The International Center in New York
Structured 10‐Week English Courses Session I: February 1 to April 16, 2012
Monday Dates Course Instructor Room # 12:00‐1:55 2/6‐4/16 Communication Skills for Everyday Living (Int.) Alvera Cleary Rm. 3 10wks 2:00‐3:55 2/6‐4/16 Communication Skills: The Art of American Conversation (Adv. Int./Adv.) Susan Martin Rm. 6 10wks 4:00‐5:55 2/6‐3/19 Exploring English through Literature (Adv.) Nancy Wykstra Rm. 6 6wks (Monday and Wednesday) 6:00‐7:55 2/6‐4/16 Business Culture (Adv./Adv. Int.) Diana Bittern Rm. 6 10wks Tuesday 11:00‐12:55 2/7‐4/10 Voices of English: Listening, Reading Conversation and Writing (Adv.) Alberta Grossman Rm. 3 10 wks 2:00‐3:55 2/7‐4/10 Pronunciation (Adv. Int.) Claire Schaffer Rm. 6 10wks 4:00‐5:55 2/7‐4/10 Significant Presidential Elections: Past and Present ( Adv. Int.) Elaine Roberts Rm. 6 10wks 6:00‐7:55 2/7‐4/10 Listening and Speaking (Adv. Int.) Renee Gernand Rm. 6 10wks
Wednesday
11:30‐1:30 2/1‐4/4 Writing About American Themes and Issues (Adv./Adv. Int.) Winfield Cooper Rm. 6 10wks 2:00‐3:55 2/1‐4/4 Work Readiness for the U.S. Job Market: Sharron Davis Rm. 3 10wks An Advanced Workshop (Adv.) 4:00‐5:55 2/1‐4/4 Reading and Discussion: Holidays and Celebrations in the U.S. (Adv. Int.) Joyce Bodig Rm. 3 10wks 4:00‐5:55 2/1‐3/14 Exploring English through Literature (Adv.) Nancy Wykstra Rm. 6 6wks (Monday and Wednesday)
Thursday
12:00‐1:55 2/2‐4/5 Oral and Written Communication Skills (Adv.) Mel Ehrlich Rm. 3 10wks 2:00‐3:55 2/2‐3/29 English for Business (Adv.) Aracy Winter Rm. 3 9wks 2:15‐3:30 2/2‐4/19 American English Speech (No class on 2/16, 2/23; 3/1, 3/8) Pronunciation) (Adv. Int. / Adv.) David Shustak Rm. 6 8wks 4:00‐5:55 2/2‐4/5 Listening and Conversation (Int./Adv. Int.) Felice Simon Rm. 6 10wks 6:00‐7:55 2/2‐4/5 Conversation: Issues in Society (Adv. Int.) Judith Gottfried Rm. 6 10wks
Friday 1:00‐2:50 2/3‐4/13 Advanced Reading and Discussion Workshop (Adv.) Shawn Mullin Rm. 6 10wks 5:00‐6:50 2/3‐4/13 America Now: Media and Writing (Adv./Adv. Int.) Nicholas Allanach Rm. 6 10wks PLEASE NOTE: There are NO structured classes on Monday, February 20 (Presidents’ Day) and April 6 (Good Friday). 1/19/12
The International Center in New York
STRUCTURED TEN-WEEK ENGLISH COURSES February 2012 MONDAY 12:00 PM – 1:55 PM
Instructor: Alvera Cleary
COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR EVERYDAY LIVING (Intermediate) Intermediate-level students in this course work on increasing their vocabulary, improving their use of English structures, and developing fluency and accuracy in spoken and written English. Working in small groups and in pairs, through discussions, role plays, and presentations, students develop skill and confidence in their use of English in professional and social settings. Active class participation is essential. 2:00 PM – 3:55 PM
Instructor: Susan Martin
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: THE ART OF AMERICAN CONVERSATION (Advanced Intermediate/Advanced) In this course, students will work on expanding their vocabulary, enhancing their grammar skills, and gaining confidence in expressing opinions in English, as together we work on mastering the art of conversation in social settings. Each class will begin with a discussion of a current event, an issue facing the global economy, a story of a human interest, or an aspect of popular culture. We will then work in pairs or small groups to practice what we have learned in a relaxed and friendly environment. We will incorporate clips from movies, TV shows, documentaries, and musical selections to generate discussion in a class where students are encouraged to share their knowledge, learn from others, and have fun.
