Institute of American Language and Culture (IALC)

IALC 0080. Leadership and Global Citizenship. (0 Credits)

This program of intensive study targeting college-bound high school students and their instructors fosters the critical thinking and communication skills at the core of effective leadership. In part one, students investigate the challenges and strategies of sustainable development, leveraging Fordham University’s unique status as a recognized NGO. In part two, students underscore the importance of navigating cultural differences in international relations through hands-on activities and guided excursions in and around New York City.

IALC 0091. Private English Instruction. (0 Credits)

This course provides ten hours of private English instruction. Content and themes are based on a personalized needs assessment.

IALC 0092. Customized Private Instruction (20 Hours). (0 Credits)

This course provides 20 hours of private English instruction. Content and themes are based on a personalized needs assessment.

IALC 0093. Customized Private Instruction (30 Hours). (0 Credits)

This course provides 30 hours of private English instruction. Content and themes are based on a personalized needs assessment.

IALC 0094. Independent Study. (0 Credits)

This course offers students a unique opportunity to delve into a topic of personal interest while receiving expert guidance from a dedicated faculty member. This course encourages students to take charge of their learning journey, nurturing their intellectual curiosity and honing critical skills under the mentorship of a seasoned educator.

IALC 0101. Community ESL: Basic. (0 Credits)

This course is open to the community and introduces the English alphabet, basic sentence structure, vocabulary, and speaking skills in English. Special emphasis will be on understanding and producing short, simple texts and basic words and phrases.

Attribute: ESL.

IALC 0102. Community ESL 2. (0 Credits)

This course is open to the community and introduces daily English, simple sentence structure, vocabulary, and common speaking skills. Special emphasis will be on understanding and producing short, simple texts and basic words and phrases that students can use in daily life.

Attribute: ESL.

IALC 0103. Community ESL 3. (0 Credits)

This course is open to the community and covers English used in daily life and the workplace. Special emphasis will be on understanding and producing complex sentence structure, contextual vocabulary, and conversational skills.

Attribute: ESL.

IALC 0104. Community ESL 4. (0 Credits)

This course is open to the community and covers complex English used in daily life and the workplace. Special emphasis will be on understanding and producing lengthy texts, contextual vocabulary, and conversations that may be encountered in the workplace and in health care or educational settings.

Attribute: ESL.

IALC 0105. Community-Based Leadership Seminar. (0 Credits)

This bilingual seminar is open to the community and explores multiple contexts and practices of leadership in the community. Special emphasis will be on developing leadership skills among participants by reading texts, case studies, completing self-assessments, and discussing topics related to agency and the impact of personal leadership as an agent of change in the community.

Attribute: ESL.

IALC 0106. Citizenship and Civic Engagement Seminar. (0 Credits)

This course is open to participants in the community who plan to apply or have applied for naturalization. Special emphasis will be given to the topics that participants will discuss during the civics portion of their naturalization interview, such as American history, government and law, and geography of the United States.

Attribute: ESL.

IALC 0107. Digital Literacy Seminar. (0 Credits)

This seminar is open to members of the community who want to learn basic computer/device skills and terminology. Practical instruction will cover common hardware and software, email, creating and saving multiple file types, and accessing online services and information.

Attribute: ESL.

IALC 1001. Grammar Workshop. (0 Credits)

A free weekly grammar workshop for Fordham students.

IALC 1002. Pronunciation Workshop. (0 Credits)

This workshop provides an intensive review of English pronunciation for learners at all levels.

IALC 1003. Conversation Workshop. (0 Credits)

This workshop provides an opportunity to practice speaking and understanding conversational language in a small-group setting. Students will discuss various topics related to personal interests and current events in the target language.

IALC 1004. TOEFL Workshop. (0 Credits)

Free workshop to improve TOEFL and IELTS scores.

IALC 1005. Service Learning Project. (0 Credits)

For students at CEFR level A2 and above. This course encourages student engagement in the local community through volunteer opportunities arranged in partnership with the Center for Community Engaged Learning at Fordham. Special emphasis is on promoting greater awareness of issues in the United States concerning equity, class status, race, and nationality through service-learning experience, readings, films, and discussions.

IALC 1006. Academic Writing Seminar. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A2-B2+ This seminar provides a review of academic writing conventions. The seminar will help students organize, clarify, and support their ideas. Special attention will be given to revision and editing, structure and organization, paraphrasing and summarizing academic texts, critique and argumentation strategies, as well as a review of references, citations, and steps to avoid plagiarism.

IALC 1130. Basic Reading and Writing. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A1-A1+. This course introduces basic grammar, general vocabulary, and reading skills in English. Special emphasis will be on understanding and producing short, simple texts and basic words and phrases.

IALC 1135. Basic Reading and Writing B. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A1-A1+. This shortened, 7-week course introduces basic grammar, general vocabulary, and reading skills in English. Special emphasis will be on understanding and writing short, simple texts and basic words and phrases.

IALC 1140. Intermediate Reading, Writing, and Grammar 1. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A1-A2. This course is designed to strengthen students’ comprehensive grammar integrated with reading and writing skills. Special emphasis will be on understanding a short factual description or report within their own field, and writing a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors.

