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Universal College of Paraaque

COURSE OUTLINE

COMMUNICATION SKILLS /
STUDY & THINKING SKILLS IN ENGLISH



COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is anchored on the enhancement of the students communication skills
using the English language with main focus on the four macro skills speaking, listening,
reading and writing. It encompasses the mastery of English language competencies based
on fundamental concepts and principles from sentence construction following correct
grammar, reading and understanding texts, sentence construction and paragraph
development, speech articulation and fluency, and listening comprehension. Practical
exercises and interactive activities are also integrated improve the critical thinking and
conversational skills of the students.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the semester, the students are expected to:

A. Cognitive
1. Analyze and comprehend dialogues and conversations, both oral and
written utilizing higher order thinking skills;
2. Convey thoughts and ideas in well-organized form and positive
spontaneity; and
3. Utilize critical thinking in understanding the integrated concepts and
principles, and delivering given tasks.

B. Psychomotor
1. Construct grammatically correct sentences and compose paragraphs with
unity, parallelism, clarity, coherence and emphasis;
2. Practice attentive listening and reading with comprehension; and
3. Write compositions in representative discourses by observing correct
grammaticality.

C. Affective
1. Manifest confidence and fluency in communicating using the English
language;
2. Participate proactively in practical exercises to develop confidence and
fluency in using the English language; and
3. Appreciate the value of acquiring knowledge in English as a global
medium of communication and a tool in achieving personal and
professional advancement.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Fermin, Virginia E. and Manalo, Paterna E. Effective Speech Communication for
Filipinos. Quezon City.

Mazon, Constancia M. Study and Thinking Skills in English. St. Augustin Publications Inc.,
Manila. 2005.

Ornos, Petra S. et.al Communication Skills in the Discipline. Mutya Publishing House.
Valemzuela City, 2004.
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Watson, Katherine Succeed in English. Arcturus Publishing Limited. London, 2010.




COVERAGE:

No. of
Hours
Topics Strategies /
Methodology
1.5
Classroom Management,
Discussion of Syllabus,
Discussion of Grades


6
I. Communication

A. Definition of Communication
B. The Four Macro Skills in English (Speaking,
Listening, Reading and Writing)
C. Nature, Functions and Characteristics of
Communication
D. Types, Levels, Elements and Bases of
Communication
E. Bases of Communication
F. Sequence in the Cycle of Communication
G. Importance of Communication


Discussion
Insight sharing
Quiz
1.5
II. Language and Grammar

A. Definition and Nature of Language
B. Characteristics of Language
C. Definition and Nature of Grammar
D. Importance of Grammar in Language and
Communication


Discussion
Insight sharing
Quiz
6
III. Grammar Focus

A. Recalling the Parts of Speech
(Usage, Forms, Types and other Characteristics)

1. Verbs
2. Adjectives
3. Adverbs
4. Nouns
5. Pronouns
6. Prepositions
7. Conjunctions
8. Interjections
9. Articles


Discussion
Pattern drill
Seatwork
Quiz
3
IV. Verb Tenses

A. Simple Tenses
B. Compound Tenses
1. Progressive Tenses
2. Perfect Tenses


Discussion
Pattern drill
Sentence construction
Seatwork
Quiz
3
V. Subject-Verb Agreement

A. Rules in Subject-Verb Agreement


Discussion
Sentence construction
Seatwork
3

Quiz

1.5
PRELIM EXAM
3
VI. The Sentence

A. Definition and Elements of a Sentence
B. Types of Sentences
1. According to Use
2. According to Structure
C. Basic Word Order
D. Sentence Modification
E. Characteristics of Effective Sentence

VII. The Paragraph

A. Definition and Elements of a Paragraph
B. Nature and Methods of Paragraph
Development
C. Writing a Paragraph


Discussion
Sentence construction
Pair work
Composition writing
Seatwork
Quiz
6
VIII. Speaking

A. Nature and Characteristics of Speaking in
Communication
B. Qualities of a Good Speaking Voice
C. The International Phonetic Alphabet: An
Overview
D. Word Stress and Intonation
E. Phrasing and Blending
F. Qualities of an Effective Voice
G. Characteristics of an Effective Speaker
H. Developing Practical Listening Skills
1. Conversation Exercises
1.1 Business English
1.2 Casual Conversations
1.3 Survival English


Interview exercise
Panel discussion
Vocal exercises
Tongue twisters
Speech drill
Role play
Quiz
6
IX. Listening

A. Definition and Nature of Listening
B. Elements and Types of Listening
C. Objectives of Listening
D. Types of Listening
E. Characteristics of Effective Listening
F. The Seven Basics of Effective Listening
G. Barriers to Effective Listening
H. Developing Practical Listening Skills
I. Listening Exercises
1. Recalling and Sequencing of Events
2. Note Taking through Dictation
3. Getting the Songs Message
4. Reacting to Advertisements
5. Sound Words and Images


Discussion
Interview exercise
Video presentation
Listening drill
Comprehension check
3
X. Reading

