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2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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English as a Second Language |
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LS 500 - Academic Communication Skills 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description In this course, students will further develop their academic listening and speaking skills as they engage in critical thinking and discussions. They will be exposed to listening material in different formats and perspectives as they work toward individual speaking opportunities and group interactions in a variety of formal and informal contexts, such as an encounter with an academic advisor or a panel discussion. Through various structured activities, students will build their academic vocabulary and critical thinking skills, as well as their comprehension of concepts in key academic disciplines. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Listen actively to interviews, lectures, presentations, and panel discussions
- Identify key facts and details while listening
- Determine the perspective and purpose of a speaker
- Refine note-taking skills
- Identify problems and evaluate arguments
- Clearly express a need or ask a question to an academic advisor or professor
- Critique a product or service
- Research and explain a technical subject
- Present a project proposal
- Deliver a well-organized academic presentation with a partner
- Participate in a panel discussion
Prerequisites by Topic Coordinator Katherine Toske
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RP 100 - Academic Study Skills 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description This is an application course where international students will learn the necessary study skills in order to have a successful experience at the college level. In addition to receiving instruction and practice in basic academic skills (organization, effective study habits, note taking, time management, critical thinking, effective speaking, academic vocabulary), each student will explore their unique learning abilities and will be exposed to strategies to compensate for academic weaknesses. Students will also receive individual assistance and guidance in the work that he/she completes for his/her academic courses, receiving assistance with homework assignments or test preparation, utilizing extended testing time or other accommodations. Does not replace courses in core curriculum. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Effectively manage time in order to complete class assignments
- Determine an organization strategy to manage work in all classes
- Recognize the meaning of 48 common testing verbs and respond appropriately when prompted
- Actively take notes and summarize lectures to demonstrate comprehension of main ideas and important details
- Respond to questions using appropriate, academic vocabulary
- Demonstrate time management for essay completion
- Effectively organize notes and other written information
- Apply correct sentence structure to written responses and essays
- Recognize the appropriate essay organization for a writing prompt
- Increase reading speeds and comprehension of written material
- Skim and scan compositions for main ideas and pertinent information
- Record information accurately by taking academic notes while reading
- Recall vocabulary and important information from readings
- Review and summarize chapters, articles, and other various compositions
- Analyze and make conclusions based on information in the readings
Prerequisites by Topic Course Topics Coordinator Katherine Toske
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RP 101 - Language Lab 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description This course is designed help students identify areas they need to work on to improve their academic success, as well as reflect on what they are learning in the classroom. Students will do an initial self-assessment of their work in their previous term(s), create an individualized improvement plan, and write goals that they will work on for the duration of the class. They will also get support in connecting with the resources that will help them fulfill their goals. Attendance and active participation are mandatory in this pass/fail class. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Recognize areas of needed improvement in English and overall study skills
- Set personal SMART goals and work independently to achieve them
- Describe what they have (or have not) learned each week
- Identify and use resources to help achieve academic success and personal goals
Prerequisites by Topic Coordinator Katherine Toske
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RP 200 - Application of Strategic Test-Taking Skills 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description The course provides an overview of several standardized, global tests which test students’ proficiency in English for entry into university education in the United States. The course will provide an overview of the IELTS, TOEFL, SAT and ACT tests and focus in detail on the IELTS test in particular. As part of the course students will get hands on experience in analyzing each of the components of the tests and learning the strategic skills necessary to perform on them successfully. The core language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing will be taught helping students to identify and practice the specific subskills that the test items focus on. Practice tests will be given for extra practice, apart from practical workbook activities and academic word lists. Students will receive helpful tips and resources available online. Students will be encouraged to identify their goals and increase confidence by developing their test taking skills for attempting these exams. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify personal needs and goals
- Listening
- Identify main ideas, specific information, and detail
- Follow description in diagrams, maps, and plans
- See beyond the surface meaning
- Follow signpost words and a talk
- Speaking
- Respond to personal question
- Increase spoken fluency
- Prepare and give a talk
- Understand abstract ad analytical questions
- Reading
- Become orientated to a text
