THE NEWMAN SCHOOL
BOSTON, MA
LISTENING, SPEAKING, VOCABULARY, LEVEL 3
Miss Julianne Papetsas Fall 2011
Course Description:
Unlike LSV2, which focuses primarily on developing basic listening comprehension skills and verbal pronunciation, LSV3 puts more emphasis on presentation, discussion/debate, and note-taking. LSV3 is structured like a public speaking class that requires students to develop presentations on a certain topic and deliver them before the entire class. Students will be taught and practice good class discussion and debate skills, and the listening exercises will be lecture-based and require the students to learn good note-taking skills. This class is intended to prepare students for being able to participate in an academic environment by teaching them to comprehend and take notes on lectures, deliver persuasive presentations, and discuss and debate effectively during class.
Required Material:
1. Contemporary Topics: Level 1 (Provided)
2. Vocabulary Workbook (Provided)
3. Notebook, for class notes
4. The Newman School agenda book (Recommended)
Goals and Objectives:
The student will be able to . . .
1. Aurally understand and comprehend the English language both in the academic setting and during casual, day-to-day interactions.
2. Take thorough and organized notes during academic lectures.
3. Speak the English language fluently and with proper pronunciation.
4. Organize, write, and deliver effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on various topics.
5. Participate in class discussions and debate ideas and opinions persuasively.
Course Grading/Policy:
Projects/Presentations (40%) – On a regular basis, students will be expected to develop and deliver a speech or presentation on a given topic. The student must be present in class in order to deliver his/her presentation and listen politely to those of his peers. An unexcused absence or lack of preparation will result in a 10 point grade reduction each day the student fails to give his/her presentation.
Participation (30%) – Since this class so heavily focuses on speaking and listening, students must be attentive and involved in class discussions and exercises. Organized class discussions and debates will occur frequently, and all students are expected to be involved. Students must be in class on time everyday and prepared with the required texts and notebooks. Consistent absences are inexcusable and will cause the final grade to suffer. English ONLY is permitted to be spoken in class. Students are expected to treat each other respectfully and offer encouragement and help to one another.
Quizzes (30%) – Quizzes may NOT be made up, though the lowest grade will be dropped to account for absences. Cheating on quizzes is strictly forbidden and will result in a grade of zero and a report to the Dean of Studies. Translators my NOT be used quizzes.
*Note: Percentage breakdowns are subject to change due to inevitable adjustments during the semester.