The American Language Program offers a student-centered curriculum and pedagogical approach. Students are placed according to their level of proficiency at the beginning of each semester and may move through the program at their own pace. Levels are structured according to curriculum guidelines, but they are flexible, in order to allow each unique class the opportunity to improve as much as possible. Levels are also repeatable, as materials are refreshed each term to provide maximum learning opportunities. The following descriptions can give you a sense of the guidelines for each level.
Foundations
The Foundations level class will help you to develop your use of English in everyday life. You will learn useful basic vocabulary. You will study important grammar structures, such as verb tenses and sentence structure. You will practice listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with your teacher and classmates. This will give you a strong foundation for your higher-level English classes, and for your future academic studies.
Intermediate
In the Intermediate level class, you will strengthen your English ability in all skills. You will continue to expand your English vocabulary, including words from the Academic Word List, and idioms that are common in everyday use. Readings will include introductory academic texts and a variety of articles. Writing instruction will focus on summary, essay writing, and writing to improve fluency and accuracy. You will practice speaking activities including conversation, presentation, and discussion skills, as well as various types of listening tasks, including academic lectures and news items. Intermediate level grammar will address higher-level tenses, and complex sentences with more than one clause, among other structures.
Capstone
In the Capstone class, you will refine your skills in spoken and written English through project-oriented activities such as leading article-based seminar discussions, preparing and delivering individual and group presentations, and leading and participating in book club discussions. Writing skills will include the use of sources, focusing on summary, paraphrase, avoiding plagiarism, and self-editing. Grammar study will include such topics as multi-clause structures, conditionals, and comparatives. Higher-level vocabulary is studied directly, as well as drawn from many reading and listening inputs. Reading includes many types of texts including academic, journalistic and literary sources. Many students at this level are actively seeking or have already received university admission at OSU or another university.