A. Reading and Its Purpose
B. Reading with Speed and Comprehension
C. Scanning, Skimming and Reading Thoroughly

Discussion
Skimming and scanning
exercise
Reading activity
4

D. Processing Various Reading Materials for
Comprehension
1. Reading an Essay / Article (Elements and
Comprehension)
2. Reading an Short Story(Elements and
Comprehension)
3. Reading an Poem (Elements and
Comprehension)

Comprehension check
1.5
MIDTERM EXAM
3
XI. Writing

A. Writing and its Purpose
B. Characteristics of a Good Writer
C. Developing Effective Writing Skills and Style
D. Mastering Capitalization and Punctuation
E. The Writing Process: Planning, Drafting and
Revising
F. Essay Writing (Definition, Types and
Characteristics)


Discussion
Writing workshop

7.5
XII. Writing the Major Discourses

A. The Major Discourses
(Definition, Purpose and Characteristics)
1. Narrative
2. Descriptive
3. Expository
4. Argumentative


Discussion
Composition writing
1.5
FINAL EXAM


COURSE EVALUATION



SUBMISSION OF REQUIREMENTS

Exercises and other assigned coursework are due at the beginning of the class
period of the specified date or right after the exercise. Late exercises will not be accepted
after the due date.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The standard UPC attendance policy applies to this course.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

The standard UPC academic honesty policy applies to this course.










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Universal College of Paraaque

COURSE OUTLINE

COMMUNICATION SKILLS /
STUDY & THINKING SKILLS IN ENGLISH



COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is anchored on the enhancement of the students communication skills
using the English language with main focus on the four macro skills speaking, listening,
reading and writing. It encompasses the mastery of English language competencies based
on fundamental concepts and principles from sentence construction following correct
grammar, reading and understanding texts, paragraph development, speech articulation
and fluency, and listening comprehension. Practical exercises and interactive activities are
also integrated improve the critical thinking skills of the students.

COURSE OUTCOMES / OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the semester, the students are expected to:
1. Develop confidence and fluency in communicating using the English language;
2. Construct grammatically correct sentences and compose paragraphs with unity,
parallelism, clarity, coherence and emphasis;
3. Enhance comprehension and utilize critical thinking in understanding questions
and delivering given tasks; and
4. Appreciate the value of acquiring knowledge in English as a global medium of
communication and a tool in achieving personal and professional
advancement.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Mazon, Constancia M. Study and Thinking Skills in English. St. Augustin Publications Inc.,
Manila. 2005

COVERAGE:

No. of
Hours
Topics Strategies /
Methodology
3
Language Communication

Definition of Communication
The Four Macro Skills in English
(Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing)
Nature, Characteristics and Elements of
Communication
Discussion
Insight sharing
6

Importance of Communication
12
Grammar Focus

Parts of Speech
(Usage, Forms, Types and other Characteristics)

Verbs
Adjectives
Adverbs
Nouns
Pronouns
Prepositions
Conjunctions
Interjections
Articles

Discussion
Pattern drill
Seatwork
Quiz
6
Verb Tenses

Simple Tenses
Progressive Tenses
Perfect Tenses
Perfect Progressive Tenses

Discussion
Pattern drill
Sentence construction
Seatwork
Quiz
6
Subject-Verb Agreement

Rules in Subject-Verb Agreement

Discussion
Sentence construction
Seatwork
Quiz
1.5
PRELIM EXAM
3
The Sentence

Definition and Elements of a Sentence
Types of Sentences
According to Use
According to Structure
Phrases and Clauses

The Paragraph

Definition and Elements of a Paragraph
Methods of Paragraph Development

Discussion
Sentence construction
Pair work
Composition writing
Seatwork
4.5
Speaking

Nature and Characteristics of Speaking in
Communication
Qualities of a Good Speaking Voice
Characteristics of a Good Speaker
The International Phonetic Alphabet
Accent Neutralization
Stress, Intonation and Liaison

Interview exercise
Panel discussion
Vocal exercises
Tongue twisters
Speech drill

1.5
Listening

Definition, Elements and Types of Listening
Barriers to Effective Listening

Discussion
Interview Exercise
Video Presentation
Listening drill

3
Reading

Reading and Its Purpose
Discussion
Skimming and scanning
Exercise
7

Reading with Comprehension
Skimming and Scanning
Processing Various Reading Materials for
Comprehension


Reading activity
1.5
MIDTERM EXAM
3
Writing

Writing and Its Purpose
Characteristics of a Good Writer
Writing as a Form of Communication and Self-
expression
Developing Effective Writing Skills
The Writing Process: Planning, Drafting and
Revising

Discussion
Writing workshop
7.5
Writing the Major Discourses

The Major Discourses
(Definition, Purpose and Characteristics)
Narrative
Descriptive
Expository
Argumentative

Essay Writing
Definition and Types of Essays
Steps in Writing an Essay

Discussion
Composition writing

1.5
FINAL EXAM


COURSE EVALUATION



SUBMISSION OF REQUIREMENTS

Exercises and other assigned coursework are due at the beginning of the class
period of the specified date or right after the exercise. Late exercises will not be accepted
after the due date.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The standard UPC attendance policy applies to this course.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

The standard UPC academic honesty policy applies to this course.









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