Bellevue College

Summer Quarter 2011

Accent Reduction

Instructor:                  Peter Youngs

Email:                         pyoungs@bellevuecollege.edu

Class time:                  Monday and Wednesday from 6:30-8:20 pm

Final Class:                Wednesday Aug. 10^th, 2011

Classroom:                 R205

Required Text:          American Accent Training by Ann Cook

*There will be no class on Monday, July 4^th in celebration of Independence day.

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 follow the order of the textbook, emphasizing stress, intonation, rhythm, linking and reductions, as well as vowels and consonants.  We will also focus on fluency with exercises designed to encourage the free flow of communication.  The course will be a mix of listening to the CDs that come with the book, focused practice, and other fun exercises.  I will also be conducting personal assessments on all students for individualized help.

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%), participation and effort.

Homework:

Homework is not required in this class, but changing your pronunciation is a goal that requires daily practice.  Some students have benefited from listening to the CD at home.