STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1. Interpret authentic written and oral texts of various types dealing with daily topics to identify the main idea, key words and specific detail.

 

  2. Engage in conversation to exchange personal information concerning everyday life, by asking and answering questions, expressing likes and dislikes, and making basic comparisons.

 

  3. Present information orally and in writing dealing with familiar topics to describe, compare and share ideas.

 

  4. Demonstrate familiarity with cultural sources and reflect on the dynamic and diverse nature of products, practices and perspectives of culture.

 

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

  I. Interpretive Communication Topics

   a. Straightforward discourse

  b. Instructions

  c. Description

  d. Daily activities

  e. Advertisements

 

  II. Interpretive Communication Strategies

  a. Activate background knowledge

  b. Recognize cognates

  c. Take notes

  d. Predict content

  e. Skim and scan

  f. Recognize visual cues and tone

 

  III. Interpersonal Communication Topics

  a. Introductions, greetings and leave taking

   b. Asking questions

  c. Formal and informal modes of address

  d. Daily routines and schedules

  e. Comparisons of people and things

  f. Description

  g. Indicating likes and dislikes

 

 

 

  IV. Interpersonal Communication Strategies

  a. Initiate and maintain basic conversation

  b. Differentiate between formal versus informal situations

  c. Negotiate meaning by repeating words or selecting a new word

  d. Negotiate meaning by using facial expressions and gestures

  e. Elicit information by asking questions

  f. React to other’s ideas

 

  V. Presentational Communication Topics

   a. Daily routines

   b. Likes and dislikes

   c. Free time activities

   d. Description

   e. Academic and career goals

   f. Email

 

  VI. Presentational Communication Strategies

   a. Agreement

   i. Adjective-noun

   ii. Verb-subject

   b. Drafting and peer-review

   c. Impact

   i. Visual support

   ii. Creativity

   d. Variety of vocabulary

   e. Conventions of informal letter writing

  f. Using linking words

  g. Sequencing ideas

  h. Word processing in the language

 

  VII. Intercultural Communication Topics

  a. Concept of culture: products, practices and perspectives

   b. Cultural lens and reflection on native culture

 

  VIII. Intercultural Communication Strategies

  a. Explore resources:

   i. Get to know your community

   ii. Internet and library resources

   iii. Native speakers

   iv. Academic, career and interdisciplinary interests