Students & Scholars
English Language Studies Program
I. Description
The English Language Studies (ELS) Program at the University of Rhode Island exists to meet the unique needs of students who speak English as a Second Language (ESL). Courses and support services are offered to both undergraduate and graduate students in order to enhance studentsŐ overall academic success.
II. Undergraduate Courses and Support
Undergraduate ELS courses are college-level courses designed to strengthen studentsŐ skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, enabling students to succeed in all other academic coursework. Students may take both ELS 112 and 122 for the English Communication/Writing requirement for General Education.
Generally, ELS 112 and ELS 312 are offered in the fall, and ELS 122 and ELS 322 are offered in the spring at the Kingston Campus. Students in all courses are strongly encouraged to meet individually with instructors and to also use the tutoring services provided through the Academic Enhancement Center.
- ELS 112 Expository Writing in English (3 credits)
- ELS 122 Academic Writing in English (3 credits)
- ELS 312 Oral English Skills for the Public Sphere (3 credits)
- ELS 322 Oral English Skills for the Academic Sphere (3 credits)
For course descrption, please click here
III. Graduate Courses and Support
The International Teaching Assistants (ITA) Program offers graduate-level courses designed to strengthen studentsŐ skills in pronunciation, listening, speaking, oral presentations, and teaching. These courses enable students to succeed in positions as teaching assistants in their graduate programs. The ELS Program also facilitates the certification process for oral proficiency in English for all international teaching assistants (ITAs).
- ELS 512 Oral Communication Skills for International Teaching Assistants (3 credits)
- ELS 612 Advanced Communication Skills for International Teaching Assistants (3 credits)
For course descrption, please click here
IV. Additional Information
For more information on any aspect of the ELS Program, contact Dr. Dania Brandford-Calvo brandford@uri.edu or 401-874-2395.
