Course Descriptions

English Language Studies

ELS 112

Expository Writing in English

(3 crs.) Equivalent to WRT 104 but restricted to students whose first language is not English. Varieties and strategies of expository writing for different audiences and situations. (Lec. 3)

ELS 112

Academic Writing Proficiency for International Students

(3 crs.) Academic Writing Proficiency for International and Multilingual Students is an intensive and purpose-driven course designed to empower international and multilingual students with the essential skills necessary for excelling in academic writing and research while applying standardized writing conventions. This course goes beyond language and cultural boundaries, fostering an environment where students confidently navigate the intricacies of academic writing. They will also master the crucial elements of precise formatting and citation in alignment with globally recognized academic standards, including styles such as APA, MLA, Chicago, and more. (Lec. 3)

ELS 122

Academic Writing in English

(3 crs.) Practice in writing assignments for introductory and general education courses across the curriculum. Restricted to students whose first language is not English. (Lec. 3)

ELS 122

Academic Reading for International Students

(3 crs.) Academic Reading for International and Multilingual Students is a dynamic and comprehensive course tailored to empower international and multilingual students with the essential skills needed to excel in academic reading and enhance critical thinking abilities. Designed to bridge language and cultural gaps, this course provides students with the tools to navigate complex academic texts effectively while fostering the development of critical analysis, synthesis, and argument evaluation skills. (Lec. 3)

ELS 312

Oral English Skills for the Public Sphere

(3 crs.) Focus on pronunciation, listening and speaking skills, and a variety of speaking projects. Special emphasis on speaking freely in academic and social situations. (Lec. 3)

ELS 312

Presentation Skills for International/Multilingual Students

(3 crs.) The Presentation Skills course designed for international students introduces them to diverse forms of verbal communication. Its primary goal is to provide students with fundamental abilities required for both academic and professional presentations. The course encourages a collaborative approach to problem-solving, aiming to cultivate effective team leadership skills and active participation in group discussions. Additionally, it prepares students for efficient and effective collaboration in multicultural workplaces, minimizing challenges. (Seminar) Pre: University set minimum scores for English proficiency tests, or ESL 122.

ELS 322

Oral English Skills for the Academic Sphere

(3 crs.) Intensive focus on pronunciation, listening and speaking skills, and a variety of communicative projects. Develop oral presentation skills. (Lec. 3)

ELS 322

Intercultural Communication for International Students

(3 crs.) Intercultural Communication for International and Multilingual Students is a comprehensive program designed to empower international and multilingual students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a diverse academic and social environment. Recognizing the importance of cultural competence and effective communication in today's globalized world, this course equips students with the tools they need to navigate cultural transitions and build meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds. (Seminar) Pre: University set minimum scores for English proficiency tests, or ESL 122.

ELS 512

Oral Communication Skills for Internalional Teaching Assistants

(3 crs.) Intensive focus on pronunciation, listening and speaking skills, and awareness of colloquial American speech. (Lec. 3) Pre: graduate standing and permission of instructor. May be repeated until oral proficiency requirement is met.

ELS 512

Research Foundations for International Students

(3 crs.) In this course, international and multilingual students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of scientific research and scholarly inquiry. Throughout the program, participants will gain knowledge about research components and skills, encompassing the capacity to locate, comprehend, critically assess, and synthesize research articles employing a diverse array of methodologies. Furthermore, students will explore the ethical dimensions intrinsic to research involving human subjects. The culmination of this course is the submission of a literature review following the conventions of APA-style writing. This comprehensive training empowers students to excel in the realm of academic research and scholarly exploration. (Seminar) Pre: University set minimum scores for English proficiency tests, or ESL 122.

ELS 612

Advanced Communication Skills for International Teaching Assistants

(3 crs.) Focus on pronunciation, teaching skills, and cross-cultural differences in education. Priority given to international teaching assistants. (Lec. 3) Pre: graduate standing. May be repeated until oral proficiency requirement is met.

ELS 612

International Graduate Teaching Assistants' Toolkit

(3 crs.) International Graduate Teaching Assistants Toolkit: Excellence and Ethics, is designed to equip international graduate teaching assistants (IGTAs) with the essential knowledge, skills, and ethical principles required to excel in their teaching roles within higher education institutions. Whether you are a new IGTA or looking to enhance your teaching capabilities, this course offers a comprehensive toolkit to help you navigate the challenges and responsibilities of teaching in an international academic setting. (Seminar)

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International Center, 3rd FL
37 Lower College Road
Kingston, RI, 02881
Phone: 401.874.2395
issoff@etal.uri.edu

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