Elective Classes

Information about elective classes
  • We offer optional elective classes in the afternoons.
  • Each class meets on Monday and Wednesday OR on Tuesday and Thursday, from 2:00-3:20 p.m. Each class meets six times (a total of nine class hours).
  • If you are a full-time student, may choose two, one, or no elective classes. You do not have to pay extra for these classes.
  • If you are a part-time student, you will normally not be able to take elective classes.
  • Most elective classes do not require a textbook. However, if you take the iBT TOEFL Speaking/Listening Practice Elective, you will need to buy a textbook. 
  • If you want to drop an elective class, you must come to the ESL office and fill out a drop form. If you stop attending an elective class without filling out a drop form, you will receive a “no pass” grade. If you drop a class, you may not add a different class in its place.

Grading in elective classes
  • Grades in elective classes are Pass/No Pass (not letter grades A, B, C, etc.).
  • You must attend at least 5 class meetings and participate satisfactorily to receive a Pass grade.

Elective Classes
This list shows all the elective classes that might be offered. Not all classes are offered in every month.
  • Academic Vocabulary – Practice using words that are found in academic classes in most majors at American colleges and universities. Learn about prefixes, suffixes, and roots that will help you understand new words
  • Business English – Understand and use a larger business English vocabulary. Practice making short presentations on business related topics.
  • Conversation Practice – Improve your conversation skills in English. Practice strategies for beginning and maintaining conversations with native speakers on everyday topics in various situations.
  • Discover the U.S.A. – Learn about different regions of the U.S. and what makes some areas famous and popular tourist destinations.
  • English for Engineers – Put engineering principles into practice in English while increasing engineering-related vocabulary and communication confidence.
  • IBT TOEFL Speaking/Listening Preparation – Learn about the format of the Internet-based TOEFL test. Practice various strategies for doing well on the speaking and listening sections of the test.
  • Interactive Grammar – Practice using common grammar structures in interactive communicative activities.
  • English through Film – Watch and discuss sections of significant American films. Learn about American culture while using new vocabulary to discuss films critically.
  • English through Music – Improve listening skills and vocabulary by listening to and singing popular American music. Musical talent is not required!
  • Pronunciation – Improve your pronunciation in English. Review problem sounds, stress, patterns, intonation, and other features to make your pronunciation more intelligible.
  • Teaching English as a Foreign Language Elective – This class offers a general overview of the methods, theories, and concepts of teaching English as a foreign language. Become familiar with different tools for language assessment and learn how to use games and activities to supplement teaching materials.