This course is designed to improve students' listening skills in English as a second language. Through a variety of activities and authentic materials, students will develop their ability to understand and interpret spoken English in a range of contexts and genres. The course will focus on developing students' listening strategies, pronunciation skills, and ability to participate in academic and real-world listening situations.

1. Week 9
Day 1

2. Listening and Pronunciation
(Understanding the Relationship)

3. Today’s Objective
To explore the connection between
listening and pronunciation in a
second language.

4. Importance of Pronunciation
Sound Identification
Stress and Intonation

5. Pronunciation plays a pivotal role in language
comprehension and effective communication.
Clear and accurate pronunciation enhances the
listener's ability to understand spoken language,
and it significantly influences the communicator's
effectiveness in conveying a message.

6. Word Recognition
Misunderstood pronunciation of
words may lead to delays in
understanding or even result in the
misinterpretation of the intended
meaning.

7. Importance of Pronunciation
Sound Identification
Stress and Intonation

8. Let’s Test Ourselves

9. Annie any
gnats nets
axes X’s
knack neck
rack wreck
bad bed
Which words am I saying?
A B

10. beat bit
cheap chip
cheek chick
deal dill
each itch
feel fill
Which words am I saying?
A B

11. boat bout
pro prow
hole howl
hose house
crowed crowd
coach couch
Which words am I saying?
A B

12. mow more
poke pork
show sure
chose chores
doe door
dome dorm
Which words am I saying?
A B

13. Repeat and Imitate:
Pay attention to specific sounds you hear during
our listening examples. Then repeat words aloud,
mimicking the pronunciation of native speakers
you see and listen to during this course.
How can you improve?

14. Importance of Pronunciation
Sound Identification
Stress and Intonation

15. Sentence Stress
Sentence stress is the emphasis placed
on certain words or syllables within a
sentence, influencing the overall meaning
and communication.

16. Give me the blue marker.
1.
Give me the blue marker.
2.
Give me the blue marker.
3.
Sentence Stress

17. Intonation
Intonation is the rise and fall of pitch in
speech, contributing to the emotional tone
and interpretation of a sentence. Let's explore
the significance of intonation and its impact
on communication. It plays a crucial role in
conveying emotions, attitudes, and the
intended meaning of a statement or question.

18. Rising Intonation: Elevating pitch at the end of a sentence indicates a
question or uncertainty.
Example: "You're coming to the party?"
Falling Intonation: Lowering pitch typically signifies a statement or
completion of a thought.
Example: "She will join us for dinner."
Note: The choice of rising or falling intonation significantly affects the
interpretation of a sentence, adding layers of meaning and nuance.
Intonation

19. Intonation Examples
1 2

20. Group Activity:

21. Identify appropriate stress and
intonation in this script.

22. Read it to the class!

23. Compare with actual audio.

24. See You Next Class

25. Week 9
Day 2

26. Listening and Pronunciation
(Techniques for Improvement)

27. Today’s Objective
To introduce techniques for
enhancing listening comprehension
through focused pronunciation
practice.

28. Mimicking Native Speakers
Tongue Twisters Exercises

29. Mimicking Speakers
Mimicking speakers is effective
because it helps learners internalize
correct pronunciation, rhythm, and
intonation, fostering a more authentic
and natural language acquisition
experience.

30. Listen
Repeat
Pay close attention to pronunciation
nuances, stress patterns, and
intonation.
Mimic pronunciation as closely as
possible. Try to replicate not only
individual sounds but also the overall
rhythm and melody of the speech.

31. 1 2 3
4 5 6

32. Choose a famous
person you would
like to mimic.
Find an video clip
and practic
mimicking them.

33. Get your group
member to guess
that person.

34. Mimicking Native Speakers
Tongue Twisters Exercises

35. Tongue Twisters
Sentences or phrases designed to be
difficult to articulate, often involving
similar or challenging sounds.
These help develop clear enunciation,
improve speech fluency, and
enhance overall pronunciation skills.

36. Two Famous Tongue Twisters
"Sally sells seashells down by the
seashore."
"Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled
peppers. How many peppers could
Peter Piper Pick?"