- Scan for specific detail
- Skim for general understanding
- Identify main and supporting ideas
- Understand an argument
- Identify the writer’s views and claims
- Writing
- Interpret, describe, and summarize graphic data
- Plan and present arguments in an essay
- Link ideas
- Develop academic vocabulary
- Notice structure in written English
- Identify common errors in English
Prerequisites by Topic Coordinator Katherine Toske
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RP 400 - Research into Academic Field of Study 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description In this elective course, students will independently research their future field of study as their further develop their language skills. Through reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities and projects that revolve around their chosen major, students will gain a deeper understanding about their future profession. They will also begin to develop a specialist vocabulary that will contribute to their success in their university classes. Students will complete activities online and meet with their professor weekly to discuss their progress on their projects for the quarter. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Develop a specialist vocabulary in your future field of study
- Listen to and take notes on academic lectures
- Read and report on a book related to your future field of study
- Research future job prospects and necessary qualifications
- Create your resume
- Discuss your progress in learning about your major
Prerequisites by Topic Coordinator Katherine Toske
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RP 500 - Academic Research Paper 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description This is an application core course required for program completion. Students are expected to produce a college-level research paper based on courses taught in North American and European universities. Students develop a thesis statement and supporting ideas, find evidence and plan their work using a formal outline. The writing process provides ample opportunity for editing, guided support, peer feedback and revision. Finally, students are expected to deliver an academic/professional presentation where significant findings are presented to a selected audience with two evaluators. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand and engage in the reasoning and culture of US-style research practices
- Brainstorm and select a research topic suitable for undergraduate and professional work
- Focus a topic to the scale of a standard undergraduate research project
- Find, assess, and maintain a pool of academic print and electronic resources related to research area
- Craft an arguable thesis that effectively indicates the scope of entire work and allows for concrete development
- Develop an outline that organizes introductory and background material, major and minor supporting elements, explicit/implicit arguments and counter-arguments, and conclusions, all proceeding from the original intent of the thesis statement
- Execute various strategies for concise summarizing and accurate paraphrasing
- Understand the role of quoted material in non-fiction work and be able to effectively incorporate quotations in writing
- Synthesize borrowed material to support and develop major and minor elements
- Write a valid research-based paper in accordance with American Psychological Association (APA) style
- Incorporate citations and references as a result of a firm understanding of intellectual property ideals common to all developed academic communities
- Recognize and avoid any and all forms of plagiarism
- Present and defend work to an audience and a small panel of evaluators
Prerequisites by Topic Course Topics Coordinator Katherine Toske
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RW 500 - Advanced Critical Reading 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description The development of critical reading skills is essential to success in post-secondary academic studies. Advanced Critical Reading is designed to improve upon students’ standard reading skills, such as comprehension and vocabulary development, while concurrently developing their higher-order critical thinking skills. Students will work with authentic texts on a variety of subject matters, taken from academic journals, professional and general-interest magazines, opinion columns, and websites. Working with these texts, they will utilize skills that are fundamental to developing critical awareness. This course also enhances students’ understanding of American culture by engaging them in the reading of classic American novels. This course is required for program completion. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Build an understanding of critical, academic vocabulary
- Consider place and date of publication
- Identify author bias and purpose
- Evaluate the scope of research
- Distinguish fact from opinion
- Compare the author’s argument to alternative points of view
- Evaluate the strength of an argument and the validity of a text
- Critically review an article
- Read, analyze, and discuss 1-2 classic American novels
Prerequisites by Topic Coordinator Katherine Toske
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SM 200 - Foundations of Algebra and the Scientific Method 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description This course has been deigned to prepare students for studying science and math in an academic English-language setting. Students will develop an ability to perform arithmetical operations while building a working vocabulary of English words and phrases used to describe science and math concepts. They will translate English word problems into solvable operations and equations. They will also develop their analytical and critical thinking skills to find solutions to problems. Finally, students will apply their English and math skills to a scientific context through hands-on experiments and demonstrations. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Apply algebra and the scientific method to questions about physics and chemistry
- Define English words and phrases used for mathematical problems and scientific terms
- Translate English word problems into mathematical symbols
