Spring 2005 Syllabus | Independent Study | Links | Contact

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Welcome to phonetics (英語音声学).

This course introduces the fundamentals of English phonetics to help students gain a practical understanding of, and improve their own, English pronunciation. Course will be taught bilingually.

Textbook: Easy English Phonetics. ¥1000. Students should buy this book from the instructor on the first day of class or soon after.

The grading has changed. This was printed in the course description: Tests: 50%; Classwork & quizzes: 25%; Homework: 25% However, it has changed!

Grading for this course will be:
(1) Final examination on phonetics theory: 2/3
(2) Individual pronunciation improvement: 1/3

(1) Final examination on phonetics theory: 2/3

This grade reflects how well each student understands basic phonetics, including IPA. The exam will be written in English; however, students can use an English-Japanese glossary of phonetics terminology. Final examination will be based on the textbook and classroom lectures.

OTHER RESOURCES: Go to the independent study page for on-line worksheets and self-checking quizzes. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you complete them!


(2) Individual pronunciation improvement: 1/3
This grade reflects awareness of pronunciation, effort, and concrete improvement in pronunciation.

・ Students must successfully complete the pronunciation worksheets in the textbook and be "signed off" by the instructor by the dates given in the syllabus.
・ Students may be assigned extra worksheets covering their particular problem areas in pronunciation.

How to complete the pronunciation worksheets. The worksheets have two sections: Listening and Pronunciation.

1. Listening section: Easy English Phonetics CDs and tapes will be available at the 4th floor independent study area. Students who prefer to listen and practice at home may purchase the CDs (set of 2) from the instructor for ¥500.

2. Pronunciation section: Students can record the pronunciation section on cassette tapes, MDs, or as mp3 files sent to the instructor. Make sure that the sound is recorded clearly and audibly. (Don't forget to write your name and student number on the tape or MD!) Media can be dropped off or picked up from the boxes in front of my office.

OTHER RESOURCES:
Pronunciation clinic: Thursdays, 12:15 to 1:15, LL2. The instructor will be in the LL to help individual students with pronunciation. Students are not required to attend this pronunciation clinic.

Last revised: April 16, 2005