Tutorials
Read more about the ESL tutorials.
English for Academic Purposes
English for Academic Purposes - Graduate Level Classes
All non-native English speaking GSAS* students may enroll in the following ESL courses. These ESL courses focus on English for Academic Purposes, integrated with graduate study skills needed at a major research university. Students receive ‘credit/no credit', where credit is granted for satisfactory work and no credit is granted for unsatisfactory work. One credit is awarded if all requirements are met at an acceptable level and the student attends at least 90% of class meetings.
Incoming graduate students are expected to take the English language proficiency diagnostic test during August orientation. After taking this diagnostic test, students will receive the results, which are strictly informative and will not affect their status as admitted graduate students. Students wishing to enroll in an ESL class should have already taken the diagnostic test; otherwise, please contact the Interim ESL Director Kimberly Sizelove.
(*Note: Currently IBS and Heller School students are not eligible to take these ESL classes)
ESL 201g Academic Interactions
This course will focus on strategies for effective classroom interactions, impromptu speaking, and interacting with instructors and advisors. Emphasis on functional language used in typical university settings. American culture issues will also be incorporated through course reading material. Class instruction is highly interactive with frequent opportunity for student input. Considerable amount of out of class assignments will be given to accelerate adaptation to Brandeis and American culture. Maximum 15 participants.
Course duration: 15 weeks
Contact hours: 1.5 hours per week
Homework: 3 hours per week
ESL 203g Teaching & Presenting in English
For graduate students who have to teach in English or graduate students who wish to improve their presentation skills. Emphasis is on developing effectiveness and clarity, and engaging your audience during an academic talk or lab instruction. Teaching assistant responsibilities will be simulated during classes. Students will receive extensive peer and instructor feedback on comprehensibility, interpersonal and intercultural communication skills. Maximum 15 participants.
Prerequisite: Academic Interactions or approval by ESL Interim Director, Kimberly Sizelove.
Course duration: 15 weeks
Contact hours: 1.5 hours per week
Homework: 2 hours per week
ESL 202g Writing Academic English
Prepares graduate students to write academic papers. Emphasis is on accuracy, organization, and documentation. Strategies for reading deeply and yet rapidly will be practiced in conjunction with writing assignments. Maximum 15 participants
Course duration: 15 weeks
Contact hours: 1.5 hours per week
Homework: 2 hours per week
ESL 204g Graduate Writing
For graduate students experienced in writing and who are currently working on advanced course assignments and/or research. Class meetings will be supplemented with frequent individual conferences. Maximum 15 participants.
Prerequisite: writing Academic English or approval by ESL Interim Director, Kimberly Sizelove.
Course duration: 15 weeks
Contact hours: 1.5 hours per week + individual conferences
Homework: 2 hours