37. Let’s Practice

38. SHORT
How much wood could a
woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck
could chuck wood?

39. SHORT
Tricky Tristan eats Tasty Treats on
Tuesdays while tickling his tiny
toddler, Tim

40. SHORT
Seventeen slimy slugs sat in Satin
sunbonnets singing short sad
songs.

41. Whether the weather be fine
Or whether the weather be not,
Whether the weather be cold
Or whether the weather be hot,
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not.
LONG

42. Practice on Your Own

43. See You Next Class

44. Week 10
Day 1

45. Listening to Lectures and
Academic Discussions
(Review and Practice)

46. Today’s Objective
To reinforce the skills of
understanding and interpreting
academic lectures.

47. Review of Academic Lectures
Group Lecture Analysis
Group Discussion

48. Try to identify the main ideas, supporting
details, and key concepts.
Take notes using your preferred method.
Lecture Samples

49. History Law Speaking

50. Yale University
Professor Paul Freedman
Rome's Greatness and First Crises Get ready to
take notes.

51. main ideas?
supporting details?
key concepts?
What were the ...

52. University of Virginia Law School
Professor Anne Coughlin
How to Read a Case Get ready to
take notes.

53. main ideas?
supporting details?
key concepts?
What were the ...

54. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Professor Patrick Winston
How to Speak Get ready to
take notes.

55. main ideas?
supporting details?
key concepts?
What were the ...

56. What was most challenging
while listening to these lectures?

57. Review of Academic Lectures
Group Lecture Analysis
Group Discussion

58. Group Activity:

59. Analysis
of a university
lecture transcript

60. Download your
copy of today’s
lecture transcript.

61. Identify the
following:
1
2
3
Introduction
Main Body Parts
Conclusion

62. What words and phrases were
used to signal these parts?

63. Group Discussion:

64. Which lectures did you like most and why?
Which did you dislike and why?
What was easy to understand?
What was difficult to understand?
How can you better prepare yourself to listen
and understand English lectures in the future?

65. See You Next Class

66. Week 10
Day 2

67. Listening to Lectures and
Academic Discussions
(Active Listening and
Participation)

68. Today’s Objective
To introduce techniques for active
listening and effective participation
in academic discussions.

69. Lecture Paraphrasing
Lecture Questioning
Lecture Summarizing
Significance of Non-Verbal Cues

70. Justice War Politics

71. Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is the act of expressing someone
else's ideas, information, or content in one's own
words while retaining the original meaning and
essence. It involves rephrasing and restructuring
the language to convey the information in a
different form, maintaining clarity and
coherence without directly quoting the source.

72. Harvard University
Professor Michael Sandel
What's The Right Thing To Do? Get ready to
take notes.

73. Section 1
Section 2

74. Lecture Paraphrasing
Lecture Questioning
Lecture Summarizing
Significance of Non-Verbal Cues

75. Effective Questioning
Asking questions serves as a catalyst for active
participation, stimulating learners' cognitive
processes and fostering a deeper level of
comprehension. By posing questions, students
are encouraged to critically think about the
material, clarify uncertainties, and actively
contribute to discussions.

76. Possible Questions
Clarification Question:
"I'm unclear about [a
term]. Can you clarify?"
Example Request:
"Could you provide an
example of [the
concept]?"
Application Query:
"How does this concept
apply to real-world
situations?"
Compare and Contrast:
"What are the key
differences between
[two related concepts]?"

77. Yale University
Professor Joanne Freeman
Organizing a War
Ask Questions

78. Section 1
Section 2

79. Lecture Paraphrasing
Lecture Questioning
Lecture Summarizing
Significance of Non-Verbal Cues

80. Summarizing
Summarizing content helps with in memory
retention and comprehension. This process not
only reinforces understanding but also aids in
creating mental frameworks that facilitate
easier recall and application of knowledge
during academic tasks and assessments.

81. Yale University
Professor Ian Shapiro
Power and Politics in Today’s World Get ready to
take notes.

82. One
Longer
Section

83. Lecture Paraphrasing
Lecture Questioning
Lecture Summarizing
Significance of Non-Verbal Cues

84. Non-Verbal Cues
Non-verbal cues refer to the communication
elements expressed without the use of words,
encompassing gestures, facial expressions,
body language, and other visual and auditory
signals. These cues convey additional layers of
meaning, emotion, and intention beyond
spoken or written language.

85. Maintaining eye contact and nodding in academic
lectures is crucial for several reasons.
It demonstrates active engagement and attentiveness
Non-verbal cues such as eye contact and nodding
foster a positive and participatory learning environment,
encouraging open communication and discussion.
These cues contribute to effective interpersonal
communication, helping students build a connection
with the lecturer and their peers, ultimately enhancing
the overall educational experience.

