Academic Literacy and Linguistics

The Department of Academic Literacy and Linguistics offers courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Academic and Critical Reading (ACR), as well as credit-bearing courses in Linguistics (LIN) and Critical Thinking (CRT). Here is a list of Department Contacts.

ACR and ESL courses are designed to help you develop the essential skills you need for continued academic progress. These courses are required of students who have not passed the placement exams in reading and writing.

Academic and Critical Reading

Academic and Critical Reading (ACR) courses will help you improv your reading comprehension through the practice of literal, inferential and critical reading skills, vocabulary development, writing, flexible reading rates, and study skills.

Advanced ACR courses will help you master and apply a full range of college-level reading, and related skills, including critical comprehension, vocabulary, writing, flexible rates of reading, and study strategies.

The Learning Resource Center (room S-510, 199 Chambers St.) provides tutoring assistance to students taking ACR courses.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

The goal of our ESL courses is to help you to become fluent, clear and effective in your writing, reading, and oral communication skills. We also provide academic advisement to help you meet your long-term educational goals, as well as offer information and advise you about your degree program.

The ESL Lab provides you with free English tutoring and conversation groups as well as access to computers with writing and grammar software.

Linguistics

Linguistics, the scientific study of language and its structureis, is a fascinating subject with a wide range of subfields, including theoretical linguistics, sociolinguistics, historical linguistics, psycholinguistics, language acquisition, forensic linguistics, and computational linguistics. Linguistics courses can fulfill requirements in the Flexible Core, Liberal Arts, Modern Languages, and Criminal Justice programs. The Linguistics and Literacy program is offered by the department.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking develops reasoning and analytical skills that can help you make better decisions. The course covers standards of good reasoning, both in general and about special topics, such as cause and effect, generalizations, and moral or political controversies. Students also explore important psychological and sociological sources of error in judgment and thereby gain a deeper understanding of both themselves and society.