Core Courses Curriculum
English Language Program curriculum consists of courses that are based on an integrated skills approach to language learning. The methodology employed in the ELP is contemporary and engaging.
|
Proficiency Level |
Oral Communication Skills |
Written Communication Skills |
Integrated Pronunciation 1 |
|
Beginner (mid-high) |
Listening and Speaking 1 |
Reading, Writing, and Grammar 1 |
Integrated English |
|
Intermediate (low-mid) |
Listening and Speaking 2 |
Reading, Writing, and Grammar 2 |
Pronunciation 2 |
|
Intermediate (high) to Advanced (low) |
Listening and Speaking 3 |
Reading, Writing, and Grammar 3 |
Pronunciation 3 |
Core Course Descriptions
Reading, Writing, and Grammar 1 (10 credits)
In this class, students will establish the foundational reading, writing, and grammar skills needed to successfully participate in English language environments. Through extensive classroom practice, students will improve their composition skills and reading comprehension about familiar topics relevant to their daily lives. Prerequisites: None
Listening and Speaking 1 (8 credits)
In this class, students will develop the foundational speaking and listening skills needed to successfully participate in English language environments. Through extensive classroom practice, students will improve their communication skills on familiar topics relevant to their daily lives. Prerequisites: None
Integrated Pronunciation 1 (4 credits)
In this class, students will build on what they are learning in their other classes to integrate more fully into the VCU and greater Richmond communities. This course will foster students’ fluency and confidence as they learn about and interact with others within their community. This integrated-skills course is designed to support students’ English language needs whether personal, academic, or professional. Prerequisites: None
Reading, Writing, and Grammar 2 (10 credits)
In this class, students will develop their written academic English skills with a focus on word choice, structure and organization. Students will write and edit a variety of academic paragraphs which will lead to academic essays. Students will refine and expand their writing mechanics by developing a variety of grammar structures and cohesion within the content. Students will also focus on reading intermediate academic texts.
Listening and Speaking 2 (8 credits)
In this class, students will develop listening and speaking fluency. They will learn to identify the main ideas and details within mini-lectures, recognize different organizational patterns while note-taking, and apply critical thinking skills. Speaking practice will focus on establishing more fluid speech and pronunciation through formal presentations as well as informal classroom discussions and field trips.
Pronunciation 2 (4 credits)
In this class, students will practice pronunciation and speaking skills so they can become more competent and confident English speakers. Students will learn strategies to produce English consonant and vowel sounds and use appropriate stress, rhythm, intonation, and pitch. Students will also develop an awareness of specific pronunciation features that are the most difficult for them.
Reading, Writing, and Grammar 3 (10 credits)
In this class, Students will acquire the necessary tools to effectively evaluate, summarize, and analyze, and respond to academic readings. Using multiple modalities, students will learn to identify and retrieve relevant academic sources. Through engaging writing exercises, students will develop the ability to produce well-structured, research-based essays that effectively address academic topics to better prepare them for their academic studies.
Listening and Speaking 3 (8 credits)
In this class, students will develop and refine their oral communication skills for practical and professional contexts. Students will learn to summarize and evaluate complex presentations and effectively communicate with different audiences. Students will refine their academic speaking and listening skills, including lexical and grammatical complexity, cohesion, and coherence. Students will also develop proficiency in pronunciation and deliver research- based and persuasive presentations. Essential academic skills such as preparation, time management, and group work will also be developed.
Pronunciation 3 (4 credits)
In this class, students will continue to refine their pronunciation and speaking skills so they can become more competent and confident English speakers. Students will learn advanced strategies to produce English consonant and vowel sounds and use appropriate stress, rhythm, intonation, and pitch. Students will continue to work on specific pronunciation features that are the most difficult for them.