English for Communication

The aim of this course is to develop students' basic communication skills in the context that they will most need those skills: graduate school. Within the context of going abroad to present a paper on their graduate research, students will learn skills needed for traveling (e.g. asking for/ giving directions, making reservations), negotiations, survey taking, and problem solving, as well as be introduced to the skills involved in making a presentation at a conference. Additionally, students will learn to start and continue a conversation naturally, using a number of communication strategies such as asking follow-up questions and giving extended answers. They will also learn about turn taking and how to control the flow of a conversation by adding information. Finally, writing skills will be practiced with a short essay using the Online Homework Submission and Evaluation System.