Intensive English Language Program Curriculum
Level 1 - Upper Intermediate
At this level, you will develop balanced proficiency in academic listening, reading, speaking, and writing by exploring academic topics from a variety of fields. You will use English in academic contexts and practice the skills that are required in American college classrooms. Vocabulary development is emphasized throughout the program, as are learning skills such as effective note-taking, participating in group discussions, and doing formal presentations. Composition at the upper intermediate level focuses on the process of writing analytical essays. Students practice all of these language skills using real-world texts, supported by additional practice in activities available on-line.
Level 2 - Advanced
At the advanced level you will refine your language skills, especially in reading, writing, and presentation. More sophisticated topics will be explored, and you will be provided with opportunities to investigate academic subjects that are of particular interest to you. Composition at the advanced level focuses on developing the skills needed to write a basic college research paper that appropriately incorporates Internet and print resources.
Level 1 Courses
Structure & Composition I – 6 hours per week
Students will build and apply their knowledge of grammar and the different types of academic writing in order to build fluency in academic composition. Students will write a variety of academic essays in which they practice the conventions of drafting, citing, revising, and editing.
Reading & Vocabulary I – 6 hours per week
Students will improve their reading proficiency to become successful independent learners in academic courses. Students will build their academic vocabulary, practice note-taking with academic readings, understand and answer test questions, and refine their critical thinking skills. Students will improve their vocabulary and reading fluency by reading books and articles of their choice throughout the course.
Oral Communication I – 4 hours per week
Students will learn pronunciation and listening skills and engage in the discussion of academic content learned through watching videos, listening to podcasts, and reading articles. Students will practice the conventions of communicating in the American university classroom, engage in academic speaking tasks, and improve pronunciation.
Listening & Note-taking I – 4 hours per week
Students will enhance their their listening skills to be successful learners in academic courses. Students will increase their academic vocabulary, practice taking effective notes during academic lectures, understand and answer test questions, and develop critical thinking skills.
Structure & Composition II – 6 hours per week
The goal of this course is for advanced students to build and apply their knowledge of different types of academic writing and the grammar of academic writing. The objectives of this course are for advanced students to complete a variety of academic writing activities in which they practice the conventions of researching, drafting, citing, revising, and editing.
Reading & Vocabulary II – 6 hours per week
The goal of this course is for advanced students to continue developing their reading skills to be successful learners in academic courses. The objectives of this course are for advanced students to develop academic reading skills by building their academic vocabulary, practicing note taking of academic readings, understanding and answering test questions, and refining their critical thinking skills. Students will continue to develop their vocabulary and reading fluency by engaging in extensive reading throughout the course.
Oral Communication II – 4 hours per week
The goal of this course is for advanced students to learn and practice academic oral communication skills related to speaking and pronunciation. The objectives of this course are for advanced students to practice the conventions of communicating in the American university classroom, complete academic speaking tasks and improve pronunciation.
Listening & Note-taking II – 4 hours per week
The goal of this course is for advanced students to continue developing their listening skills to be successful learners in academic courses. The objectives of this course are for advanced students to develop academic listening skills by building their academic vocabulary, practicing note taking of academic lectures, understanding and answering test questions, and develop critical thinking skills.
The goal of this course is for advanced students to build and apply their knowledge of different types of academic writing and the grammar of academic writing. The objectives of this course are for advanced students to complete a variety of academic writing activities in which they practice the conventions of researching, drafting, citing, revising, and editing.
Reading & Vocabulary II – 6 hours per week
The goal of this course is for advanced students to continue developing their reading skills to be successful learners in academic courses. The objectives of this course are for advanced students to develop academic reading skills by building their academic vocabulary, practicing note taking of academic readings, understanding and answering test questions, and refining their critical thinking skills. Students will continue to develop their vocabulary and reading fluency by engaging in extensive reading throughout the course.
Oral Communication II – 4 hours per week
The goal of this course is for advanced students to learn and practice academic oral communication skills related to speaking and pronunciation. The objectives of this course are for advanced students to practice the conventions of communicating in the American university classroom, complete academic speaking tasks and improve pronunciation.
Listening & Note-taking II – 4 hours per week
The goal of this course is for advanced students to continue developing their listening skills to be successful learners in academic courses. The objectives of this course are for advanced students to develop academic listening skills by building their academic vocabulary, practicing note taking of academic lectures, understanding and answering test questions, and develop critical thinking skills.