UPPER INTERMEDIATE

SPEAKING & LISTENING

ACADEMIC OMMU

U Instructor Contact Information

Instructor: Runzi Wang
Email: rwang@sandiego.edu
Office Hours: Mondays 3-5 p.m. Or by appointment
Room: #130 at ELA

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, you will be learning and practicing skills for academic courses. We will
focus on listening, speaking, and participating through discussions, presentations, and
interactive class sessions. Our goal is communicating clearly and thinking critically.

II. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME

Speaking

Students will be able to use course vocabulary on a variety of themes. Students will
practice clear pronunciation, word stress, and intonations.

Listening

Students will be able to listen to presentations, lectures, and videos and use strategies for
comprehension and note-taking. Students will be able to apply listening strategies to
authentic listening contents.

Communication

Students will be able to use academic vocabulary and expressions in group and class
discussions. Students will be able to prepare an organized, academic presentation.

III. COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this course, student will be able to:

1. Participate in academic classrooms by joining in discussions, giving presentations,

and communicating appropriately with classmates and professors.
2. Use academic vocabulary for a variety of topics in presentations and discussions.
3. Give a five minutes presentation, accompanied by a slideshow, that is clearly
organized, professionally presented, and uses key vocabulary.

WHAT I EXPECT
Language is a social tool. In this course, we will work to create a learning community
which supports the development of English communication skills of each student. We
will show respect for our own learning and the learning of the other class members by:

1. Participating actively
2. Speaking only English in the classroom
3. Listening and responding to each other
4. Choosing not to distract others
5. Asking thoughtful questions
6. Addressing problems or concerns appropriately.

WHAT TO EXPECT

In this class you will develop your English skills over a range of language activities.
Class will include real-world application of the language and this is truly the time to take
hold of the language and make it your own. Challenge yourself regularly. Use your
teacher as a resource to help you polish your skills. Keep your language goals at the

forefront of your mind. You can reach them if you put in the time and effort.

IV. MATERIALS

Textbook:
Pathways: Listening, Speaking, and Critical Thinking 4 by Paul MacIntyre
Access to Blackboard
Notebook paper, pens, pencils, and other classroom supplies.
Dictionary is optional, English to English only

V. YOUR ROLE AS A STUDENT

1.Complete homework assignments before class. This will allow you to participate fully
in discussions and activities.
2. Engage in class activities and discussions to support your own and your classmates’
learning.
3. Keep all class assignments, handouts, and materials in your binder and bring them to
class.
4. Talk with my privately before or after class if you have any concerns or questions
regarding the class, grades, or assignments.
5.Use your class time and study time wisely. Assignments, classwork, and class activities
are meant to support your learning. Set aside adequate time to prepare for class and
complete assignments. Use the resources (tutoring center, instructional assistant) to for
additional support.

VI. ASSIGNMENTS & ASSESSMENT

Assignments & Grades

3 SPEECHES 20%
REFLECTIO JOURNALS 10%
2 LISTENING LABS 10%
SELF-ASSESSMENT 5%
COLLABORATIVE ASSESSMENT 5%
4 UNIT TESTS 20%
HOMEWORK 20%
ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION 10%

SPEECHES

First: Self Introduction (informational)

Introduce yourself to the class–personal information (family, where you grew up, etc.),
interests, hobbies, or talents, future goal, best advice for succeeding as a student.
Second: Tradition and Progress (comparison and contrast)
Present a tradition that your family keeps (what it is, what you do, why you do it), why
you continue following the tradition, and your perspective on tradition &progress.
Third: Social Problem and Solution (research)
Group research presentation:
-Choose a social problem that concerns you and your partner (homelessness, unsafe
neighborhoods, lack of public transportation, etc.).
-Research causes and effects of the social problem.
-Provide evidence for why this is a serious problem (data and personal examples).
-Clearly explain your idea for a solution: 1) on the government or community level, and
2) one action students in the class can take in their daily lives.

Rubric
 Criteria Comments Score
Ideas/Information/Content
-Completed all requirement in
directions
-Information is interesting and well-
chosen.
-Used effective support for points. /10
Presentation
-Clear introduction of topic and main
points
-Well prepared, smooth delivery.
-Used transitions effectively to
signal important information,
changes in topic, and connect ideas.
-Included a summary and
conclusion. /15
Presentation Skills
-Eye contact with audience.
-Natural facial expressions.
-Volume of voice loud enough for
audience to hear.
-Speed is not too fast or too slow
(professor and classmates can
understand)
-Clear pronunciation of words. /15
Visual Aides
-Used appropriate pictures that relate
to the topic.
-Well organized, clear slideshow.
-Appropriate amount of text on each
slide. /10
Total: /50

REFLECTION JOURNALS

Keeping a journal of goals, learning experiences, specific reflections assigned for

speeches and listening assignments. Entries will be assigned as part of classwork or
homework throughout the semester. A final reflection over the semester and the progress
shown through the journal will be completed during the last week of the course.
SELF & COLLABORATIVE ASSESSMENT

Self-Assessment and Collaborative Assessment will be an important part of the course. In

your reflection journals, you will have the opportunity to consider what you are learning
and how you are developing as a student and English language speaker (informal self-
assessments). You will also complete a formal self-assessment of your presentations–
what you did well, what you learned, and 2 goals to work on in the next speech. During
the semester, you will also have two conferences with the professor for “collaborative
assessment” following one speech and one listening assignment. It will be an opportunity
to talk with the professor about your learning and growth. (Scheduled individually at
the beginning of the semester)

COURSE OUTLINE & SCHEDULE

Week In class Assignment Due

1 M Introductions
W Introductions Bring textbook to class
2 M Unit 1: Lesson A Gender and Society
Problem
W Unit 1: Lesson A Listening to a conversation
between classmates
Participating in a Mini-
Debate
3 M Unite 1: Lesson B Journal 1
W Unite 1: Lesson B Debate Notes
Vocabulary 1
4 M Unit 1 Test Journal 2
Unit 2 Preview
W Unite 2: Lesson A Discussing Species
Creating and Presenting Conservation
a group plan Vocabulary 1
5 M Unite 2: Lesson B Journal 3
Vocabulary 2
W Unite 2: Lesson B Online Discussion Board

6 M Unite 2 Test Journal 4

Unit 3 Preview
W Unite 3: Lesson A Vocabulary 1
Notes on Human Migration
Video
7 M Unite 3: Lesson B
W Unite 3: Lesson B
Listening to a Small
Group Discussion
Giving a Group Informal
Presentation
Spring
Break
8 M Tradition & Progress
Presentation
W Listening Lab 1
9 M Unit 4: Lesson A
W Unit 4: Lesson A
10 M Unit 4: Lesson B
Doing and Discussing
Internet Research
Informal Presentation
W Unit 4 Test
11 M Listening Lab 2
W Presentation Groups&
Research
12 M Unit 5: Lesson A
W Social Problem
presentations
13 M Social Problem
presentations
W Unit 5: Lesson A
14 M Final Group
Discussion/Review
W Final Exam
COURS OUTLINE & SCHEDULE
Discussing Case Studies
Notes on Human Migration
Group Presentation
Work on Tradition and
Progress Presentation
Journal 5
Completed Pre-Lab pack
Vocabulary 1
Journal 6
Vocabulary 2
Internet Research
presentation notes
(informal)
Completed Pre-Lab packet
Reflection Journal 7
Vocabulary 1
Reflection Journal 8
(Wednesday Presenters)
Reflection Journal 8
(Monday presenters)