English Language Institute, Community Program

Accent Reduction #8276

Summer Quarter 2018

Monday & Wednesday 6:30pm - 8:20pm

Room R103C

Instructor:  Madelynn Hoard

E-mail: madelynn.hoard@bellevuecollege.edu

Phone: (425) 564 - 3206                                   

Office:  R230

Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 4:00pm – 6:20pm or by appointment

Required Text:  Targeting Pronunciation: Communicating Clearly in English 2^nd Ed. By Sue F. Miller

ISBN 978-0-618-44418-2

Course Description:

This course is designed for mid to high-level non-native speakers of English who want to modify their accent and increase their confidence in a variety of speaking situations. The class will generally follow the order of the textbook, and it will address a number of characteristics of the American English accent: vowels and consonants, stress, intonation, rhythm, linking and reductions. Unfortunately, with our limited time, we won’t be able to do every single chapter of the textbook.  We will also focus on fluency with exercises designed to encourage the free flow of communication and to allow you to apply the skills learned from the text. I will also be offering personal assessments on students for individualized help.  I hope you will leave this class with a good idea of what your own accent challenges are and some ideas about how to work on them.

Class Structure:

Warm-up: These exercises are designed to help you relax and use the muscles of your tongue, lips and vocal chords.

Textbook exercises: We will focus on accuracy during the textbook exercises. We will work on intonation as well as vowel and consonant production.

Communication exercises: We will focus on fluency by engaging in conversational exercises. This will allow you to apply the skills and techniques learned from the text.

Grades/Attendance:

Because this is not a credit class, no grades are assigned. However, students will receive certificates for successful completion of the course, based on attendance (at least 75%, no more than 3 absences).

Homework:

Homework is not required in this class, but changing your pronunciation is a goal that requires daily practice. Practice as much as you can!  You are more likely to see improvement if you practice often, and record and listen to yourself.

Special Needs:   Any student who requires accommodation based on a documented disability, has emergency medical information to share, or requires special arrangements in case of emergency evacuation should schedule an appointment with DRC (Disability Resource Center) by calling (425) 564-2498 or by going in person to the DRC Office in B132.

Other:  For information about Student Procedures and Expectations in the Arts and Humanities Division, please refer to the following link:

www.bellevuecollege.edu/artshum/studentinfo.asp

Important Dates:

NO CLASS on Wednesday, July 4^th for Independence Day Holiday

LAST CLASS on Wednesday, August 8^th