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Advanced English Course Descriptions
ELC 041: ESL Writing and Grammar for Academic Purposes
This course is designed for high-intermediate English students to develop academic writing skills. Students in this class will learn to write successful academic papers through outlining ideas, writing first drafts, peer editing and revising. Students progress from writing well-formed paragraphs to longer essays with clear topic sentences, appropriate support materials and logical conclusions. Students will also learn about the different styles of academic writing including the use of references and citations. In class with some online work [3 institutional credits or non-credit]
ELC 042- ESL:Reading and Vocabulary for Academic Purposes
This course is designed for high-intermediate English students to improve reading comprehension and general language skills. Students will develop advanced comprehension skills, understand figurative language and recognize a writer’s intent. Texts include fiction and non-fiction materials, emphasizing reading for both information and pleasure. Students are encouraged to participate in discussions and prepare presentations for the class. [3 institutional credits or non-credit]
ELC 043 - ESL: Speaking and Listening for Academic Purposes
This course increases the spoken fluency and listening comprehension of high-intermediate English students, and introduces them to English appropriate to an academic environment. Students will develop their skills in note-taking, lecture comprehension, creating presentations and participating in class discussions. In addition to class work, students will attend two UMBC lectures to test out their strengths and weaknesses in these areas. [3 institutional credits or non-credit]
ELC 051- ESL:Advanced Writing and Grammar for Academic Purposes
This course gives advanced students the opportunity to perfect their writing skills and prepares them to write in disciplines with university-level competence and accuracy. Students will develop vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to the academic assignments they are likely to encounter. This course helps to develop the writing skills necessary for analysis, written presentation of research topics and persuasive writing. Successful completion of this course enables undergraduate students to enroll in English 110. In class with some online work. [3 institutional credits or non-credit]
ELC 052 – ESL:Advanced Reading and Vocabulary for Academic Purposes
In this course, students develop advanced critical reading skills using source materials from various academic disciplines. Readings may include articles, non-fiction books, websites, and data presentations. Students will be able to identify major arguments and types of support, separate fact from opinion and analyze the vocabulary and discourse patterns used in the text. Critical reading, writing and discussion is emphasized. [3 institutional credits or non-credit]
ELC 053- ESL:Advanced Speaking and Listening for Academic Purposes
This course provides advanced students with extensive practice in English oral communication skills and strategies for an academic environment. Students focus on listening comprehension, speaking and pronunciation skills and strategies; learn to make effective presentations; and participate in group discussions. As part of the course, students will also attend academic lectures, interact with faculty and students from various disciplines and participate in select campus activities. [3 institutional credits or non-credit]
ELC 054 –ESL:Cross-Cultural Communication and University Life
This course is designed to support international students in adapting to the culture of an American university campus and developing communication skills and strategies to effectively participate in all aspects of the university. Students will practice communication in various settings and for a wide range of purposes while learning about cultural diversity in the United States. Language and study skills are reinforced by readings, discussions, presentations and written assignments involving current issues and different cultural perspectives. [3 institutional credits or non-credit]
ELC 061/ELC 071 –ESL:Special Topics: Academic Writing for Research and Professional Purpose
In this course, students will work with published materials in their own disciplines and develop their own writing projects in the context of disciplinary and professional expectations and audiences. Students may be working on writing scholarly papers, research proposals, thesis, or dissertation projects. The focus of the work will be on refining writing within specific disciplinary discourses, organization of argument, rhetorical styles, grammatical patterns common to the discipline, and strategies and resources for successful academic and professional writing. Students will work individually with the instructor, in groups and as peer reviewers for each others’ work. Note: This course is designated as ELC 061 in the fall semester and ELC 071 in the spring semester. [1-3 institutional credits or non-credit]
ELC 063 –ESL:Special Topics II-Speaking and Listening (Effective Presentations in Academic and Professional Settings)
Students need to develop fluency and accuracy in expressing their ideas in classrooms and for professional conferences where there are always discipline specific expectations for effective presentations. This course works on the essential elements of evaluating and reporting on research and professional projects. Students will focus on assignments and projects from their current academic and professional work. Additional activities include individual pronunciation, strategies for interacting with faculty and peers, components of effective presentations, analyzing lengthy spoken material and other challenges facing advanced graduate students and professionals. Students will work individually with the instructor and as peer reviewers for each others’ work. In class with some online work [3 institutional credits or non-credit]