Lebow's ENG317
ENG 317
Spring 2013
Group Notes: ENG317-2 ENG317-3
Pronunciation: Minimal Pairs & Recordings Practice Resources
Phrasal Verbs: Lists & Activities
Reading Notes: Eng317-2 Eng317-3
Food Handouts: Korean Chinese Japanese Russian
All Discussion Questions: 1st half of the semester
If you have not scheduled your midterm, please email Jeff at pufslebow@gmail.com
The midterm will be a 5~10 minute conversation with Jeff. You can meet with me individually or with one other classmate. Do not expect your classmate to serve as your interpreter. We’ll start off with a bit of ‘small talk’ and then focus on a topic of your choice. This can be a topic we’ve discussed in class (e.g. travel, food, stress), something you’ve read recently, or anything else you are especially interested in discussing. It might be helpful to ‘gather your thoughts’ about that topic beforehand, but please do not memorize answers to specific questions. Conversations will take place at my office (IT508).
About this course
 | ENG317 Practical English Conversation Spring 2013 |  |
Instructor: Jeff Lebow
Office: IT508 Phone: 640-3708 Office Hours: Fridays 3pm`6pm or by appointment
Email: pufslebow@gmail.com Course Website: JeffLebow.net/eng317 ClassBlog: bufseng317.blogspot.com
I. Description:
This aim of this course is to help students develop their ability to participate in meaningful English conversations by improving their communicative strategies, functional vocabulary, and pronunciation skills. Students will actively engage with each other and with the instructor in an effort to improve their speaking skills in a variety of environments and contexts.
II. Course textbook
There is no textbook for this course. Materials will be posted on the course website and blog. Sometimes handouts will be provided. Other times, students will be expected to print out materials before class. Students will sometimes be required to post reflections on the class blog. We will use a Google Document for our Group Notes. This will be used during class to record all new vocabulary. Students are encouraged to contribute (translations and additional vocabulary) to this document after class.
III. Instruction Methods:
Each week, during our two hour block, we will cover one discussion topic. The topic will be introduced using handouts, videos, and/or other supplemental materials. Students will then discuss topics in small groups, with partners, and/or as a whole group. Topics include issues from daily life, society, technology, and lifestyle. Students will have input into deciding which topics are discussed and in which order. During our one hour block each week, we will engage in a variety and language skill building activities (e.g. pronunciation accuracy, listening strategies, writing skills, and extensive reading).
IV. Grading
Students will be assessed according to the following criteria
| 40% Attendance & Participation 20% Assignments | 20% Mid-Term 20% Final Exam |
Grades will be distributed based on the required university quotas: 35% A’s, 35% B’s, 30% C’s
Instructor Notes
Please make every effort to arrive on time. Those arriving more than five minutes late will be marked tardy. Those more than 20 minutes late will be marked absent for that hour. If you are absent, please check the course website for information about any assignments you are still expected to complete. Please turn cell phones off unless they are being used as part of a class activity. This syllabus is subject to change according to the needs of class participants and with occasional schedule interruptions due to holidays, etc.
JeffLebow.net