Course Catalog

Students increase their vocabulary, read faster, and understand more of what they read. They develop reading strategies such as skimming, scanning, guessing meaning from context, previewing and predicting. Students practice reading authentic material such as short reading passages, simplified short stories and news articles, and an abridged ESL novel.

Students improve their ability to write in English by learning to write simple and compound sentences in English and short, well-organized simple paragraphs which include title, topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a conclusion. Students practice rules of punctuation and capitalization, as well as learn spelling rules. In addition to learning basic writing skills, students study simple verb tenses, nouns, pronouns, adverbs and adjectives.

Students learn to communicate in English in everyday situations. They learn to ask and answer questions, use the telephone, take messages, pronounce and note simple numbers, and perform functions such as initiating conversations, asking for directions, making invitations, closing conversations, etc. Class activities include performing simple role plays, participating in small groups, and presenting three-minute visual presentations. Students engage in authentic dialogue.

Students practice listening to authentic taped conversations and monologues on topics of general and cultural interest. The focus in this class is on listening to discourse that is no more than five minutes in length. Students work on understanding phrases, simple sentences and questions, as well as perceiving stress and basic intonation patterns.

Students learn and review specific grammar topics including simple tenses, present perfect tense, correct use of nouns, adjectives, and some modals.

This reading skills course develops skills in reading speed and comprehension. Students are introduced to reading strategies such as skimming, scanning, guessing meaning from context, previewing, predicting, making inferences and giving opinions. Reading materials include short stories, news articles, computer passages and a simplified novel.

In this course students learn to write well-organized and coherent paragraphs that include a topic sentence and detailed supporting sentences. Students practice a variety of writing styles and forms, which may include narrative, descriptive and expository paragraphs, journals, and letters. By the end of the term, students understand and write a three-paragraph essay. Grammar study includes review and practice of the simple and present perfect tenses, study and practice of noun forms, adjectives, modals, gerunds and infinitives

In this course students actively practice speaking skills for a variety of situations including requesting and giving information, and practice strategies for beginning, maintaining and ending a conversation. Special attention is given to pronunciation, intonation and correct grammar usage. Activities may include making introductions, giving demonstrations and short speeches, role playing, and group discussions. Active participation in daily classroom activities is required.

In this course students learn to listen for details and inferences as well as main ideas. Students summarize passages heard on tape or video. Students learn to discriminate between different stress and intonation patterns, recognize and identify verb tenses, possession markers and plurality.

In this content-based listening/speaking course, students are introduced to American culture and values. Class themes include education in America, ethnic and racial assimilation, women and work, American government, religion, and entertainment. Activities may include reading, discussing and analysis of video/movie segments. Classes are frequently supplemented with class trips in the community. Students develop confidence in their ability to use American English as they gain a better understanding of American society.

This speaking course introduces students to American culture through classroom discussions and role-playing. The class focuses on improving aural/oral skills while giving students the opportunity to communicate in authentic language situations. Students improve listening and speaking skills by comparing and contrasting cultures, including their own.

This course develops the oral communication skills of intermediate and advanced-level ESL students. Emphasis is given to speaking in academic, business and professional situations. Reading and writing are also required components of the class. Students develop analytical skills by identifying issues, evaluating options and solving problems. A wide variety of materials and methods may be used to achieve course goals.

Students learn and review specific grammar topics including perfect and perfect progressive tenses, general verb review, nouns and pronouns, modals, and passive.

This intermediate-level reading class emphasizes reading strategies such as skimming for ideas, scanning for specific information, separating fact from opinion, guessing meaning from context, making inferences and understanding humor. Students improve reading speed and comprehension using such materials as short stories, news articles, and abridged and unabridged novels. An important part of the course is the transition from ESL reading material to authentic first-language texts.

This course teaches students to develop a written paper into a unified, coherent, well-supported five-paragraph college-style essay that incorporates clearly written sentences in a variety of styles and mature (complex) sentences. Writing tasks include in-class timed essays, out-of-class process essays with two to three drafts each, summaries of newspaper and magazine articles, and reactions to readings with opinions and personal reflections.

