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.