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All students will complete a placement test upon arrival to campus. Testing will be done in-person.. Placement testing will include a speaking and listening test and a reading comprehension and writing test. The results from this placement test will determine which level best matches the student’s skills in English. Due to enrollment, not all levels may be offered each session and some levels may be combined.

Level Change Request (New Students Only)

If a student feels that they have been placed in the incorrect level, they should first discuss this with their instructors. The instructors will fill out a Level Change Request Form with the reason for the request. During the first week of class, instructors will observe and evaluate the student’s performance. By the end of the first week, instructors will evaluate whether or not the student’s level should be changed. Students should continue to attend all classes during this week, since it is their performance during the week that will determine whether or not they can change their level of study.

Students at this level will be introduced to life at ߣߣÊÓƵ University and in the USA. With a focus on practical application to help students successfully begin to navigate their community, a student at this level will learn to:

• Understand and use basic phrases related to everyday situations (e.g., shopping, directions, personal information).
• Communicate in simple, routine tasks that require a direct exchange of information (e.g., ordering food, asking for help).
• Describe personal background (e.g., family, hobbies, past experiences) in simple sentences.
• Understand short, clear messages (e.g., signs, emails, postcards).
• Express basic opinions and preferences (e.g., "I like this movie because...").
• Handle simple past and future references (e.g., "I went to the park yesterday" or "I will visit my friend tomorrow").

Overall, a student completing this level will be able to engage in basic conversations, understand frequently used expressions, and write short, simple texts.

ELP 011 Reading and Vocabulary for Beginner English Language Learners (6 Hours)

For students with basic English skills. Intensive reading and vocabulary course focusing on developing reading comprehension strategies and expanding vocabulary through everyday and practical contexts, including simple texts like short articles, emails, and instructions, while practicing key vocabulary related to daily life situations, allowing students to confidently access and understand basic written English. 

ELP 012 Speaking and Listening for Beginner English Language Learners  (6 Hours)

Intensive listening and speaking course focusing on developing the ability to understand basic everyday conversations and express themselves clearly in simple, familiar situations, covering topics like personal introductions, basic shopping, local directions, and simple social interactions. Practice in pronunciation to participate in basic dialogues and short exchanges. Includes one hour each week of conversational English practice.

ELP 013 Writing and Grammar for Beginner English Language Learners  (6 Hours)

Intensive writing and grammar course focusing on developing an understanding of grammar as it is used to write simple texts, such as sentences and short paragraphs that convey description and instruction in practical, real life writing tasks.

ELP 014: Special Topics in American Culture for Beginner English Language Learners (3 Hours)

Experiential-based course focusing on orientation to American culture for international students. Cultural excursions, campus engagement, and examination and discussion of American and campus culture will frame the student experience in this course. 

TUTORIAL

One hour weekly to be used either to support work in the American Culture Course and/or in time spent with the English Language Learning Writing Center (ELLWC) for support in writing of any kin1 d that occurs in any course. 

At this level, students are gaining independence and confidence in their use of English and their understanding of engaging with the community around them. They are moving from basic, memorized phrases to expressing themselves with more flexibility and coherence. Their understanding of spoken and written English expands beyond simple, everyday topics to include more abstract or personal discussions. The four courses that students will take at this level will enhance their practical application of English.

Upon completing this level, a student at this low-intermediate level should be able to:

• Understand and participate in conversations on familiar topics, handling everyday interactions with more confidence.
• Express opinions and feelings with some detail, going beyond simple statements (e.g., explaining likes/dislikes or discussing future plans).
• Describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions in connected sentences rather than isolated phrases.
• Understand the main points of clear, standard speech on familiar topics (e.g., travel, work, school).
• Read and write short texts with improved structure, such as emails, personal letters, and short stories.
• Use a wider range of tenses and structures, including the past, present, future, and basic conditionals.

ELP 021 Reading and Vocabulary for Low Intermediate English Language Learners  (6 Hours)

Intensive reading and vocabulary course focusing on developing intermediate reading comprehension skills by expanding vocabulary related to everyday life topics, allowing students to confidently read and understand moderately complex texts, while practicing strategies to navigate unfamiliar words within context, all geared towards practical application in real-world situations.

