Cross-cultural Speech Acts - A

Level
Intermediate
Term
Spring
Class Time
Mon & Thurs Period 2
Instructor
Fischer
Description
This course explores language as speech acts (e.g. greetings, refusals, etc.) in cross-cultural contexts. It is designed to enhance awareness and ability to analyze cultural norms, mainly for the American English context, that determine the appropriateness of speech acts.
Class activities include identifying and analyzing strategies used by speakers of other cultures in conversation. Students will create dialogues to best meet given situations.
Schedule
  • ​Lesson 1: Orientation and introduction to speech acts, conversation strategies
  • Lesson 2: Greetings and small talk
  • Lesson 3 & 4: Compliments
  • Lesson 5 & 6: Thanks
  • Lesson 7 & 8: Requests
  • Lesson 9 & 10: Refusals
  • Lesson 11: Review activities
  • Lesson 12: Email writing
  • Lesson 13 & 14: Term project and presentation
  • *Lessons and assignments are subject to change.
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Homework
It is important to complete assignments by the due dates. Each assignment will prepare students for the next activities in lessons. 
Materials
No textbook is required for this course.
Grading
Grading
10% Attendance and class participation
90% Projects and assignments　
  • 60% Discourse analysis worksheets,
  • 5% Email assignment,
  • 20% presentation, and
  • 5% Reflection
***5 %: Self-Access participations as extras