Oral Training I is designed to enhance students’ ability to communicate effectively in the English language. The course intends to build on and expand the language skills learned at the high-school level. An approach that focuses more on the communication of ideas than on grammatical, pronunciation and vocabulary drills is taken. However, those concerns will certainly be addressed. Continuous practice in the use of English in a wide variety of situations and functions is emphasized. Opportunities to engage in interactive dialogue and group discussion will be given, but spontaneous as well as planned speech activities may also be offered, all with the assistance of the instructor. Ideas of how culture and society affect language usage and communication will also be addressed.

This course is a language skills class more than it is a knowledge-based course. Language skills cannot be learned passively. Students’ punctual attendance and active participation in all class activities is mandatory. Students are expected to honor these requirements, and their failure to do so may result in failing the course.