UNIVERSITY PREPARATION

Listening & Speaking

Summer II 2015 T-F 12-1:15 ED 154
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
academic conversation 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 course, you will be able to complete the objectives listed below.
CONTENT

OBJECTIVES

Listening Comprehension

Explain the subject and context of audio; summarize in writing or retell main idea details 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 & written materials; relate audio to broader world view or personal knowledge

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 1012 minute oral presentations.

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. Folder (to keep all HW, CW, etc.)

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 Vocabulary Quizzes
5%
Oral Presentation(s)
15%
Chapter Tests (2)
15%
HW/CW
25%
Graded Group Discussions
15%
Final Exam
25%
Final Presentation (15%)
Listening Final Exam (10%)

GRADING SCALE
A
AB+
B
BC+

93-100
90-92
88-89
83-87
80-82
78-79

C
CD+
D
DF

73-77
70-72
68-69
63-67
60-62
59 & below

Note that all textbooks must be new copies. No writing or erased markings should be present whatsoever.

OTHER GRADING 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 do not
complete an assignment, fail to follow directions, or leave sections unanswered (yes, even one question) you will earn an automatic zero.
*If you have an issue with an assignment or you are confused about a question, send me an email or ask before class.
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.

2.

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.
If you are absent, you need to check our class schedule, or contact your classmates and/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.
*Note: Homework and classwork is often graded using the Proficiency at Standards scale.

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 at a 90% acceptance rate; 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. If you miss any portion of the final exam you cannot pass
the course.
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.

ORAL 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 six, you will have a comprehensive final exam. This exam is worth 25% of your grade. Your final exam grade is based on a final
listening exam (10%) and a final presentation (15%).

WHAT ARE THE CLASSROOM RULES?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Fancy devices (phones, iPads, smart watches, espresso machines, etc.) can be a distraction and should not be seen or heard in class
unless I give specific permission.
If you need to use the restroom, dont ask. Just go!
No food or drink in the classroomswater only.
Check the course schedule every single day No exceptions!
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.

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?

You 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.

HOW DO I GET INTO THE MONARCH ENGLISH TRANSITION PROGRAM?

To be eligible for the Monarch English Transition (MET) Program, you must:
1. Achieve a grade of B or higher in all classes; AND
2. Achieve a B or higher on the final exit assessments for both Writing and Speaking.

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.

Any learning done under compulsion has no

hold on the mind. Plato

Photo source:
MacFarlane, Seth. Ted movie scene. Digital image. GQ. Cond Nast, 29 June 2012. Web. 28 June 2015.