Courses

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ESL CLASSES 

The ESL Center offers a unique, intensive language program with a variety of classes that are designed to complement each
other as well as provide in-depth English language instruction. Most classes are taught at five different proficiency levels:
high-beginning, low-intermediate, mid-intermediate, high-intermediate, and advanced. There are two kinds of classes: "Core
classes" which all full-time students must take, and "Elective classes" which students are welcome to choose from provided they meet the proficiency requirement. 

CORE CLASSES 

VOCABULARY/SPEAKING

Students develop oral communication skills. Emphasis is placed on building vocabulary, speaking and conversation skills. Available for all proficiency levels. Classes at the high-intermediate and advanced levels are content-based. 7 contact hours per week at the high-beginning, low-intermediate, mid-intermediate, high-intermediate levels; 5 contact hours per week at the advanced level. 

READING, THINKING, SPEAKING

Students are taught to have good reading skills by developing thinking skills such as making inferences, finding /understanding main ideas, summarizing & using context to improve comprehension, etc. In addition, students will explore ideas through class discussion. Available for all proficiency levels. 3 contact hours per week. 

WRITING

Students will learn how to write several different kinds of texts/papers, for example, journal writing, fiction, essay and research. Available for all proficiency levels. 3 contact hours per week. 

ELECTIVE CLASSES 

PRONUNCIATION

Students will be taught how to identify their specific pronunciation problems and how to focus on improving them through explicit pronunciation instruction, drills and computer pronunciation programs. Available for all proficiency levels. 2 contact hours per week. 

LISTENING

Emphasis will be placed on improving students' listening abilities. Students will have an in-depth opportunity to focus on and practice listening skills through several sources such as radio, TV, everyday speech, etc. Available for all proficiency levels. 2 contact hours per week at the high-beginning, low-intermediate, mid-intermediate, high- intermediate levels; 3 contact hours per week at the advanced level. 

TOEFL PREPARATION

1 & 2 Students are prepared for the TOEFL test in the areas of listening, vocabulary and grammar, and reading comprehension. Available for high-intermediate and advanced levels. 4 contact hours per week for TOEFL I and 3 contact hours per week for TOEFL II. 

GRAMMAR

In this class, students practice the most difficult components of English grammar. This class also involves working with a grammar computer program. Available for all proficiency levels. 5 contact hours per week at the advanced level; 3 contact hours per week at all other levels. 

AMERICAN LITERATURE

1 & 2 The class focuses on understanding common themes in American literature as they relate to American culture. Students will explore a variety of literary forms, including short-stories, poems, folktales & films. Available for high-intermediate and advanced levels. 4 contact hours per week. 

AMERICAN CULTURE

Students study various phenomena of American culture like history, ethnic groups, music, theater, educational institutions, the development of a multicultural society and how to understand how language reflects culture and cultural trends. Available for high-intermediate and advanced levels. 3 contact hours per week.

BUSINESS ENGLISH

Students in this class develop and strengthen effective business and communication skills including listening, writing, speaking and presentation skills. Students will learn to analyze, adapt, adjust, research, organize, compose, edit, proofread, and revise business documents. Extensive writing assignments include various types and formats of business letters and memos, and culminate in a formal business report which is delivered orally. Available for high-intermediate and advanced levels. 3 contact hours per week. 

CLASS SCHEDULES

Most classes are held between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Students receive their personalized schedule during the orientation weekend. NOTE: One class of "Vocabulary/Speaking" is taught on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:15 p.m. This class is especially designed for part-time students. Available at all levels. 3 contact hours per week. Also available as a 2 credit hour class. 

GRADES AND ATTENDANCE 

It is expected that you attend all classes regularly. If attendance is not constant, you may jeopardize your immigration status. After successfully completing a program or semester of work, students will receive a certificate of completion in addition to their grades. 

THE ESL PROGRAM'S ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: 

THE ESL INTENSIVE LANGUAGE PROGRAM HAS ONE RULE FOR ALL

STUDENTS: IF YOU MISS TOO MANY DAYS OF CLASSES YOU WILL NOT

RECEIVE YOUR "CERTIFICATE/AWARD OF COMPLETION."