Integrated Skills 

This course addresses the four core language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students sharpen their language abilities while experiencing the academic methods typically used in most American universities, such as cooperative learning in small groups, developing critical thinking skills, giving individual and group presentations, and actively participating in as well as leading class discussions. Students read and analyze a novel and a variety of authentic texts. Writing focuses on academic essays with special attention given to students’ individual needs as related to grammar, vocabulary, and structure. Class discussions are based on the readings and important local and global current events. Students leave the course more skilled and confident in all aspects of the English language.

TOEFL iBT Preparation 

Improve your TOEFL performance while strengthening your English language proficiency. This course focuses on all four test areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Like the Integrated Skills course, students practice and improve in all four key language areas, but within the context of increasing one’s iBT TOEFL score. Students become fully aware of the test format, analyze a variety of questions, self-assess their own particular language strengths and weaknesses, and learn the test-taking strategies necessary for success. Students take two complete practice tests; one at the beginning of the semester and one at the end.

Business Communication 

This course is for students who wish to improve their English skills within a business context. Although all language skills are addressed, special attention is given to listening and speaking. Students engage in academic discussions, give formal and informal presentations, analyze case studies, write resumes and cover letters, read articles from the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal, and listen to National Public Radio’s Marketplace. Students expand their vocabulary and knowledge of idioms commonly used in American business while grammatical issues are reviewed both in the course text and within the flow of class discussions, writings, and presentations. This course provides students with the tools and strategies to become confident and effective communicators in business and beyond.