MONDAY (Continued) 4:00 PM – 5:55 PM
Instructor: Nancy Wykstra
EXPLORING ENGLISH THROUGH LITERATURE (Mondays and Wednesdays) (Advanced) Through activities focused on authentic short stories and essays, students develop their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar while improving reading, speaking, and writing skills. Students will be writing both during class time and as homework. Problems with grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation are addressed as they come up in class and in their writing assignments. Emphasis is on developing language skills and a personal writing voice through both writing about and discussing the readings. 6:00 PM – 7:55 PM
Instructor: Diana Bittern
A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO BUSINESS CULTURE (Advanced Intermediate/Advanced) What are the qualities we need to project in order to succeed in the U.S. business world? This class focuses on developing students’ linguistic skills and cultural awareness, and what it takes to succeed in the American workplace. We will concentrate on all skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Lessons will cover business vocabulary, forms of communication, technology challenges, gender issues, social networking, interviewing, humor in the workplace, and what employers look for when recruiting.
TUESDAY 11:00 AM – 12:55 PM
Instructor: Alberta Grossman
VOICES OF ENGLISH: FROM LISTENING AND READING INTO CONVERSATIONS AND WRITING (Advanced) A WORKSHOP WITH WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS who want to improve their ability to understand, appreciate, and use spoken and written English by listening to and reading the stories that professional writers and ordinary people tell about their lives. These stories, available for listening online, usually with transcripts, will be the point of departure for students’ journal writing and conversations with their classmates. In discussing these oral stories and also print stories by professional writers and IC student writers, the class will address content, grammar, sentence structure, and style. Students will work on all these aspects of their writing as they compose and revise their personal stories for the final class publication. 2:00 PM – 3:55 PM
Instructor: Claire Schaffer
PRONUNCIATION (Advanced Intermediate) In this course, students work on all aspects of English pronunciation. In addition to focusing on the proper production of the English sounds, students work on the intonation, stress, and rhythm of American English. The goal is to help class participants speak more clearly, more naturally, and more in the spirit of American (and New York!) English.
TUESDAY (Continued) 4:00 PM – 5:55 PM
Instructor: Elaine Roberts
SIGNIFICANT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS: PAST AND PRESENT (Advanced Intermediate) In this class students will examine several critically important elections, from George Washington’s to the upcoming election in November. The discussion will center on the current events, important issues, and historical context of each election. Relevant reading from each era will help us understand how the process began and how it has evolved. There will also be writing assignments based on these observations. 6:00 PM – 7:55 PM
Instructor: Renee Gernand
LISTENING AND SPEAKING (Advanced Intermediate) This course will focus on generating everyday conversation and improving listening skills. Each class will be based around a topic – world events, sports, shopping, travel, etc. – and will focus on vocabulary related to that topic. We will also address points of structure and of pronunciation, and we will have lots of conversation. Class format will include work in small groups, in pairs, large group activities, presentations, and role playing.
WEDNESDAY 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Instructor: Winfield Cooper
WRITING ABOUT AMERICAN THEMES AND ISSUES (Advanced/ Advanced Intermediate) In this workshop participants will learn about and try out ways to express themselves clearly and effectively in written English. As we read about and discuss different aspects of American culture in articles, essays, poems and stories, we will also analyze techniques that authors use to engage, persuade, and inspire their readers. Participants will explore writing for various purposes as they respond to readings and express their own ideas. They will consider a variety of strategies for managing a writing process in order to confront some of the challenges of writing in English. In addition to discussion of the ideas in the readings, each class session will include opportunities for writing, reflection, sharing writing, and mini-lessons on grammar and style. 2:00 PM – 3:55 PM
Instructor: Sharron Davis
WORK READINESS FOR THE U.S. JOB MARKET: A WORKSHOP (Advanced) This highly-interactive advanced-level workshop focuses on the planning and preparation necessary to be a competitive job seeker. We will explore every facet of a targeted job search, including self-assessment, resumes and cover letters, networking, interviewing and marketing yourself. Class sessions will also address aspects of the English grammar and pronunciation (emphasizing “business language”), plus reading, writing, and speaking skills. Participants in this workshop will develop a strong, targeted job search plan and will be prepared to compete in the U.S. job market.
