Overview

This Postgraduate Seminar course is offered by Yale English Language Institute.

The Classes

Writing for Postgraduate Students

• Practice academic research papers, drawing upon your own area of research and interest
• Learn the conventions of academic writing (citing sources, intellectual property rights, making use of the Internet, scholarly publications)
• Discuss assigned readings that model processes and strategies used in academic writing

Academic Speaking and Presentation Skills

• Develop active listening skills using conversation, interviews, media broadcasts, lectures, and films
• Learn the conventions of presentations, roundtable or panel discussions and small-group conversation
• Increase your academic, professional and everyday vocabulary

American Identities: A Critical Reading Class

Students will gain an understanding of the major themes and concepts that structure life in the cultures of the pluralistic American community. Building on experiences, students will investigate the interaction of people, ideas, science and technology, political, economic and social movements. Class material will be drawn from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, including media, ethics, letters and literature, fine arts, religion, economics, business, science, and technology.

Living Language: American interactions

Research has shown that language skills improve dramatically when learners are not focused on the specifics of structure and correctness of speech. Instead, when one is “distracted” by imagination and “play”, language improves rapidly and dramatically. This class takes you “outside the box” of traditional presentation skills or group discussions, and allows you to explore your creative and imaginative spirit while unconsciously improving vocabulary, pronunciation and critical thinking skills. We will discuss art, photography, literature and personal interests as catalysts for enriching language and making meaning.