- Initial recording. At the beginning of the semester, each student will provide a recording of his/her pronunciation in Spanish. The two minute recording consists of reading a word list, and then recording two minutes of spontaneous speech (i.e. do not read) according to the prompt. The instructor will listen to each recording, and provide a written classification of each student as a non-native speaker of Spanish or a native speaker of Spanish (based only on pronunciation traits). Those students classified as non-native speakers will be given a list of traits that need to be improved. These traits will be discussed and exemplified throughout the course, and will form the basis for the final oral exam. The final oral exam for students classified as non-native speakers of Spanish will consist of a word list and free conversation in which attention will be paid to improving the traits noted at the beginning of the semester. Students classified as native speakers of Spanish based on their pronunciation will come to the oral final exam prepared to discuss their own pronunciation of Spanish according to the phonetic terminology developed during the course. Note that since the final oral exam is based on improving on this initial recording, if you fail to turn it in by the due date, you will still be required to complete the assignment, although no credit will be given. This counts as part of your oral exam grade.
- Second recordings. Students will also make a series of recordings throughout the semester to help analyze their pronunciation traits and help them to improve their pronunciation.
- Oral Exam. A final oral exam will evaluate how well you have assimilated and applied concepts of Spanish pronunciation throughout the semester. Non-native speakers are expected to demonstrate improvements on any difficulties listed on the comment sheet from the initial diagnostic recording. The format will be reading a list of words and free conversation; there is no need to prepare any materials. Although you are not expected to have a completely native accent by the end of the semester, you will be graded against “native-like” pronunciation, since that is the ultimate goal. Students classified as native Spanish speakers will give a detailed description of their own pronunciation during the oral final exam, using the terminology developed in the course. The final oral exam will take place on a one-to-one basis with the instructor during the last week of class. There will be no regular class on that day; you will come for your exam time only. The remaining time should be used to complete your final project.
- Final Project. There will be a final project (made up of many smaller projects assigned during the semester) in which the student prepares a web site on a specific country, obtains a recording of a native speaker of that country, analyzes the speech of the speaker and makes a presentation. The project will also include the analysis of either your (for non-native speakers) or a partner's (for native speakers) phonology, with special focus on certain problematic aspects of Spanish phonology for American speakers.
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