AEIS 105

Producing Oral Academic Discourse

Instructor: Deanna Hochstein Office Phone: 346-1097

Office: 162 Pacific (Onyx Bridge) E-mail: dghoch@darkwing.uoregon.edu

Office Hours: MW 11-12 and by appt. Web address: darkwing.oregon.edu/~dghoch

A. Materials: Discussion and Interaction in the Academic Community

Carolyn G. Madden and Theresa N. Rohlck

Other: one cassette tape for recording homework assignments

B. Objectives: This course provides oral communication strategies and practice in discovering the context and use of oral academic language. The course emphasizes increasing oral fluency and confidence in an academic setting through both individual and group activities. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have reviewed and practiced the following strategies:

•successful interaction in the academic community outside the classroom with peers, professors, and advisors

•active participation in class and small group discussions (both reading and lecture based) by: exchanging information, formulating and asking effective questions, and restating information

•organizing and leading a discussion or seminar

•interpreting and explaining data

•giving impromptu and prepared talks in a field of study or area of personal interest

In addition, the student will have developed an awareness of:

• individual pronunciation and/or structure problems in English

• common expressions of academic discourse including idiomatic expressions

C. Course Requirements: As regular practice is essential for improvement of language skills, particularly of speaking skills, regular attendance in the course is mandatory. Active participation in class and completion of course assignments are required in order to pass the course. Much of the work is done in class; however, students will have homework assignments in preparation for class participation.

Attendance: Because class participation is such an important part of this course, it is essential that you participate fully in class work by attending class. More than two absences may result in a lowering of your final grade. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed. Get to know your classmates so that you may contact one by phone if you miss a class.

D. Grading: Your final course grade will be based on prepared and impromptu presentations, group discussions, and class participation. This work will be evaluated on the following criteria: speaking skill in English, including fluency, correct grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation; and effective speaking components, such as clear organization, logical development, good eye contact, relationship with audience, and effective delivery. You will also be graded on homework and vocabulary quizzes. Grades are determined as follows:

Class participation 20%

Prepared presentations 30%

Impromptu/vocabulary presentations

and group cassette assignment 30%

Homework and Vocabulary Quizzes 20%

This is a credit course. If the course is taken for a grade, that grade will be calculated into the GPA (grade-point average). If the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, you must have a C- average to pass.