Courses for International Students

The following classes are available to incoming international students; placement in these classes will be determined by one or more placement tests.

English 188 – English for Academic Purposes I (0.5 units)

English 188 is attended only by interntational students.

In this class students review elements of grammar, develop reading comprehension strategies, and begin to explore the academic writing process. The class culminates with a research-based essay and assignment that requires students to utilize all of the skills they have gained during the semester.

In their Own Words: What former students say about English 188:

"This class is not hard and it helps you to improve your reading and writing. You can ask whatever you want, even some simple words. I found Chinese teachers taught me some wrong grammar; in this class we learned grammar and how to write papers. Also, we practiced reading and MLA (MLA is very useful)."

– Shuwen, Albion Class of 2014

English 288 – English for Academic Purposes II (0.5 units)

English 288 is attended only by international students.

In this class, students advance to a more demanding slate of reading and writing tasks. During the semester each student will read and respond to two novels, and each student will write two multidraft essays. The focus of this class is on preparing students for subsequent literature and compostition based on classes at Albion College.

In their Own Words: What former students say about English 288:

"Last semester I had taken English 188 and I improved my English skill, so English 288 was a good choice to keep improving my English. I can feel a big improvement in my English."

– Jacky, Albion Class of 2013

"English 288 provides training on more skills than I thought. I didn't anticipate difficulties in reading and writing before the semester started, but this class did help a lot. I had more chances to practice oral English and writing became much easier.

"Don't expect this class to be easy or relaxing, although you'll feel free in class. Seize every chance in class to speak; it is something that you must practice to be perfect."

– Bian, Albion Class of 2014

"English 288 developed our ability of writing and trained us to be not nervous and to be able to give a speech. For the class you won't mess up if you do things step by step. I learned that no one speaks good English when they are born, which means learning English is about practice, practice and practice, and learning attitiude is important for people."

English 100 – Writing Essentials (1 unit)

An introduction to the basics of college writing, with special attention to word and sentence fundamentals. Emphasizes generating ideas for writing, imagining words that match ideas, and learning/practicing writing (and revising) grammatically and structurally sound papers, in a variety of styles and genres. Must be taken for a numerical grade.

More information may be found at http://www.albion.edu/english/courses.