ELP 022 Speaking and Listening for Low Intermediate English Language Learners  (6 Hours)

Intensive listening and speaking course focusing on developing conversational skills to understand and participate in everyday conversations on familiar topics, including expressing opinions, asking questions, following basic instructions, and responding appropriately in social situations. Engage in simple discussions with moderate fluency and accuracy. Includes one hour each week of conversational English practice.

ELP 022 Writing and Grammar for Low Intermediate English Language Learners  (6 Hours)

Intensive reading and vocabulary course focusing on developing intermediate reading comprehension skills by expanding vocabulary related to everyday life topics, allowing students to confidently read and understand moderately complex texts, while practicing strategies to navigate unfamiliar words within context, all geared towards practical application in real-world situations.

ELP 024: Special Topics in American Culture for Low-Intermediate English Language  (3 Hours)Learners

Experiential-based course focusing on orientation to American culture for international students. Cultural excursions, campus engagement, and examination and discussion of American and campus culture will frame the student experience in this course. 

TUTORIAL

One hour weekly to be used either to support work in the American Culture Course and/or in time spent with the English Language Learning Writing Center (ELLWC) for support in writing of any kin1 d that occurs in any course.

At this stage, students transition from functional to more fluent and natural communication. They move beyond handling daily interactions to discussing abstract ideas, emotions, and complex topics with increased precision. Their listening and reading comprehension improve significantly, allowing them to engage with authentic materials and understand subtler details. Writing becomes more structured, with better coherence and argumentation.

By the end of this level, students should be able to:

• Engage in more complex and spontaneous conversations, expressing ideas clearly and naturally in a range of contexts.
• Understand the main ideas of longer discussions, lectures, and media, even when some idiomatic expressions are used.
• Express opinions, give explanations, and present arguments with greater clarity and organization.
• Write clear, detailed texts, such as reports, essays, or formal emails, using appropriate style and structure.
• Understand and analyze written texts, including news articles, fiction, and opinion pieces.
• Use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, including more advanced tenses, passive voice, and modal verbs for nuance.

ELP 031 Reading and Vocabulary for Intermediate English Language Learners  (6 Hours)

Intensive reading and vocabulary course focusing on developing the ability to comprehend complex texts on a variety of topics, including academic resources, by utilizing advanced vocabulary strategies and critical reading skills, enabling students to extract key information, analyze viewpoints, and express their understanding with fluency and accuracy.

ELP 032 Speaking and Listening for Intermediate English Language Learners  (6 Hours)

Intensive listening and speaking course focusing on developing fluency and confidence in understanding and participating in complex conversations on a variety of topics, including abstract concepts, while expressing nuanced opinions and engaging in spontaneous discussions with native-like accuracy. Students develop the ability to comfortably communicate in most social and academic situations in English. Includes one hour each week of conversational English practice.

ELP 033 Writing and Grammar for Intermediate English Language Learners  (6 Hours)

Intensive writing and grammar course focusing on developing clear, coherent, and sophisticated written texts, while also improving students' ability to use advanced grammar structures accurately. Students practice the differences between formal and informal writing styles, including emails, reports, letters, and short articles.

ELP 034 Special Topics in American Culture for Intermediate English Language Learners  (3 Hours)

Experiential-based course focusing on orientation to American culture for international students. Cultural excursions, campus engagement, and examination and discussion of American and campus culture will frame the student experience in this course, in order for students to smoothly transition into the culture and language of the campus community.

TUTORIAL

One hour weekly to be used either to support work in the American Culture Course and/or in time spent with the English Language Learning Writing Center (ELLWC) for support in writing of any kin1 d that occurs in any course. 

Students earn a minimum of 15 college credits toward graduation during their first semester in the ELP Program at ߣߣÊÓƵ. The specially designed curriculum includes four courses focused on supporting an understanding of both English language and American culture. At this stage, students move from being competent communicators to advanced, near-native users of English. They refine their ability to express complex ideas with precision and subtlety, demonstrating a deeper grasp of tone, style, and nuance. Their comprehension expands beyond general meaning to implied ideas, and their writing becomes more sophisticated, persuasive, and well-organized.

