This course presents an introduction to U.S. culture. Lectures, readings, materials presented online, local excursions, campus activities, and guest speakers will help students adjust to their new environment, and help prepare them for related general education courses. Topics include early American cultural development, frontier images, agriculture, business, politics, religion, family, education, and sports. Information on health and safety, aspects of cultural adjustment, expectations of the U.S. academic classroom, and the Benedictine heritage are also included. Students will share their experiences and reactions in both written and oral form.

This course will develop composition skills and the use of grammatical structures at the sentence and paragraph level. Students will learn to write simple, compound, and complex sentences and to develop descriptive and narrative paragraphs using the process approach. Grammar points will be addressed and practiced through informal and formal written assignments.

This course will develop composition skills and the use of grammatical structures. Students will learn to write well-organized paragraphs and expository essays. Students are introduced to composition skills and rhetorical styles through analysis of authentic reading materials and experience of the writing process. Grammar points will be addressed and practiced through informal and formal written assignments.

This intermediate-level course will develop the reading skills necessary for non-native English-speaking students to function effectively in the college academic classroom. Textbooks and authentic reading material will be used to improve students' basic and critical reading skills. Strategies for vocabulary-building and increasing reading speed will be developed through learning effective dictionary usage and word attack skills.

This course is designed to improve the four English language skills areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking skills through interpretation, analysis, and synthesis of information. Written and oral assignments will be based on the text and other materials presented in class. Activities will include discussion, pair and group work, academic listening and note-taking, oral presentations, and library research.

This intermediate-level course will develop the oral and aural skills necessary for non-native Englishspeaking students to function effectively in the college academic classroom and in the American environment. Discussions, interviews, debates, and oral presentations provide listening and speaking opportunities while authentic language is presented in a variety of formats to enhance listening and note-taking skills.

This intermediate-level course will continue to develop composition skills as students advance to academic writing across the curriculum. Using a variety of paragraph development methods, students will write expository essays based on authentic college level readings. Discussion and analysis of the readings are integral to the writing process and will prepare students for advanced composition and reading classes.

This advanced-level course provides a variety of reading materials authentic to the college disciplines within the humanities, social sciences and sciences. Students will learn jargon specific to the disciplines to improve their vocabulary and employ strategies to address comprehension and critical thinking.

This advanced-level course continues to integrate skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. However, materials, assignments, and activities will reflect an advanced higher academic level. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking skills through interpretation, analysis, and synthesis of information. Written and oral assignments will be based on the text and other materials presented in class. Activities will include discussion, pair and group work, academic listening and note-taking, oral presentations, and library research.

This advanced-level course focuses on conducting original research and analysis, finding and using primary source materials, and identifying relevant secondary sources for background, literature review, and methodology. Students then move on to writing and re-writing two research papers, one APA style and one MLA style. A combination of written materials, library resources and internet databases will be used. Writing summaries, paraphrasing, and documentation/citation of sources are key aspects of the class. Students learn standard proofreading symbols and utilize these in peer-editing and self-revision. Academic honesty and plagiarism issues are addressed. (WC)

This advanced-level course focuses on major forms and techniques of public speaking. Students will work alone and in groups to develop good speaking style, gestures, visual aids, eye contact, and audience interaction. Students will individually research, prepare and present four major speaking presentations: persuasive, informative, instructional speeches, and one full length research presentation appropriate for an academic conference. Students are introduced to major historical examples of public speaking that demonstrate each area of theory and technique discussed. Students will work on creating introductions with a clearly stated thesis, organizing information in a logical manner, using transitional words and phrases, and creating insightful conclusions. Students will address credibility of information and must cite sources. (OC)