Program Details | Center for English as a Second Language | SIU

General English 1 - Elementary level
General English 2 - High elementary level

Instruction helps students build language-learning habits, encourage fluency, promote self-confidence, build receptive language proficiency and provide content for transition to functioning in the U.S. living environment. The proficiency attained represents readiness to start developing basic academic skills in English at the Advanced English 1 and 2 levels. Instruction at these levels is in the format of the “Learning Center.”

Advanced English 1 - Low intermediate level
Advanced English 2 - High Intermediate level

The advanced levels help transition students from using English for basic interpersonal communication skills to using English for cognitive academic language proficiency.

This level transitions students from general English to advanced English by introducing early academic skills, language accuracy, and higher expectations. Courses give students exposure to and practice of receptive and productive language and critical thinking skills; continued building of higher-level receptive skills with explicit attention to study and reading skills, introductory narrative and expository writing. The proficiency developed at these levels represents readiness to start developing the ability to master advanced academic skills in English necessary for success at the undergraduate level, and also the ability to continue to increase overall English proficiency via use of interesting academic content. In addition to the 10-hour core class, classes include 5-hour grammar and listening and speaking courses.

English for Academic Purposes 1 - Low academic level
English for Academic Purposes 2 - Undergraduate preparation level

These levels help students develop their English for academic purposes to succeed in undergraduate and graduate courses at Southern Illinois University and other American universities.

Course content transitions students from learning general English to learning English through content and academic English. Topics include learning and applying study skills and language strategies with a variety of academic-based content; focusing on skill application to learn and remember information for testing purposes; writing and speaking in the expository and persuasive modes, with an introduction to the scientific inquiry process. Proficiency developed at these levels indicates readiness to begin to master academic skills necessary for success at the graduate level, as well as a capacity to continue to develop English proficiency by means of use of academic content at the highest level. In addition to the 10-hour core class, classes include 5-hour Writer’s Workshop and TOEFL Preparation courses.

Graduate Student English – Graduate preparation level

Courses provide students with activities that include library use, summarizing and critiquing articles from professional journals, oral presentations, readings, essay exams, seminar-style discussions and the preparation of reports and graduate level papers in their field of study. Advanced Communication courses focus on building and improving interpersonal interactions, presentation, listening, and pronunciation skills. In addition to the 10-hour core class, classes include 5-hour American Culture and TOEFL Preparation courses.