TSL202 - Culture and Society / Social Foundations in ESL

Subject Title
Culture and Society / Social Foundations in ESL

Subject Description
This subject examines cultural and sociolinguistic issues affecting language learning.

Credit Status
This is a required credit in the TESL Certification Program and TEFL Recognition of Achievement.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Describe basic sociolinguistic concepts and their relevance to teaching English.

2. Identify some of the components that make up communication but are not part of language per se, and how some of these communication components sometimes vary interculturally.

3. Identify and describe some of the theoretical underpinnings of intercultural communication.

4. Conduct practical research into cultural variation.

5. Describe some of the factors that relate culture to language learning.

6. Explain aspects of English body language and paralanguage to ESL learners.

7. List some of the challenges facing newcomers to Canada as they try to adapt to our society.

8. Describe some of the opportunities and challenges facing people teaching English in foreign countries.

9. Choose materials for ESL learners that give cultural information about Canada.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.