Course Outline for English As A Second Language 111A
Pronunciation

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 11/08/2021
Catalog Description:

ESL 111A - Pronunciation

2.00 Units

Students will improve their English pronunciation skills through focused practice on syllables, stress, vowel and consonant formation, clarity of ending sounds, intonation and fast speech. This class is appropriate for English learners from the high beginner level through advanced.
4930.86 - English as a Second Language - Speaking/Listening
Pass/No Pass
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 1.00 18.00 36.00 54.00
Laboratory 1.00 54.00 0.00 54.00
Total 2.00 72.00 36.00 108.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. articulate English phonemes;
  2. produce common intonation patterns in English;
  3. identify and apply correct syllable breaks and stress to English words;
  4. communicate in spoken English;
  5. participate in small group discussions;
  6. understand and produce common reductions in rapid speech.
Course Content:
  1.  American English phonemes
    1. Consonants
    2. Vowels
    3. Dipthongs
    4. Consonant clusters
    5. Ending sounds 
      1. "s" and the three pronunication patterns
      2. "ed" and the three pronunication patterns
  2. Syllables and Stress
    1. In words
    2. In sentences
  3. Common intonation patterns
    1. In statements
    2. In WH questions
    3. In yes/no questions
    4. In tag questions
  4. Reduced speech and blending
    1. Function Words
    2. Pronouns
    3. -ing
  5. Frequently confused words
    1. Can/can't
    2. Numbers (-ty/teen)
  6. Oral communication skills
  7. Small group discussion skills
Methods of Instruction:
  1.  Individual and group projects
  2. Individually recorded assignments
  3. Lecture/Discussion
  4. Discussion Seminar
  5. Group Activities
  6. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Read the directions for solving a puzzle aloud to your partner, focusing on clear pronunciation of the target sounds. Repeat as necessary until the puzzle is solved, but do not let your partner see your script.
  2. Listen to a series of words and identify the number of syllables and the syllable with strong stress.
  3. Read a short passage and record yourself, paying particular attention to use correct -ed past tense verbs: /d/, /t/, or /id/.
  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Quizzes
  3. Class Participation
  4. Home Work
  5. Final Examination
  6. Individual recorded assignments
  7. Projects
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. participate in small group discussions;
  2. produce common intonation patterns in English;
  3. articulate English phonemes.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Grant, L. (2017). Well Said: Pronunciation for Clear Communication (4th edition). Cengage.
  1. ELSA app.
  2. Rachel's English Youtube Channel.
  • NA
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Improve your speaking skills in this all-levels class in English pronunciation. Class will cover syllables, stress, vowel and consonant formation, difficult words and fast speech. The goal is to give you more confidence while speaking English.
Discipline:
English as a Second Language (ESL)*