By the end of this level, students should be able to:

• Express themselves fluently and spontaneously in both casual and professional settings, rarely needing to search for words.
• Understand and participate in complex discussions, following fast-paced conversations, debates, or abstract topics.
• Read and analyze a wide range of texts, including academic articles, literary works, and technical reports, grasping implied meanings and subtleties.
• Write well-structured, detailed, and sophisticated texts, such as essays, reports, and formal emails, using varied vocabulary and stylistic devices.
• Adapt their communication style to different contexts, adjusting tone and register appropriately.
• Understand idiomatic expressions, humor, and cultural references, improving interaction with native speakers.

ELP 111: Advanced ELL Reading and Vocabulary (4 Credits) (6 Hours)

(Advanced English Language Learner Reading and Vocabulary)

For students whose first language is not English. Intensive reading and vocabulary course focusing on developing advanced reading comprehension skills by engaging with complex texts across various genres, building academic vocabulary, and mastering strategies to identify implicit meaning, nuanced language, and critical analysis. 

ELP 112: Advanced ELL Speaking and Listening: (4 Credits)  (6 Hours)

(Advanced English Language Learner Speaking and Listening)

For students whose first language is not English. Intensive practice in spoken English in an academic context; includes discussion, formal presentations, understanding lectures and note-taking; to promote advancement of oral language fluency as well as acculturation to the American classroom experience; also includes casual spoken English with a peer mentor. 

ELP 113: Adv ELL Writing and Grammar: (4Credits)  (6 Hours)

(Advanced English Language Learner Writing and Grammar)

For students whose first language is not English.  Intensive writing and grammar course focusing on grammar usage in the composing of diverse types of academic writing and rhetoric. Students learn critical skills needed for success in academic writing.

Undergraduate American Culture Course (3 credits) 

This component of the program may vary by department.  However, some key areas are consistent among the culture courses on offer each semester and share “new” commonalities:

• All are Global ߣߣÊÓƵ Plan courses.
• All contain similar learning objectives toward providing students an understanding of American culture.
• All are functional courses that require students to practice navigating a content-based class rather than a skill-based, ESL course.
• Students are required to earn a passing score in this course to meet the ACE program completion requirement.
• Course Offerings may include:
  • AMS 205: Introduction to American Studies
  • ATH 185: Cultural Diversity in the US

ELP 129 – Speaking and Presentation for  International Graduate Students (2 Credits)

For graduate students whose first language is not English. An intensive course in English speaking, pronunciation, and presentation, with an emphasis on improving accuracy, fluency, comprehensibility, and clarity of speech, particularly for instructional contexts.  Enrollment is determined by placement test or completion of ELP Level 3 or score of “Conditional Pass” or “Fail”  on the ߣߣÊÓƵ University SPEAK test administered by the Graduate School to incoming graduate teaching assistants.

Graduate Independent Study (1 Credit)

Level 4 graduate students will complete an independent study with their department as a means of transitioning into their degree program and research.

TUTORIAL

One hour weekly to be used either to support work in the American Culture Course and/or in time spent with the English Language Learning Writing Center (ELLWC) for support in writing of any kin1 d that occurs in any course.

• Develop critical reading skills—e.g.: be able to understand a main idea; infer an author’s ideas; be able to identify an argument, how the argument is structured, and the kinds of evidence used to support the argument.
• Develop critical writing skills—e.g.: be able to describe a cultural text, be able to summarize an argument, be able to support ideas with effective details, be able to write a clear thesis statement and present a clearly supported argument.
• Identify and enact effective oral communication strategies for participating, communicating, and interacting with others (students, professors, businesses) in the Oxford and ߣߣÊÓƵ University communities.
• Demonstrate effective strategies for engaging in the ߣߣÊÓƵ University learning, living, and social environment.
• Refine critical thinking skills through contrasting and comparing ideas, analyzing and giving feedback on peers’ writing, identifying ideas, cultural biases, values and comparing them with those in their culture, identifying “under the surface” meanings
• Demonstrate recognition of appropriate use and documentation of someone else’s ideas, language, and other original material.
• Utilize campus resources and e-tools in pursuit of cultural, academic and co-curricular goals.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship between culture and identity within one’s self and others.
• Examine how behavior and decisions have an impact on personal well-being and our communities.