Humboldt State University

 

International Students

IELI Information

Curriculum

The classes listed below are offered at each level of instruction. Advanced Bridge students must take a university course load equivalent to the number of their reduced intensive English hours.

Speaking

Students become proficient and comfortable speaking English through practice in the following areas: English conversation patterns, formal and informal speeches, role-playing, debates, vocabulary development, and group discussions. (4 hrs/wk)

Listening

Many types of materials are used: lectures, conversational dialogs, movies, and dictation. Videos and transcripts are used extensively in listening classes. The focus is upon comprehension and the skills needed for success in lecture classes, seminars, and labs; outlining, note taking, and summarization. (4 hrs/wk)

Writing

The purpose of these classes is to improve the student's writing skill. They begin with correct sentence and paragraph writing, and move toward academic writing for business, college, or university courses. At all levels, the student's work is analyzed for grammatical and syntactical errors. Students do a great variety of writing which is carefully corrected and discussed. (4 hrs/wk)

Reading

These classes emphasize reading for comprehension, increasing reading speed, and increasing the passive vocabulary. Students learn skills such as scanning, skimming, intensive and extensive reading. Selections range from simple stories, to academic readings across a variety of disciplines. Closed caption video is also used as a teaching tool in reading classes. Students are taught that reading is not translation and that reading skill is developed through effort and practice. (4 hrs/wk)

Grammar

The teachers at IELI encourage students to recognize that a strong base in grammar is indispensable to mastering English. We emphasize grammar review and practice through games, roleplaying, and oral and written exercises. In addition to specific grammar classes, grammar is taught across the curriculum. (4 hrs/wk)

Pronunciation

Emphasis is upon accent reduction for ease of comprehension. The skills taught are: intonation, stress, and pitch. Students are taught to develop the muscles essential to reproduce American intonation. (1 hr/wk)

Informal Conversation

Students practice informal conversation in small groups and with American conversation partners. American culture and idiomatic expressions are emphasized.