Basic English - Course Syllabus.
Course Information
Introduction to Basic English Conversation for Foreign Language Learners
Course Number: ESL104
3.0 credit hours
Term: Spring 1
Date: 10 Jan – 11 Mar 2022
Duration: 9 weeks
Instructor Information
Email: pthongchanh@webster.edu
All email responses will be sent within 48 hours.
Online office hours: Mondays; 0900 – 1200 (CST) via Zoom (by appointment only)
Course Description
This course will introduce basic English conversation topics and emphasizes the development of fluency in spoken English at the basic-level. Through individual and group activities, students work on improving pronunciation, practicing conversation strategies and delivering oral presentations.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic IT (i.e. know how to navigate the web or turn on computer) in order to learn online.
Learning Outcomes/Objectives
Basic-level fluency in spoken English
State / National / Professional Standards
Meets English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards for L1 and L2 Speaking
Level 1-Starting
At L1, students initially have limited or no understanding of English. They rarely use
English for communication. They respond nonverbally to simple commands, statements, and questions. As their oral comprehension increases, they begin to imitate the verbalizations of others by using single words or simple phrases, and they begin to use English spontaneously.
At the earliest stage, these learners construct meaning from text primarily through illustrations, graphs, maps, and tables.
Level 2-Emerging
At L2, students can understand phrases and short sentences. They can communicate limited information in simple everyday and routine situations by using memorized phrases, groups of words, and formulae. They can use selected simple structures correctly but still systematically produce basic errors. Students begin to use general academic vocabulary and familiar everyday expressions. Errors in writing are present that often hinder communication.
Course Materials
Required textbook: Preston Lee's Conversation English Lesson 1: 20 Global Edition
ISBN: 9780463830918
RELEASED: Aug 31, 2019
Course Activities
Basic conversation practice between teacher-students
Basic conversation practice between student-students
Course Grading
Final Exam: Pass/Fail
Students must pass with a minimum score of 75% on final exam.
Course Policies
Students are expected to participate in all conversation activities.
Unexcused absences for more than 20 percent of the course duration will result in automatic incomplete grade.
Weekly Schedule
Wk 1 – Introduction to Basic Conversation English
Wk 2 – Topics on Greetings
Wk 3 – Topics on Introducing Self
Wk 4 – Topics on Asking Questions
Wk 5 – Field Trip: Grocery Shopping
Wk 6 – Topics on Phone Conversation
Wk 7 – Topics on Meeting People
Wk 8 – Topics on Describing Personal Background
Wk 9 – Final Exam
Note of Disclaimer
This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
Items specific to course/content
Field Trip will take place on Week 5.
All students will meet directly at field trip location (to be determined during course and communicated NLT Week 4).
Items specific to mode of delivery
Fully-online academic course delivered via Zoom videoconferencing.