- Perform arithmetic operations without using a calculator
- Deal with fractions and decimals
- Calculate averages and percentages
- Solve algebraic equations
- Interpret and create graphs based on equations
Prerequisites by Topic Coordinator Katherine Toske
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SP 101 - Language Application through Servant Leadership 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description This course is designed to allow students to practice their English skills while engaging in and learning about the community they live in. At the beginning of the course students will research different volunteer opportunities and take an active role in contacting community organizations to develop a long-term, group service project. Each week students will volunteer together to make an impact on the community. Examples of service-learning programs include park/community center beautification projects, working at an urban garden, or working at a food pantry. Throughout the course, students will reflect on the impact of their work and their experience in the community as well as work to continuously improve their conversation skills. Attendance and active participation are mandatory in this pass/fail course. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify areas to engage with the Milwaukee community
- Set personal goals and work independently to achieve them
- Create professional emails/and or have professional phone conversations
- Engage in meaningful work related to their interests and skills
Prerequisites by Topic Coordinator Katherine Toske
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SP 102 - American Experience 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description American Experience is an interactive course in which students are exposed to different elements of American culture. Each course is developed around a theme(s), such as movies, recreational activities, holidays, or food, and each week students will participate in activities related to that theme. Students will have the chance to further develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in these activities. They will also grow their English vocabulary and understanding of American culture. Attendance and active participation are mandatory in this pass/fail course. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Broaden understanding of American culture
- Apply learned language skills to in and out of class activities
- Improve every day English vocabulary
Prerequisites by Topic Coordinator Katherine Toske
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SP 203 - Pronunciation Principles 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description This elective ESL course will introduce students to the sounds of American English and allow them to develop the necessary skills to be more proficient speakers of the English language. Students will explore a variety of segmental and suprasegmental linguistic components such as pronunciation of vowel and consonant sounds, word and sentence stress, intonation, linking, and elision. Students will gain confidence, understanding, and mastery of words they already know, as well as correctly be able to understand the speaking mechanics of new words and sentences they come across for the first time. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Learn, understand, and produce the American pronunciation of vowels and consonants in words alone and in sentences
- Understand the difference between voiced and unvoiced sounds, and then appropriately apply them to the sounds of English
- Correctly pronounce new words as you sight read them
- Understand and apply syllable stress within words and word stress in sentences
- Develop increased fluency of sentence speech through development of pronunciation, intonation, and word combination skills
- Understand more of conversation content from native English speakers through a deeper understanding of reductions, linking, and elision
- Apply specific sounds and pronunciation strategies to complete a report and presentation of such sounds and strategies as found in an assigned sound clip, speech, or radio broadcast
Prerequisites by Topic Course Topics Coordinator Katherine Toske
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SP 300 - Professional Presentations and Technology 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description This elective course is designed to help students understand the components of motivating and successful professional presentations, as well as how to prepare to give an effective presentation. It gives an insight into skills and techniques needed to get a clear and concise point across, target different audiences, incorporate technology effectively, and draft well-crafted opening hooks and closing arguments. Lectures will also focus on the evolution of technology and great speakers of the 21st century. Students will learn how to evaluate themselves and others objectively to give and receive constructive feedback. This course also allows students to do research about their majors, including an important technology used in their future field of study. This course includes a guided tour of the Grohmann Museum’s Man at Work collection. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Prepare, practice, and present two individual presentations
- Collaborate with 2-3 other students to create and give a group presentation
- Detect and analyze your strengths and weaknesses as a public speaker
- Watch and critique the presentations of professionals in various fields
- Draft an effective opening and closing of a presentation
- Master strategies to improve your voice power, structure of speech, and body language
- Use facts and figures and construct clear visual aids to enhance your presentations
- Uncover and utilize techniques to increase the impact of your presentations
- Build rapport with an audience, tell stories and lead a question/answer session while giving a presentation
- Research and present information about your major, including key vocabulary from the field
- Research information about a form of technology used in your future field of study
- Give and receive constructive feedback to and from your peers
- Work effectively with a group
Prerequisites by Topic Coordinator Katherine Toske
