Beatty (2014) ISBN: 978-2-7613-5229-1

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
1. Notebook

2. Up-to-Date JAVA (for VoiceBoard)

3. MyLab Access Code (in textbook)

HOW ARE GRADES CALCULATED IN THIS CLASS?

Final course grades will be calculated according to the following weights:
Chapter Vocab Quizzes
5%
Chapter Tests
15%
Graded Group Discussions
15%
Presentations
20%
CW/HW
20%
Final Exam
25%

GRADING SCALE
A
AB+
B
BC+

93-100
90-32
87-89
83-86
80-82
77-79

C
CD+
D
DF

73-76
70-72
67-69
63-66
60-62
59 & below
1

OTHER SCALES
For some informal assignments when youre still practicing or learning what weve gone over in class, I will use a proficiency at
standards approach. In other words, your grade will reflect how well you did at showing that you learned what you were supposed
to learn. If you didnt complete an assignment, try, or follow directions, you will earn an automatic zero.
PROFICIENCY LEVEL

SCORE

Mastery | The student demonstrated proficiency at the objective(s) that substantially exceeded the requirements.

100%

Proficient | The student demonstrated proficiency at the objective(s) that adequately met the requirements.

85%

Basic Proficiency | The student demonstrated basic proficiency at the objective(s) that met the requirements with a few minor errors.

75%

Below Basic | Even with help, the student did not yet meet the requirements for basic proficiency at the objective(s).

65%

CLASSWORK & HOMEWORK

1. Outside work is an important part of this course. You will be assigned daily homework assignments. That being said, not all
homework will be collected for a grade. Many homework assignments will be checked in class and others will be self-graded.
2. If you are absent, you need to check our class schedule or contact your classmates (or me) to find out what you missed.
Being absent does not excuse you from homework/classwork or allow you extra time to hand it in.

DO I HAVE TO BE HERE EVERYDAY?

Please avoid missing class (one notable exception: if you suspect that you might have some sort of contagious sickness, please,
do not come to school. Thanks.) Let me know in advance about planned absences. If you do happen to miss a class, contact me
ASAP for any missed quizzes, handouts, or assignments. You should also check the schedule! A few more things to mention
about attendance
1. You are expected to attend classes for the full session; you may not leave before the session ends. If you choose to leave
early, you will receive a zero for all assignments and tests you miss.
2. Being present = being prepared. Sometimes in class we will be continuing something you completed for homework. If you
didnt complete the assignment, you will not be able to participate in class and will be marked absent or asked to leave.
Being prepared means:
Completing all assigned assignments before class.
Contributing to class discussion
Bringing your textbook, notebook, binder, and other materials to every class.

PRESENTATIONS
There will be two presentations this session. Each will be discussed in class individually. In addition to formal presentations, you
will also be required to give impromptu presentations.

FINAL EXAM
In week seven, you will have a comprehensive final exam. This exam is worth 25% of your grade.

WHAT ARE THE CLASSROOM RULES?

1. Fancy devices (phones, iPads, espresso machines, etc.) can be a distraction and should not be seen or heard in class unless
I give specific permission.
2. If you need to use the restroom, dont ask. Just go!
3. No food or drink in the classroomswater only.
4. Check the course schedule every single day No exceptions!
5. Speak up if you have an issue so we can address it immediately. Im here to help you. Let me know if anything impedes your
learning.
2

WHAT ABOUT COMMUNICATING IMPORTANT INFORMATION?

The best way to contact me is through my faculty email akumm@odu.edu. Another option is to Facebook message me. If you
merely verbalize something to me without getting it in writing, I will probably forget about it despite my best intentions. So please
write it down for me.

COURSESITES
I will regularly post course material and grades on CourseSites. Many of your assignments will also be submitted on CourseSites,
so please come to me early if you are having any difficulties. You should keep up with your grades to know your standing in the
course, and also to make sure that I havent made any mistakes.
COURSESITES LOGIN: https://www.coursesites.com/
Download the CourseSites App! BlackBoard Mobile Learn (find school = CourseSites for BlackBoard)

SCHEDULE/EMAIL
You are expected to check both your ODU student email and our class schedule DAILY throughout the semester. A link to the
course schedule is on CourseSites.

WHAT ABOUT CHEATING AND PLAGAIARISM?

I pledge to support the Honor System of Old Dominion University. I will refrain from any form of academic dishonesty or
deception, such as cheating and plagiarism. I am aware that as a member of the academic community it is my responsibility to
turn in all suspected violations of the Honor Code. I will report to a hearing if summoned.
Translation: DO NOT CHEAT!

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO PASS THIS LEVEL?

Students must meet the following criteria:
1. Earn a C average or higher for each individual skill area (R/V, L/S, Writing, Grammar) after completing one semester
(Sessions I and II) in a level.
2. Attend classes an average of at least 80% for fourteen weeks (two sessions)

WILL THE SYLLABUS OR SCHEDULE EVER CHANGE?

While we have a structured syllabus and course schedule, I may adapt, or change the course to better reflect the classs needs
and performance.

Photo source:
Nail, Essie. Beyonce Whispering to Hubby, Jay-Z. Digital image. Examiner.com, 9 Jan. 2012. Web. 4 Jan. 2015.