88. Listening
Task 4
Prepare to listen to a
short video/audio clip
and answer 5 questions
on the material.
This is graded.

89. See You Next Class.

90. Week 11
Day 1

91. Listening to
American Dramas

92. Today’s Objective
To analyze language use, tone, and cultural
aspects in American dramas.
To explore how listening to dramas
contributes to real-world English language
learning.

93. Scene Analysis
Content Reflection

94. Analyzing American dramas exposes students to
authentic spoken English, helping them grasp
diverse language nuances, emotional expressions,
and cultural contexts. Dramas provide a source of
real-world language use, enhancing listening skills
and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural
expressions, idioms, and the intricacies of everyday
communication.
American Dramas

95. Lost House The
Sopranos

96. 2004-2010
Lost TV Series
The survivors of a plane crash
find themselves stranded on a
mysterious island. They are
forced to work together for their
survival when they realise that
they are not alone on the island.

97. Two Scenes

98. Read
Highlight
Unfamiliar Words
and Phrases
Scene 1
Transcript

99. What unfamiliar words and
phrases did you find?
What is happening in the
scenes?

100. Watch and Listen
Get ready to
take notes.

101. Class Discussion:

102. 2004-2012
House TV Series
Dr. Gregory House, although a
medical unconventional, is very
skilled and experienced in
leading a team of medical
diagnostics. He manages to
decode the many complications
that arise in the hospital.

103. Two Scenes

104. Read
Highlight
Unfamiliar Words
and Phrases
Scene 1
Transcript

105. What unfamiliar words and
phrases did you find?
What is happening in the
scenes?

106. Watch and Listen
Get ready to
take notes.

107. Class Discussion:

108. 1999-2007
The Sopranos TV Series
Tony Soprano, an Italian-
American mafia head based in
New Jersey, struggles to manage
his family and criminal life and
confides his affairs to his
psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi.

109. Two Scenes

110. Read
Highlight
Unfamiliar Words
and Phrases
Scene 1
Transcript

111. What unfamiliar words and
phrases did you find?
What is happening in the
scenes?

112. Watch and Listen
Get ready to
take notes.

113. Class Discussion:

114. Scene Analysis
Content Reflection

115. Group Activity:

116. What language was most
surprising and potentially
useful to you?

117. Did anything surprise you
regarding culture or behavior
in these scenes?

118. Real-World Application
Identify and integrate new vocabulary
from dramas.
Practice mimicking intonation and speech
patterns.
Incorporate dramatic expressions in
casual conversations.

119. See You Next Class

120. Week 11
Day 2

121. Listening to
American Sitcoms

122. Today’s Objective
To analyze humor, colloquial expressions,
and varied speech patterns in American
sitcoms.
To explore how listening to sitcoms
contributes to real-world English language
learning.

123. Scene Analysis
Content Reflection

124. Watching American sitcoms exposes learners to
colloquial expressions, humor, and varied speech
patterns commonly used in everyday
conversations. Additionally, the engaging and
entertaining nature of sitcoms makes the
language learning process enjoyable, encouraging
repeated exposure to natural English expressions.
American Sitcoms

125. Friends Seinfeld 30 Rock

126. 1994-2004
Friends TV Sitcom
Follow the lives of six reckless
adults living in Manhattan, as
they indulge in adventures
which make their lives both
troublesome and happening.

127. Two Scenes

128. Read
Highlight
Unfamiliar Words
and Phrases
Scene 1
Transcript

129. What unfamiliar words and
phrases did you find?
What is happening in the
scenes?

130. Watch and Listen
Get ready to
take notes.

131. Class Discussion:

132. 1989-1998
Friends TV Sitcom
Stand-up comedian Jerry
Seinfeld wrestles with life's most
perplexing yet trivial questions
with his eccentric friends
George, Elaine and Kramer.

133. Two Scenes

134. Read
Highlight
Unfamiliar Words
and Phrases
Scene 1
Transcript

135. What unfamiliar words and
phrases did you find?
What is happening in the
scenes?

136. Watch and Listen
Get ready to
take notes.

137. Class Discussion:

138. 2006-2013
30 Rock TV Sitcom
Liz Lemon, head writer of a sketch
comedy show, has to deal with
her arrogant boss and eccentric
stars. Regardless, she must run
the TV show successfully without
losing her mind.

