Canadian Culture and Communication for English Language Learners

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
ELLA 0225
Discontinued
No
Course Code
ELLA 0225
Descriptive
Canadian Culture and Communication for English Language Learners
Department
English Language Learning and Acquisition
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
1.50
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
20
Contact Hours
2 hours/week
Method(s) Of Instruction
Seminar
Learning Activities

The instructor will facilitate, observe, and evaluate students’ participation in communicative activities. Whole and small group instruction will be combined with individual assistance and student-directed learning. Students will participate in the setting of goals by identifying their communicative and language development needs.

 

Course Description
This is an integrated skills course for English language learners who wish to explore topics related to Canadian society and culture while improving their English skills and learning language appropriate for interaction in social, educational, and workplace settings. Emphasis will be on participating in extended communicative situations. Complexity of language and tasks will vary depending on the needs and language level of the learners.
Course Content
  1. Topics for reading, writing, listening, and speaking skill development tasks will include some or all of the following according to learner needs and interest.
    • Adjusting to Canada
      • social conventions (punctuality, presents, dress, conversational taboos)
      • societal roles – male/female, parents/children, husband/wife, student/teacher, employee/employer
      • feelings about leaving Canada and returning to home country
    • Canadian Society and Culture
      • contemporary issues – multiculturalism, racism, immigration
      • history - significant persons and events
      • local communities
  2. Conversational gambits appropriate for social, educational and workplace situations will be covered according to learner needs. They may include the following:
    • using appropriate forms of address
    • greeting people in formal and informal settings
    • echoing instructions and soliciting details
    • making and responding to requests
    • making suggestions
    • offering help
    • making polite refusals
Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will have:

  1. improved their English skills;
  2. understood the role of culture in their language learning and social interaction by recognizing cultural norms and expectations in interaction in a variety of Canadian contexts; and
  3. become better intercultural communicators by using appropriate language to indicate level of formality and show respect and by extending their understanding of Canadian society and culture.
Means of Assessment

Student achievement will be assessed using the mastery system in accordance with College policy. The following is one example of assessment components and weighting:

25% Class participation
25% Reflective journal
15% Three community contact assignments
15% Local community research project
20% Language quizzes

Textbook Materials

Students may be required to purchase textbooks.

Prerequisites

Instructor Permission