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SP 500 - Critical Thinking 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description In this 5- or 10-week course, students will spend time developing their language skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and vocabulary while they improve their critical thinking skills. Units will be designed around a theme, such as current events, technology, or business. Each unit will begin with a listening and reading activity to engage the students and familiarize themselves with the topic. They will learn and apply skills to effectively find the audience, main idea and purpose of a text or presentation and write a summary. They will also present or lead a discussion related to the topic of the unit, in which they will design questions to encourage the critical thinking of their classmates. In each unit, students will also keep track of new vocabulary words in a word journal. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Listen for the main ideas and key details in a presentation, talk or lecture
- Read to find the main ideas and key details in a text
- Find the purpose, audience, and main idea of a text and a lecture
- Write an effective summary of a text and a lecture
- Ask and answer higher-order thinking questions
- Lead and participate in a small and large group academic discussion
- Plan and give an academic presentation
Prerequisites by Topic Coordinator Katherine Toske
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TR 202 - Introduction to Primary Research and Data Analysis 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description This non-credit course is run by the ESL Program as part of MSOE’s Dual Admission track. This writing-focused class will bridge students’ classroom experiences by exposing them to types of writing tasks that will be expected of them at MSOE. They will look at different types of quantitative and qualitative research and develop the capacity to analyze information as they form research questions and gather data through conducting interviews, surveys, and observations. Students will learn about the scientific method and the basic structure of lab reports, as well has how to answer a question by developing an experiment to test a hypothesis. They will also practice reporting their findings to an audience. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Conduct primary research projects and report on findings in formal reports and presentations.
- Apply the scientific method to answer a research question by formulating a hypothesis, designing and conducting an experiment, measuring results, and drawing conclusions.
- Evaluate and employ various methods of field research, including interviews, surveys, and observations.
- Accurately describe and interpret statistics, graphics, and mathematical operations.
- Compose an abstract for an academic publication.
- Write conclusions using language of argumentation and evaluation.
Prerequisites by Topic Coordinator Katherine Toske
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VC 201 - Vocabulary for Engineering 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description This elective class is designed to improve communication skills and specialist English language knowledge in the fields of civil, mechanical and electrical engineering. It emphasizes listening and speaking covering common topics to all engineering fields such as describing how technology works, assessing manufacturing techniques and engineering design. It aids students to describe technical problems and solutions through the study of different case studies in authentic engineering scenarios. It is designed to reinforce concepts in both oral and written contexts. Does not replace courses in core curriculum. (prereq: none) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Improve your professional communication skills
- Use and understand high-priority language useful in any branch of engineering
- Explain how technology works
- Describe technical functions and applications and emphasize technical advantages of products
- Create a poster to visually represent and teach information about a material
- Assess manufacturing and jointing and fixing techniques
- Follow the steps in the design process to solve an everyday problem
- Apply learned vocabulary to oral presentations and written explanations
- Discover vocabulary words related to your major and create a manual to showcase their meanings
Prerequisites by Topic Course Topics Coordinator Katherine Toske
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VC 203 - Professional Vocabulary for Business Management 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 0 credits Course Description This elective class is designed to improve communication skills and specialist English language knowledge in the fields of business management. It offers management vocabulary reference and practice. Emphasizes listening and speaking covering common topics to business fields such as leadership, change management and finance. It aids students to describe technical problems and solutions through the study of different case studies in authentic business scenarios. It is designed to reinforce concepts in both oral and written contexts. Does not replace courses in core curriculum. Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Improve your professional communication skills
- Use and understand high-priority language useful in business management
- Analyze and reflect on technical discussions in a professional context and the developments in technology, global relations and financial practice
- Work with a team to address real-life business scenarios
- Write with professional competence a formal email, cover letter, resume, budget, marketing report, and globalization analysis.
- Create engaging presentations that target a specific audience which include references to visual aids such as graphs.
- Assess potential business pitfalls and provide recommendations.
Prerequisites by Topic Course Topics
- Human dimension
- Quality
- Competitive strategy
- Marketing
- Logistics
- The Internet and its uses
- Company finance
- Boom and bust
- Corporate responsibility
- Global economy
- Intercultural issues
- Writing in business management
Coordinator Katherine Toske
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