Department of Foreign Languages

Faculty of Liberal Arts

Prince of Songkla University

892-212: Listening and Speaking in Academic Contexts 3 Credits

Section: Day & Time:

Instructors:

Name: Email: Phone Number:

Jarren Hildebrandt jarren.h@psu.ac.th 063-101-1515

Luke Comprendio lukejobertearl.c@psu.ac.th 087-396-6957

Course Description:

Listening to extended passages in academic contexts; note-taking; taking part in the academic
discussion; comparing, contrasting, and critically evaluating different points of view in a
presentation; articulating one’s point of view in response to others’; listening and speaking in real
academic situations

Course Objectives

After completing this course, students should be able to:

1. Listen to and understand English language presentations of varying content types
2. Effectively take notes while listening to English language inputs
3. Participate (ask questions & give answers) in discussions of various topics, both general
and academic
4. Give short presentations of an academic nature
5. Structure their own presentations in a logical and engaging manner
6. Use digital technologies to create visual aids that enhance communication
7. Demonstrate personal integrity through timely task completion and course participation
8. Use various technological platforms, programs, and online applications for language
learning enhancement

Grading

Your final grades are determined on the basis of the percent scores accumulated through the
semester. The percentage equivalencies of the letter grades are as follows:

A ≥ 84.5 C ≥ 64.5
B+ ≥ 79.5 D+ ≥ 59.5
B ≥ 74.5 D ≥ 54.5
C+ ≥ 69.5 E < 54.5
Requirements
Final grade percentage

1. Class Activities (Aj. Jarren) 10%

2. Presentation 1 15%

3. Presentation 2 25%

4. Class Activities (Listening Tasks) 20%

5. Evaluated Group Discussion 10%

6. Final Exam 20%

Please note:

Students must attend a minimum of 80% of the total number of class hours to be eligible
to complete the final exam. Any absence due to medical reasons must be supported by a
medical certificate issued by a hospital.

Teaching Schedule

The course will be administered over 17 weeks as shown below:

Teaching Teaching
Dates Dates
Week Week

1 June 27-July 1 10 August 29-September 2

2 July 4-8 11 September 5-9
3 July 11-15 12 September 12-16
4 July 18-22 13 September 19-23
5 July 25-29 14 September 26-30
6 August 1-5 15 October 3-7
7 August 8-12 16 October 10-14
Final Exams
8 August 15-19 17
October 15-27
Midterm Break
9
August 20-26
Course Content

Week Unit Objectives

1 Course Orientation and Introduction ● Situate contents of the course in the

context of related courses
● Explore key terms
● Provide an overview of course activities,
structure, and assessment

2 Introduction to Communication ● Verbal and nonverbal communication

● Effective use of body language and
gestures
● Basic vocal techniques

3 Speaking & Presentation Skills I ● Smooth presentation structure

● Openings and closings
● Signposting key points

4 Presentation I

5 Speaking & Presentation Skills II ● Create rapport with and engage an

audience
● Storytelling

6 Speaking & Presentation Skills III ● Impact techniques

7 Speaking & Presentation Skills IV ● Visual Aids

● Putting it all together

8 Presentation II

9 Midterm Break

10 Characteristics of Academic ● Predict content based on background

Discourse knowledge
● Identify differences between academic
listening & speaking in English and
other registers and skills

11 Academic Listening & Note-taking ● Listen for the main idea

Strategies I ● Recognize types of information
● Obtain information from reliable
sources
● Become familiar with note-taking styles

12 Academic Discussion I: The Basics ● Different strategies for different

listening situations
● Enter a discussion
● Ask for clarification
● Ask for more information
● Essential expressions used in
discussions
● Show respect for others
13 Academic Listening & Note-taking ● Recognize transitions
Strategies II ● Recognize language signaling key
points
● Recognize organizing phrases
● Listen intently for numbers
● Use abbreviations in notes

14 Academic Discussion II ● Support statements with facts

● Recognize hesitation, repair & hedging

15 Controlled Listening Practice ● Hone listening skills in an simulated

exam environment

16 Evaluated Group Discussions

17 Final Listening Exam