This course offers trainings in presentation skills for a variety of academic settings. Through practices, students will gain knowledge of how to apply these skills effectively to their presentations, have confidence in tackling real-life situations. Students will receive constructive feedback from the instructor, who would help students develop successful strategies toward presenting ideas in a clear manner. Moreover, as audience, students will improve their listening skills by learning to ask insightful and stimulating questions to their colleagues.
As a 400-level elective course, Academic Presentation in English 13 equips graduate students with the necessary tools to deliver well-informed presentations.
By the end of this course, students will be able to deliver individual presentations at academic settings, being aware of verbal and non-verbal messages while engaging the audience, followed by a question and answer session, fielding questions from the audience.
Presentation skills, listening skills, communication skills
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
The course will guide students through the process of giving a presentation - from the planning stages and awareness of the elements of an effective presentation, to signposting, through to the main body of the presentation to the final question and answer session.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Course introduction The first step toward successful presentations | Students are responsible for reading all handouts. |
Class 2 | Lecture and discussion: Speaking to be Heard - signposting | Students are responsible for reading all handouts. |
Class 3 | Lecture and discussion: Beginning and Finishing Strong | Students are responsible for reading all handouts. |
Class 4 | Lecture and discussion: Building Cohesion with Assertions | Students are responsible for reading all handouts. |
Class 5 | Presentation I: a Linear Presentation | Students deliver presentations. The details of the assignment will be provided on Week 2. |
Class 6 | Lecture and discussion: Incorporating Technology | Students are responsible for reading all handouts. |
Class 7 | Lecture and discussion: Creating Appropriate Questions and Responding Thoughtfully | Students are responsible for reading all handouts. |
Class 8 | Presentation II: A Linear Presentation enhanced with Technology and a Q&A | Students deliver presentations. The details of the assignment will be provided on Week 6. |
There is no required textbook in this course.
The subject will be organized around online material and class discussions. Edmodo will be used and is designed to help learners engage with required readings and video viewings.
Students are important resources as their experiences, feedback and discussions will enable a classroom community to strengthen and overcome individual weaknesses.
Suggested Web sites:
TED Talks https://www.ted.com/
VOA http://www.voanews.com/
NPR http://www.npr.org/
TED, VOA and NPR provide video transcripts.
Scientific American (video and podcasts “60-second science”) http://www.scientificamerican.com/
BBC http://www.bbc.com/news
National Geographic http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
Presentation: 20 marks A marking rubric has been developed and will posted on Edmodo -- Content (15 marks) & Language (5)
Discussion: 10 marks -- Responding to Questions - 5 marks & Audience Member Participation - 5 marks
Total: 30 marks of final grade
Participation: 20 marks -- 10 marks in class and 10 marks online
None
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with LAE.E442.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.