Students develop oral communication skills. Emphasis is given to speaking in academic, business and professional situations. Reading and writing are also required components of the class. Students develop analytical skills by identifying issues, evaluating options and solving problems. A wide variety of materials and methods may be used to achieve course goals.

Students listen to extended discourse on a variety of topics in formal and informal settings. They develop skills to listen for main ideas and specific content, make inferences, and summarize. Students are introduced to note taking and outlining skills while focusing on comprehension and analysis of content.

Check with IIS Director for current offering.

Check with IIS Director for current offering.

This course introduces students to aspects of U.S. culture through an examination of film, with a focus on developing listening skills. Students examine cultural aspects of U.S. life, including humor, while developing skills to understand main ideas and specific content.

In this course students continue to improve listening comprehension and speaking skills. They participate in discussions of current social and political issues. Students gather and organize information from sources that include television news, newspapers, magazines, personal interviews and electronic media. Students engage in a variety of activities including out-of-class research, in-class listening exercises, small and large group discussions of news reports, and oral and written presentations.

This is a multi-skill course that introduces students to current business issues in American economic life. Students read, write and discuss business issues in the context of American cultural values. Students read, write, listen and discuss issues from television news reports, the Wall Street Journal and other daily or weekly business publications. Grammar is reviewed and assigned for homework as needed.

Students learn about the impact of the Revolutionary War and Civil War on American society. Students will discuss the factors that led to war, the politics involved before and during the war, and the major battles fought in each war. Course materials include videos, Internet research, readings and speeches. Major assignments for this course will include presentations, tests and quizzes, written assignments, and a research paper. Spring 1 session.

This content-based course gives students an overview of various genres in American literature to introduce them to the most distinguished American authors and their works. The course focuses on aspects of American life and its reflection through literature.

Students listen to, write about, and discuss the meaning of culture and how it influences communication with people from other cultures. Students identify culturally determined values and beliefs about their own culture and identify reasons for the success or failure of intercultural communication. The course combines readings and lectures with problem-solving activities using role plays, simulations, reflection papers and group discussions.

In this class students practice listening to extended speech and lectures, identify key ideas, supporting details and organizational patterns. Content includes guest lectures and recorded lectures. Students are required to observe and report on several college lecture classes. Students learn to take comprehensible notes using note-taking symbols and abbreviations.

In this class students are exposed to the kinds of reading that they can expect to find in their college courses. Course materials include college textbook material, newspaper and journal articles, essays, a full-length unabridged novel, short stories and poetry. Students continue to practice inferencing, skimming, scanning, and summarizing. Students respond to readings through writing, discussions and oral reports.

This pre-college writing course requires students to use all writing skills to write timed and drafted essays, complete essay exam questions and complete a 6-10 page research paper. Skills taught include brainstorming, outlining, researching, drafting and redrafting, preparing and using notes, source and bibliography cards. Students research, analyze and evaluate issues. In addition, students summarize, paraphrase, quote and document sources.

This listening/speaking course is for high intermediate and advanced-level students. Students continue to build confidence in speaking by participating in class discussions and debates and by making individual oral presentations. Students learn conversational strategies such as agreeing and disagreeing, interrupting and asking for clarification. Students listen to both formal and informal English. Topics of discussion typically include current events and controversial issues.

In this class students practice listening to extended speech and lectures, identify key ideas, supporting details and organizational patterns. Content includes guest lectures and recorded lectures. Students are required to observe and report on several college lecture classes. Students learn to take comprehensible notes using note-taking symbols and abbreviations.

This listening/speaking course is for high intermediate and advanced-level students. Students continue to build confidence in speaking by participating in class discussions and debates and by making individual oral presentations. Students learn conversational strategies such as agreeing and disagreeing, interrupting and asking for clarification. Students listen to both formal and informal English. Topics of discussion typically include environmental issues, gun control, abortion, AIDS, homelessness and sexual harassment.