WEDNESDAY (Continued) 4:00 PM – 5:55 PM
Instructor: Joyce Bodig
READING AND DISCUSSION: HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES (Advanced Intermediate) In this reading and discussion class, we’ll read about the meaning of holidays and various celebrations in the United States, with suggestions of how to read more effectively and how to increase your vocabulary. There will be a lot of discussion in class about celebrations around the world. Grammar and pronunciation exercises will be included as needed. You’ll make a presentation about your favorite holiday in your country. There will be some homework. 4:00 PM – 5:55 PM
Instructor: Nancy Wykstra
EXPLORING ENGLISH THROUGH LITERATURE (Mondays and Wednesdays) (Advanced) Through activities focused on authentic short stories and essays, students develop their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar while improving reading, speaking, and writing skills. Students will be writing both during class time and as homework. Problems with grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation are addressed as they come up in class and in their writing assignments. Emphasis is on developing language skills and a personal writing voice through both discussing the readings and writing about them.
THURSDAY 12:00 PM – 1:55 PM
Instructor: Mel Ehrlich
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS (Advanced) Students in this course will work on improving their use of English language structures, increasing their vocabulary, and becoming more comfortable using the idioms and colloquialisms that are common to everyday conversation. Working in small groups and with partners, and through discussions, role playing, presentations, and writing exercises, students will enhance their accuracy and fluency in spoken and written English, and their confidence in using English in social and professional settings. Regular attendance and active class participation are essential. 2:00 PM – 3:55 PM
Instructor: Aracy Winter
ENGLISH FOR BUSINESS (Advanced) This course provides students with English language skills necessary for the business world. Topics covered include understanding and using business vocabulary, writing a résumé, developing interviewing skills, and writing business letters. In addition to general discussions, class format includes small group and pair work, as well as role play. Homework will be assigned. 2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Instructor: David Shustak
ELEMENTS OF CORRECT AMERICAN ENGLISH SPEECH: A PRONUNCIATION COURSE (Advanced Intermediate/Advanced) During this 10-week course you will learn how to produce correctly all vowel, consonant, and diphthong sounds in English. You will be trained to hear and feel the sounds, which will enable you to become your own teacher. Homework practice of at least one hour per day is required.
THURSDAY (Continued) 4:00 PM – 5:55 PM
Instructor: Felice Simon
RHYTHM OF AMERICAN ENGLISH: LISTENING AND CONVERSATION (Advanced Intermediate) In this course, students work on improving fluency and increasing confidence in their use of English. Classes provide opportunities for discussion of topics such as relationships, family life, current events, and popular culture, as well as practice of essential aspects of pronunciation and intonation patterns of American English. In addition to materials from various media, including film, television, and print, Jazz Chants and popular music will be used to practice the rhythmic elements of English. Active class participation will be emphasized in a variety of formats, including dialogues and role play in pairs, small groups, and with the class as a whole. Instructor: Judith Gottfried 6:00 PM – 7:55 PM CONVERSATION: ISSUES IN SOCIETY (Advanced Intermediate) In this class, students will explore current issues from various points of view. Topics may include immigration, whether everyone should go to college, the use of marijuana for medical purposes, the impact of tourism and development on local cultures, and the role of government in society. During the course, we will integrate speaking, reading, listening, and writing. We’ll cover accuracy, as well as fluency, by including practice with new vocabulary, grammatical structures, and idiomatic expressions. Students will work individually, in pairs, and in small groups using discussions, role plays, dialogues, and presentations.
FRIDAY 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Instructor: Shawn Mullin
ADVANCED READING AND DISCUSSION WORKSHOP: TWO SHORT NOVELS (Advanced) During this 10-week workshop, students will read and discuss two classic short novels. The first is Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, a powerful novel about the struggles of migrant workers in Depression-era California. The second is Animal Farm by George Orwell, a novel in the style of Aesop’s fables that uses animals on an English farm to tell the history of Soviet communism. Students will have an opportunity for in-depth reading and discussion of the many themes and characters presented, and the social issues raised in each novel. In addition, the class will be studying vocabulary, comparing and contrasting the novels, and learning about the historical settings of the books and the lives of their authors. The class will also watch the film versions of the stories and compare and contrast the books to the films. Students are required to purchase both books which will be available in the first class for $15. Students are also required to read about 30 pages each week prior to the class. 5:00 PM – 6:50 PM
Instructor: Nicholas Allanach
AMERICA NOW: MEDIA AND WRITING (Advanced/Advanced Intermediate) This advanced-intermediate class will discuss media, art, and writing in contemporary American culture with a strong emphasis on conversation, pronunciation, and vocabulary. Each class starts with a brief presentation on aspects of American media, followed by a discussion. A short reading assignment will be distributed at the end of each class and will be reviewed the following week. Note: On the last session, there will be a brief oral presentation given by each student on an aspect of American media.