139. Two Scenes

140. Read
Highlight
Unfamiliar Words
and Phrases
Scene 1
Transcript

141. What unfamiliar words and
phrases did you find?
What is happening in the
scenes?

142. Watch and Listen
Get ready to
take notes.

143. Class Discussion:

144. Scene Analysis
Content Reflection

145. Group Activity:

146. What language was most
surprising and potentially
useful to you?

147. Real-World Application
Identify and integrate new vocabulary
from sitcoms.
Practice mimicking intonation and speech
patterns.
Incorporate humorous expressions in
casual conversations.

148. Listening
Task 5
Prepare to listen to a
short video/audio clip
and answer 5 questions
on the material.
This is graded.

149. See You Next Class.

150. Week 12
Day 1

151. Listening
to Accents

152. Today’s Objective
To explore the impact of diverse English
accents (American, British, Australian, and
Indian) on listening comprehension.
To practice understanding and interpreting
English spoken with different accents.

153. Understanding and appreciating
various accents is a crucial aspect
of English language learning that
goes beyond mere pronunciation
differences.
Importance

154. Importance
Real-world Communication:
In real-world situations, English speakers come from diverse linguistic backgrounds,
each with its unique accent. Understanding various accents is essential for effective
communication in international settings, both in academic and professional contexts.
Listening Comprehension:
Exposure to different accents improves listening comprehension skills. It trains learners
to decipher speech patterns, intonation, and pronunciation variations, enhancing their
ability to understand speakers with diverse linguistic styles.
Career Advancement:
In today's interconnected world, many careers require individuals to interact with
people from different linguistic backgrounds. Professionals who can navigate diverse
accents are better positioned for career advancement, especially in multinational and
multicultural work environments.

155. Rhoticity refers to the pronunciation of the "r" sound in
spoken English. In rhotic accents, speakers pronounce
the "r" sound clearly, especially at the end of words, while
non-rhotic accents either partially or entirely drop the "r"
sound at the end of syllables or words. Rhoticity is a key
feature that distinguishes different English accents and
contributes to the overall sound and character of spoken
English in various regions around the world.
Rhoticity

156. American Accent
Vowel Pronunciation:
The "r" sound is often pronounced clearly, especially at the end
of words, distinguishing it from other accents.
The short "a" sound, as in "cat," tends to be pronounced as a
more open sound.
T Pronunciation:
The "t" sound in the middle of words is pronounced more like a
soft "d," as in "water" (wah-der).
Rhoticity:
American English is rhotic, meaning the "r" sound is pronounced
in all positions, contributing to the distinctive accent.

157. Take a moment
to read the first
few paragraphs
American Accent
Transcript

158. Tim Urban
Inside the mind of a master procrastinator

159. British Accent
Vowel Pronunciation:
The short "a" sound is pronounced more closed, as in "cat."
There's a tendency to drop the "r" sound at the end of words.
T Pronunciation:
The "t" sound in the middle of words is pronounced more clearly
compared to American English.
Non-rhoticity:
Received Pronunciation is non-rhotic, so the "r" sound is not
pronounced at the end of words.

160. Take a moment
to read the first
few paragraphs
British Accent
Transcript

161. Jamie Oliver
Teach every child about food

162. Australian Accent
Vowel Pronunciation:
Similar to British English, the short "a" sound is often pronounced
as a more closed sound.
The long "i" sound, as in "ride," is often pronounced as a
diphthong, making it distinct.
T Pronunciation:
The "t" sound in the middle of words is often pronounced as a
soft "d."
Rhoticity:
Australian English can be rhotic or non-rhotic, depending on the
region and speaker. Some speakers drop the "r" sound at the
end of words, while others retain it.

163. Take a moment
to read the first
few paragraphs
Australian Accent
Transcript

164. Ashweetha Shetty
Dr Sarah Cannard

165. Indian Accent
Vowel Pronunciation:
Pronunciation may vary, but there's often an emphasis on clear
vowel sounds.
The short "a" sound is typically pronounced as in British English.
T Pronunciation:
The "t" sound is often pronounced clearly.
Rhoticity:
Indian English is generally non-rhotic, so the "r" sound is not
pronounced at the end of words.

