COURSE DESCRIPTION

COMM 100 is structured as an introductory communication course for ESL students completing Level V course work. In this course, we will focus on your writing, reading, and speaking of English using various course activities and assignments that allow you to learn about improving your communication skills in a safe, interactive environment. We will focus in this course on Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication. The information you gain in this course will help you to succeed in the United States as a student in non-ESL classes, as well as on the job and in your personal relationships.

TEXT:

Lumsden, G. and Lumsden, D. (2003). Communication with credibility and confidence, 2nd edition. Thomson-Wadsworth.

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS:

Attendance/Participation (50 points): Attendance in this class is very important. You will be expected to come to class each day and participate in the activities that are assigned that day. This includes participating in discussions and pronunciation exercises.

Written Exams (100 points each): There will be two exams in the course. Exams will include true/false, matching, and multiple-choice questions. There may also be a short essay question on the exam. Exams will cover the information we have discussed in class as well as your reading.

Speech and Paper:
Speech (100 points): You will give one PERSUASIVE speech in this class. In your speech you will discuss with the class an important problem in our world today. You will tell us about the problem and how you think we should solve it.

Paper (100 points): You will write a paper that describes in paragraph form the problem you will address in your speech. Your paper should also tell me about the solution you think will best solve the problem.

• Your paper should be written as an essay and should demonstrate your ability to use appropriate English grammar and spelling.
• As you work to complete this paper, I will review draft copies of what you have written. You will then be allowed to revise your paper to gain additional points. Your paper should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
• You will need to cite at least two sources for your information.
• The FINAL draft of your paper should be at least 2 pages in length.
• You will base your speech on the research you have done for this paper.

Oral Skills (50 points each): You will learn about several techniques that you can use to communicate effectively with others in your lives. We will learn about these concepts in class and practice them together. I will then ask you to work with a partner and orally demonstrate for me your knowledge of these techniques. These demonstrations are called Oral Skills. During these demonstrations, I will be looking for the correct use of the communication skill and correct use of grammar and pronunciation. You will have two Oral Skill demonstrations: paraphrasing and perception checking.
Self Evaluation (50 points): At the end of the course, I will ask you to write a one page paper that tells me what you have learned in this class. You should tell me how you have improved as a communicator because of this class AND how you hope to continue to improve in the future. Your paper should demonstrate your mastery of grammar and spelling. You and I will have a final meeting together in class during which you will tell me about what you wrote. During this final meeting, I will be listening for your use of correct grammar, idioms, and pronunciation.