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ENGL 2000-01 (American Speech) Spring Semester 2006
Dr. David W. Newton Office Hours: Office: TLC 2222 MWF 8:00-8:45 am; 10:00-10:45am 678-839-4877 (voicemail) MW 2:00-4:00 pm dnewton@westga.edu (email) Please call to schedule TR appointments http://www.westga.edu/~dnewton
Description: An investigation of the varieties of speech communities in America, emphasizing the practical applications of dialectology and discourse analysis. In this course we will investigate some of the speech communities or dialects that comprise the English language in America. We will learn some of the basic principles and concepts that inform the study of language (or linguistics). We will also examine the history of language in America and identify some of the socio-historical conditions that have given our native language its remarkable diversity and social complexity. Finally, we will explore how individuals negotiate the expectations of different speech communities they belong to—both personal and professional—and how the evaluation of speech differences (our own, as well as others) in our professional work and personal lives is informed by historical, social, cultural, educational, economic, and political conditions. Consequently, this course will emphasize the practical as well as the theoretical applications of language and speech analysis. The course will teach students how to give formal speech presentations, and it will help them to become more aware of how judgments about language affect their ability to communicate successfully with others.
Learning Outcomes: 1) Students will understand the basic concepts that inform language variation; 2) Students will recognize how language variation is shaped by historical, social, educational, economic, and political conditions; 3) Students will develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills by applying the tools of language analysis to "real-world" situations; 4) Students will strengthen skills in oral communication through regularly assigned presentations; and 5) Students will appreciate how language variation is related to issues of professional vocation, cultural diversity, information technology, and lifelong learning.
Relationship to Program Goals: 1) This course fulfills the oral communication elective requirement in Core Area B.1; 2) Oral and written communication will be characterized by clarity, critical analysis, logic, coherence, persuasion, precision, and rhetorical awareness (Core Curriculum learning outcomes I).
Required Texts: Kovecses, American English (Broadview Press, 2000) Bauer and Trudgill, eds. Language Myths (Penguin Books, 1999) Additional materials will be placed on the course website or on reserve in the library.
Course Evaluation:10% Speech Presentation I30% Speech Presentation II and III (15% each) 60% 3 examinations (20% each)
Participation in classroom activities is required. Points will be deducted from your final average if you are absent from class and do not complete these.
Grading Scale: Students will be assigned a letter grade for each assignment ranging from A+ to F based on the following numerical scale. The numerical grade will be used when calculating the final average at the end of the semester.
Attendance Requirements: Careful preparation and active participation are crucial to your success in this course. I expect you to be present and on time for all class meetings. Readings and other assignments should be completed in advance of each class. You should come prepared to participate actively in our class discussions and activities. If you are going to be absent from class, you should let me know in advance. Please note that if you are absent you will not be able to make up missed in-class assignments or quizzes, and you will not receive credit for these assignments under any circumstances. If you find it unavoidable to miss class, be aware of the following guidelines: 1) Six (6) absences are allowed during the semester. Every absence thereafter will result in a 2 point grade reduction of your final grade in the course, regardless of the nature of the absence. I do not make distinctions between excused and unexcused absences, so you should use your allotted absences wisely. Unplanned or unexpected occurrences are likely, so be prepared to use absences for these events only; 2) Class roll will be taken at the beginning of every class. If you arrive late, it is your responsibility to let me know immediately after class or you will be counted absent. It is your responsibility to keep up with your absences and tardies; 3) Entering class late and leaving class before it is over will count as an unexcused absence, unless you have a documented medical excuse for doing so. Reasons related to outside employment or work in other classes are not legitimate excuses for leaving class early or arriving late; 4) Excessive absences or tardiness from class may result in your administrative withdrawal from this course with a failing grade.
Classroom Assignments: Throughout this course you will be expected to complete homework assignments and in-class activities. These assignments are designed to reinforce the information presented in reading assignments and lectures, and they will help you prepare for the speech presentations. Some of these assignments will be collaborative (group work). You will not be able to make up assignments that are missed due to absences.
Speech Presentations: One of the major goals of this class is to help you become more aware of how to use language effectively in public and professional settings. Therefore, you will be expected to complete three major class presentations as part of your grade in this course. Each presentation will help you learn more about the material we are studying in class and become more proficient at speaking in public. Presentations will be assessed on the basis on organization, clarity, and presentation style. We will provide you with instructions and a separate handout for each of these presentations as the course progresses.
Examinations: Examinations will be based on assigned readings, homework assignments and lectures (as well as other materials) presented in class. For each examination, you will be expected to know the major terms, concepts, and theories related to the study of language and dialects that will be presented in reading assignments and course lectures. Consequently, you should be thoroughly familiar with each reading assignment before we discuss it and take notes during class. I will provide you with a study guide a week prior to each examination date. Examinations cannot be taken late unless you have a documented medical or personal emergency. In the event that such circumstances arise, you must let me know in advance to schedule an alternate time to take the examination. Otherwise, late exams will be marked down one letter grade for each day they are late.
Special Needs: If you have a registered disability that requires accommodation, see me at the beginning of the semester. If you have a disability that is not registered through the Disabled Student Services Office, contact Dr. Ann Phillips in 137 Parker Hall at 770)839-6428.
Technology: You need to be familiar with finding sources online and other aspects of computer technology for this class. I will assist you if you have questions. Also, information can be found online at the UWG Technology Guide (http://www.westga.edu/~techlife).
Plagiarism & Academic Dishonesty: UWG defines plagiarism as submitting words and ideas written or developed by others in electronic (online), print, verbal, or other sources and claiming them as your own. You should accurately credit your sources in all your written and presentation assignments. An equally dishonest practice is fabricating sources or facts, submitting another student’s writing as your own, or relying on others to write and/or edit your papers excessively. Plagiarism is automatic grounds for failing this course. Any student caught submitting materials written by others (in part or whole) as their own work will fail the course automatically and be referred to the Academic Discipline Council. See http://www.westga.edu/~engdept/Plagiarism for further information. It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes plagiarism.
Conferences and Outside Assistance: I will be glad to meet with you outside of class to discuss your progress in this class, examinations, speech presentations, or reading assignments. If you are having trouble with the material in this course or have questions and/or concerns you would like to discuss, please set up a time to meet with me. My office hours are listed above, but I will be glad to meet with you at other times, if we arrange a mutually convenient time in advance.
NOTE: Please make a xerox copy of all written work you turn in to me, in case it is misplaced or lost. Save your work on a computer disk! I will not give you credit for work you claim to turn in but that I do not have in my possession.
NOTE: Please turn off all cell phones and pagers before entering class.
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