Two courses offered through the Department of Linguistics, created and taught by IEC faculty, allow undergraduates who speak English as an additional language to receive course credit while polishing their academic and language skills.  These courses are beneficial for first-, second-, and third-year international students. Why enroll:  ​

  • Students engage with international student peers in a small, friendly, interactive, discussion-based classroom environment and work to advance their communication skills in English.
  • Courses help support student success across academic fields and focus on leveraging students’ current knowledge and skills to build self-confidence. 
  • Developing greater English proficiency can lead to expanded opportunities for employment in the US and globally.
  • CU students need upper-division elective courses outside of their major(s), and these LING course can apply toward non-major, upper-division elective credit hours.

Any international or domestic student student who speaks English as an additional language is welcome to enroll. Students can self-enroll on the Buff Portal.

 

LING 3200 Academic Oral Communication in English (3 credits)

Spring

Designed for undergraduate students who are non-native English speakers, this course improves students’ oral communication skills for effective academic interactions. Specific attention is given to presentation skills of developing, explaining and clarifying ideas, and discussion skills including interrupting, hedging, and responding to questions. Students deliver formal presentations and impromptu speeches, and lead and participate in group discussions. Students improve active listening skills, non-verbal communication and English pronunciation.

LING 3210 English for Academic Purposes (3 credits)

Fall

Designed for undergraduate students who are non-native speakers, this course develops academic English skills for university-level work. Students sharpen English accuracy through academic reading, writing, speaking, and listening practice. They learn to express ideas more clearly, both orally and in writing, while engaging critically in class discussions, and giving presentations, including on a researched topic related to their major. Students improve grammatical accuracy, vocabulary development and critical thinking.