Course Description

The ELC at AIU offers two types of courses: remedial, non-credit courses and credit courses.  Students must take a placement test before the academic year begins to determine which level of English they should take. The ELD courses are taught by qualified instructors using the communicative approach that will build students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Remedial Courses

Remedial courses at the university are non-credit courses designed to improve students’ English to prepare them for a successfully complete academic coursework in English.

Level 0

8 hours per week

Level 0 is an introductory course which is suitable for students with a beginner level of English language proficiency. The course provides students with basic knowledge and skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking in English. The textbook used for this level is Just Right– Elementary.  There is no prerequisite for this course.

Level 1

8 hours per week

Level 1 is intended for students with elementary l to pre intermediate level of English.  This course improves students’ abilities to read, write, listen, and speak in English.  The textbook used for this course is Just Right – Pre -Intermediate. The prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Level 0 or a qualifying score in the placement test.

Level 2

8 hours per week

Level 2 is a pre-intermediate level English course in which AIU students will continue to develop their English language skills through intermediate grammar, reading, discussion, and written and oral exercises. The textbook used for this course is Northstar. The prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Level 1 or a qualifying score in the placement test.

Level 3

8 hours per week

Level 3 is for intermediate students of English. In this course, students will continue to develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.  The textbook for this course is Northstar 3.  The prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Level 2 or a qualifying score in the placement test.

Credited courses

Academic Writing and Research (AWR)

2 Credit Hours

Compulsory

This advanced course is required for all students at AIU and will build on the skills developed in the remedial courses. It introduces students to academic writing like different types of essays and writing a research paper. The textbook for this course is Academic Writing and Research which has been designed especially for this course. The prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Level 3, or exemption from it.
Communication Skills (COS)

2 Credit Hours

Elective

This advanced course is designed to help AIU students develop their oral communication skills within an academic environment. It introduces students to the elements of effective presentation and public speaking skills by giving them the opportunity to write and deliver a variety of speeches. Students at the university will have several opportunities to practice speaking throughout the course, which will culminate in a final presentation on a topic of their choice that is related to their field of study. The prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Level 3 or exemption from it.