Bellevue Community College, Fall, 2006

Accent Reduction

Instructor:        Christine Discoe

Email:             cdiscoe@comcast.net

Text Book:      American Accent Training by Ann Cook

Class Room:  R206

Class Dates:  Monday/Wednesday 9:30-11:30

Course Description and Objective:

This course is designed to mid-to high-level non-native speakers English who want to improve and modify their accent and increase their confidence in a variety of speaking situations. The class will follow the order of the book, emphasizing stress, intonation, rhythm, linking and reductions as well as vowels an consonants. Also, we will discuss the role of personal interactions and social status in the production of a native-sounding accent.

Materials/Textbook

Required: American Accent Training by Ann Cook (available at campus bookstore, building B)

Recommended: a pocket mirror

                            An English/English Dictionary

                           A folder to hold your papers/ a pad to take notes

Class format:

The course will be a mixture of lecture, listening to the CDs that come with the book, focused practice from the textbook, and other supplementary fun exercises. You should expect that you will do more talking than listening.

Grades/Attendence:

Because this is not a credit class, no grades are assigned, and there will be no exams. However, students will receive certificates for successful completion of the course, based on attendance (at least 75%), participation and effort.

Class expectations:

Work hard, listen, respect other students, turn off your cell phones and have fun!