Do note that the classes listed below, have not been done so in a hierarchical fashion. Rather, they are simply presented in alphabetical order.
This course is specifically for those who experience difficulty in communicating with native speakers of English. These students’ grammar and vocabulary may be excellent, but their pronunciation and intonation hinder clear communication with native speakers. Students will learn techniques to reduce their accents, and also learn to incorporate the American English intonation pattern into their speech. Intonation patterns are usually overlooked in the teaching of English pronunciation, but the proper use of intonation delivers clear signals to the American listener. This course would be especially helpful for those working as teaching assistants and research assistants.
Many international students will have to take the TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT tests. All of those examinations test vocabulary in one way or another, but many of the words on these tests are not the words that students encounter in their everyday lives. In this class, you will learn 100 of the words that have been identified as words that takers of every test should know. Students will complete lessons, use the words in vocabulary games, and make at least one presentation in this class. Two students will win a prize, based on the highest score or most improved score added to perfect attendance.
The purpose of this class is to enable good communication, the context is the world of international business. This class will help learners in the following areas, on the job face-to-face communication, interviewing, etc. Some strategies include: showing interest and appreciation, offering assistance, telephoning, making decisions, motivating others, holding meetings, negotiating, handling criticism, and presenting ideas. Students will receive much practice with a minimum of lectures. The focus is practical with much student interaction and communication.
This course will involve students in the initiation and development of careers, or at least thinking about potential careers. There are three parts to this module. First, a personality assessment consisting of several questionnaires; second, a life skills component which enables students to recognize skills they already possess and which they enjoy doing. The third part entails an evaluation of different industries or companies for which they might like to work. In essence, components dealing with WHO they are, WHAT they enjoy doing, and WHERE they might like to work. The course culminates in the students writing an autobiography, which incorporates the reports and work written during the course. Students will be introduced to resources that will help correlate career goals with academic work.
This course is designed to help English Language Learners improve their speaking, listening, reading, writing, and vocabulary as they engage with classmates and discuss current events. Students will develop their critical thinking skills and build confidence in their conversational English as they respond to news articles in class and at home. Topics will include a mix of international, national, and local news.
This class will focus on graduate research from an interdisciplinary angle. In other words, the research strategies you will acquire in this class are of a general nature and can be applied in various fields. We will first take a look at what distinguishes graduate research and then build your research skills through the use of a range of assignments, which include an annotated bibliography, presentations on various research designs, a research proposal, and introductions to various style guidelines as well as pertinent academic terminology. By the end of this class, you will essentially have a basic foundation in tackling graduate research.
This course will provide English Language Learners with a review of the basic elements of English grammar in order to prepare students to study at the college level. Topics will include (but are not limited to) parts of speech, word order, sentence structure, verb tenses, count and noncount nouns, and articles. Students will be able to recognize a variety of English sentence patterns in listening and reading and will be able to produce those patterns in their speaking and writing.
Succeeding on exams like the GRE and GMAT depends to a large degree on students’ basic skills in each of the subject areas. Yet, thoroughly familiarizing oneself with the specific types of tasks to be completed in each of these exams is an essential factor in achieving a maximum score. In this class, we will go over the basic structure of each exam format and practice a variety of tasks commonly required. This will provide you with a basic foundation for further self-directed study.
Our mental state affects our ability to pay attention, and it directs our attention to some things over others. If you’re sleepy, your reaction even to the most interesting ideas, for instance, is likely going to be somewhat indifferent. Yet, what affects your mental state, other than the possibly obvious lack of sleep? This is a question that is essential to the study of motivation in the field of psychology, and a question we will explore in this class. Through various activities, you will obtain a basic understanding of factors that influence motivation and improve your English skills in the process.
This course will introduce students to the basics of the stock market and finance. We will utilize the Internet to gather resources and to trade. Lecture and video will comprise one part of the course. The other will be the major project wherein students will use play money in a stock-picking contest. They will justify why they are choosing particular companies and will give regular reports on their progress, and how the market is changing. Come prepared to work and think independently.
In this project-based class, students will learn about philanthropy and volunteerism in the U.S. and identify practical solutions to community problems. Students will work together to make specific plans and develop volunteer projects that can make a difference in the local community. The goal of the class is to learn about how to use personal strengths to help others. We will get out there and use English in the community. There is no “I” in team, but there is a “U” in volunteer!
This four-week course will cover ways to improve your communication with American students and faculty. The course will include discussions of the American higher education system, class management techniques, effective presentations, clear communication, dealing with questions during office hours, and building confidence as a teacher. The course will provide practical information and practice that will help international students teaching at UNR.
Succeeding on exams like the TOEFL depends to a large degree on students’ basic skills in each of the subject areas. Yet, thoroughly familiarizing oneself with the specific types of tasks to be completed in each of these exams is an essential factor in achieving a maximum score. In this class, we will go over the basic structure of each exam format and practice a variety of tasks commonly required. This will provide you with a basic foundation for further self-directed study.