General English Evening Course

The General English Evening Course is a noncredit English as a Second Language class for part-time students. The focus is on speaking and listening skills, but reading and writing may be included. The course is open to members of the university (students, faculty and staff) as well as to members of the general community, and is typically offered each term (Fall, Spring and Summer).

Level:
This course is intended for high intermediate or advanced learners of English (at least 52 on the iBT TOEFL, 470 on the paper-based TOEFL, or 120 on the computer-based TOEFL)

Class days/time:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:20 p.m.

Dates (Summer 2013, university term 2137):
May 14 - August 1 (Click here for ELI Calendar) (no class on Thursday, July 4)

Tuition: $870, plus application fee and required university fees

University of Pittsburgh faculty scholarships may be available for eligible full-time faculty and research associates and their husbands and wives. For more information about faculty scholarships, please contact the Office of Faculty Records at 412-624-4232 or visit their office in G-39 in the Cathedral of Learning.

Application deadline: May 6, 2013

Placement test:
May 9 from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Reserve a test date by calling (412) 624-5901 or e-mailing elipitt@pitt.edu.

Application procedure:
1. Fill out the ELI application form (click the appropriate format to download the application: pdf format, word format, web format) and check the Evening Classes line in Section A. Return the form to the ELI office with a check for $375 ($75 for application and $300 for deposit; both fees are nonrefundable).

2. Students must take the ELI's placement test to ensure that the course is appropriate to their level of Proficiency.

Note: The Evening Course is not usually open to students on an F-1 visa from the ELI.

---

 

Course Description

Required Text: Northstar Listening & Speaking 5, Third Edition

Course Goals:

• Improve English speaking and listening skills
• Use reading, writing, grammar, and pronunciation work to improve speaking and listening skills
• Practice general English language skills applicable to everyday, work, and academic settings
• Explore culture relevant to improving the language skills that are the focus of the course

Course goals will be achieved through the following activiites:

• Studying and completing exercies and practice in the textbook
• Listening to and studying video clips and radio reports
• Keeping a listening log
• Delivering oral presentations
• Reviewing problem areas in pronunciation
• Doing short pieces of writing and grammar exercises as needed
• Participating actively in every class

Grading:
75% listening comprehension, speaking, writing, reading comprehension, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, in-class work, and homework
25% attendance and participation

Participation and attendance are extremely important. You cannot improve if you do not attend and participate. If you miss class, you are responsible for finding out what the assignment is and preparing it for the next class. If you miss more than 4 classes (there are no excused absences), you will not receive a certificate.

Revised 5/20/13