Graduate Oral Communication Skills Courses
The ELS Program offers graduate-level courses designed to strengthen students’ skills in pronunciation, listening, speaking, oral presentations, and teaching. These courses enable students to succeed in positions as teaching assistants in their graduate programs and to give effective presentations in their fields of study. The ELS Program also facilitates the certification process for oral proficiency in English for all international teaching assistants (ITAs).
NOTE: International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) are given priority for enrolling in ELS 512 and ELS 612, but graduate students who are non-native speakers of English may take these courses even if they are not TAs.
ELS 512 Oral Communication Skills for ITAs (3 credits, fall semester)
Focus on the oral communication skills needed to be successful in graduate studies. Students build fluency in oral English by developing speaking and listening skills through weekly assignments. Students develop their presentation skills by giving oral reports. Students also enhance their cross-cultural awareness by learning about American cultural values and writing reflections on cross-cultural topics. This course is open to all graduate students whose first language is not English, but preference is given to international teaching assistants.
ELS 612 Advanced Communication Skills for ITAs (3 credits, spring semester)
Focus on the oral communication skills needed to be successful in graduate studies. Students build fluency in oral English by developing speaking and listening skills with an intensive focus on pronunciation. Students develop their teaching skills by presenting oral reports and micro-teaching assignments. Students also enhance their cross-cultural awareness by reflecting on differences between America and their countries, particularly differences in education. This course is open to all graduate students whose first language is not English, but preference is given to international teaching assistants.