166. Take a moment
to read the first
few paragraphs
Indian Accent
Transcript

167. Ashweetha Shetty
How education helped me rewrite my life

168. Group Activity:

169. Identify which
accents are either
American, British,
Australian, or Indian.
1 2
3 4

170. Next Class:
Quiz 2

171. See You Next Class

172. Week 12
Day 2

173. Review for
Quiz One

175. Prepare to
take the quiz.

176. iCampus Test Warning
You are permitted ONLY ONE device on your desk to take this
exam: smartphone, laptop, or tablet. Once you begin the exam,
do not leave the quiz page for any reason. The iCampus robot
will identify and record how many times a student leaves the
exam page. If a student leaves the testing page before
finishing, it may be assumed that he/she is looking up answers
on their device. This may result in failing the exam.
시험시주의사항
시험은한가지기구로만볼수있습니다. (스마트폰, 노트북, 데스크탑등). 한
번시험을시작했다면어떤이유에서든페이지를나가면안됩니다. 아이캠퍼
스시스템에서시험종료전시험페이지에서나갈경우답을찾기위해페이지
를나간것으로간주되어테스트결과가불합격처리될수있습니다.

178. Answers Discussion

179. Group Discussion:

180. See You Next Class

181. Week 13
Day 1

182. Podcasts:
Long-Form
Conversation

183. Today’s Objective
To expose students to long-form
podcast content, emphasizing
comprehension and engagement.

184. What are Long-form Podcasts
The Joe Rogan Experience
The Shawn Ryan Show

185. A long-form content podcast typically features extended,
in-depth discussions or interviews, often spanning
several hours per episode. Unlike shorter podcasts that
may focus on specific topics in a concise format, long-
form podcasts allow for a more extensive exploration of
subjects.
Long-form Content Podcasts

186. The content can vary widely, ranging from interviews
with notable figures in various fields, deep dives into
specific topics or issues, to open-ended conversations
covering a broad array of subjects.
Long-form Content Podcasts

187. What are Long-form Podcasts
The Joe Rogan Experience
The Shawn Ryan Show

188. The Joe Rogan
Experience
The Joe Rogan Experience podcast is a
long form conversation hosted by
comedian Joe Rogan with friends and
guests that have included comedians,
actors, musicians, MMA fighters,
authors, artists, and beyond.

189. Famous Guests Have Included
Elon
Musk
Mike
Tyson
Robert
Downey Jr.
Post
Malone
Neil
deGrasse
Tyson

190. Today’s Two Guests
Quentin
Tarantino
Megan
Phelps-
Roper

191. Quentin Tarantino
Quentin Jerome Tarantino is an
American film director, screenwriter,
and actor. His films are characterized
by stylized violence, extended
dialogue including a pervasive use of
profanity, and references to popular
culture.

192. Quentin
Tarantino

193. Transcript

194. Observations, Questions,
and Insights?

195. Megan Phelps-Roper
Megan Phelps-Roper is an American
political activist who is formerly a
member of, and spokesperson for,
the Westboro Baptist Church, a
Hyper-Calvinist Christian sect, widely
regarded as a hate group.

196. Megan
Phelps-Roper

197. Transcript

198. Observations, Questions,
and Insights?

199. What are Long-form Podcasts
The Joe Rogan Experience
The Shawn Ryan Show

200. The Shawn
Ryan Show
Hosted by Shawn Ryan, former U.S. Navy
SEAL and CIA Contractor. The show tells
real stories about real people from all
walks of life. It discusses the ups and
downs, wins and losses, successes and
struggles, the good and bad in a
respectful but candid way.

201. Today’s Guest
Rob O'Neill -
SEAL Team Six

202. Rob O'Neill - SEAL Team Six
A former SEAL Team 6 member, O'Neill
came to wide public prominence after he
took credit for firing the shots that killed
9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden during
a covert raid in 2011. O'Neill told his
story in his 2017 memoir “The Operator.”
The United States government has never
confirmed or denied the story.

203. Rob O'Neill -
SEAL Team Six

204. Transcript

205. Observations, Questions,
and Insights?

206. Key Takeaways
Conversational Nuances: Exposure to
long-form podcasts, such as the Joe Rogan
Experience, allows students to grasp the
intricacies of conversational English,
including informal language, tone
variations, and natural speech patterns.
Diverse Language Use: Students gain
insight into a wide range of vocabulary,
expressions, and idiomatic language
employed in authentic, unscripted
conversations. This exposure enhances
their ability to comprehend and engage in
real-world English.
Cultural References: Long-form podcasts
often incorporate cultural references and
anecdotes, providing students with a
deeper understanding of cultural contexts
and enhancing their cultural literacy
alongside language skills.
Active Listening Skills: Engaging with
extended, unscripted content develops
students' active listening skills as they learn
to follow complex discussions, identify key
points, and extract meaning from more
extended and dynamic spoken discourse.

207. See You Next Class