English Language Programs

Training Program for International TAs

Evening Courses

Graduate Arts & Sciences course offerings

Fall
GAS 600 - English Language Skills
Objectives: Developing and/or improving pronunciation of the discrete units of English phonology as well as the suprasegmental patterns of rhythm and intonation; bringing non-verbal communication behaviors into greater congruence with that of American English speakers; improving interactive listening and speaking strategies and skills; enhancing fluency and confidence in speaking English in classroom settings; building the ability to use English under pressure; Learning tasks to meet these objectives include: pronunciation practice (in class and outside of class in the language lab); practicing teaching-specific language use such as responding to questions, defining terms, explaining concepts (linguistic and socio-linguistic aspects of language are addressed); analyzing essential elements of good teaching, and the role language plays in pedagogy; learning and practicing the language involved in organizing and framing information, practical classroom management, and interacting with students in groups or one-on-one. micro-teaching introductory topics in participants' own fields;   interviewing and practice micro-teaching Penn undergraduates (through CwiC) delivering summaries and reports, often of current articles focusing on (for example) field-specific issues, teaching issues, cross cultural communication, and the problems and benefits of international teaching assistants; observing university classes and labs in the participants' own fields; managing (as facilitator) complex classroom tasks. 'Practice teachers' are called on to set up group work, leading group discussions; moderate presentations, and guide class members to formally critique each other; viewing videotapes of effective teachers; To the greatest extent possible, all of these activities cover an extra agenda of improving the participants' cross-cultural awareness and understanding of the culture encountered at an American university and in an American city.

Spring
GAS 610 - Research Paper Writing

GAS 610, which is designed for graduate students throughout the University whose native language is not English, explores the expectations of academic writing in the USA , and the features that make academic discourse and argumentation unique. This is done by analyzing sample texts, papers in the students' own disciplines, and the students' own writing. Second, through in-class and homework tasks students practice language skills and specific academic research and writing skills, so that the features of academic writing become clearer and more manageable. Finally, students receive guidance as to general intelligibility in written English (grammar, clarity, coherence, etc.).