IALC 1145. Intermediate Reading, Writing, and Grammar B. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A1-A2. This shortened, 7-week course is designed to strengthen students’ comprehensive grammar integrated with reading and writing skills. Special emphasis will be on understanding a short factual description or report within their own field, and writing a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors.

IALC 1150. Intermediate Reading, Writing, and Grammar 2. (0 Credits)

For students at CEFR level A2 to B1. This course is designed to enhance students’ comprehensive grammar integrated with intensive and extensive reading and writing skills. Special emphasis will be placed on developing scanning skills to gather information from different parts of a text, and writing connected texts by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.

IALC 1155. High Intermediate Reading,Writing, and Grammar B. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2. This shortened, 7-week course is designed to enhance students’ comprehensive grammar integrated with intensive and extensive reading and writing skills. Special emphasis will be placed on developing scanning skills to gather information from different parts of a text, and writing connected texts by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.

IALC 1160. Academic Writing Skills. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2+. This course is designed to improve students’ academic writing skills and to help English language learners prepare for mainstream academic environments. Students will be equipped with skills tied to specific learning outcomes along with authentic writing strategies and technical vocabularies. Special emphasis will be on synthesizing and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources and developing critical and creative thinking in academic writing across different disciplines—science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

IALC 1165. Academic Writing Skills B. (0 Credits)

This shortened, 7-week course aims to improve students’ academic writing skills and to help English language learners prepare for mainstream academic environments. Students will be equipped with skills tied to specific learning outcomes along with authentic writing strategies and technical vocabularies. Special emphasis will be on synthesizing and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources and developing critical and creative thinking in academic writing across different disciplines—science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

IALC 1170. College Writing 1. (3 Credits)

CEFR: B2-C1. This course is designed to improve students’ strategies for university-level reading, writing, and critical thinking. Students will acquire new ways to read critically and reflect on a variety of academic texts, conduct peer review of writing in progress, and revise work according to feedback from classmates and their instructor. In support of these skills, the course will also review grammar, essay organization, APA, and academic integrity. Special emphasis will be on writing clear, well-structured research papers, underlining the relevant salient issues, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons, and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

Corequisite: IALC 1270.

IALC 1171. College Writing. (3 Credits)

CEFR: B2-C1. This course will help students develop university-level reading, writing, and thinking strategies. As a participant in complex academic conversations, students will learn to engage with and respond to college-level texts. To this end, students will practice critical reading and writing in common academic genres, including summary-response writing, argumentative essays, and library research. In support of these skills, students will participate in discussions of readings, review key grammar concepts, build their academic vocabulary, provide comments on peers’ writing, and revise work according to feedback from classmates and the instructor. Special emphasis will be on writing clear, well-structured research papers, underlining the relevant salient issues, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons, and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

IALC 1175. College Writing 2. (3 Credits)

CEFR: B2-C1. This course is a continuation of College Writing I and will introduce students to college-level reading and writing through the lens of culture, identity, and contemporary social issues, among other topics. Students will write well-organized expository essays and opinion essays in response to university-level readings. The focus of the course is on supporting students to acquire the ability to analyze, revise, and edit their own writing, as well as to read and analyze the writings of others; and correcting flaws in grammar, word usage, and sentence and composition structure. In support of these skills, students will also learn key grammar concepts.

IALC 1180. Intro to Research Writing. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B2+-C1. This course is designed to support students in developing the writing skills necessary to meet a range of anticipated writing tasks that they will encounter during their academic careers. Students will learn to communicate effectively within disciplinary contexts, read critically, and use resource materials effectively in research writing. Special emphasis is given to the structure and logic of the author’s argument, the use of tables and graphs, the placement of transitions, word choice, and flow.

IALC 1230. Basic Listening & Speaking. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A1-A1+. This course introduces basic grammar, general vocabulary, and communication skills in English. Special emphasis will be on understanding and speaking basic words and short sentences in simple conversations.

Attribute: ESL.

IALC 1235. Basic Listening & Speaking B. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A1-A1+. This shortened, seven-week course introduces basic grammar, general vocabulary, and communication skills in English. Special emphasis will be on understanding and speaking basic words and short sentences in simple conversations.

IALC 1240. Intermediate Listening and Speaking 1. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A1-A2. This course is designed to strengthen students’ speaking and listening skills, as well as vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation skills. Special emphasis will be on building academic vocabulary knowledge, understanding phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority, and giving a simple description or presentation.

IALC 1245. Intermediate Listening and Speaking B. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A1-A2. This shortened, seven-week course will strengthen students’ speaking and listening skills, as well as vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation skills. Special emphasis will be on building academic vocabulary knowledge, understanding phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority, and giving a simple description or presentation.

IALC 1250. Intermediate Listening and Speaking 2. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A2-B1. This course is designed to enhance students’ academic listening and speaking skills. Special emphasis will be on understanding main points and specific details of a speech or lecture, and presenting a variety of topics fluently with simple reasons and explanations.

IALC 1255. High Intermediate Listening and Speaking B. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A2-B1. This shortened, seven-week course is designed to enhance students’ academic listening and speaking skills. Special emphasis will be on understanding main points and specific details of a speech or lecture, and presenting a variety of topics fluently with simple reasons and explanations.

IALC 1260. Academic Communication Skills 1. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2+. This course is designed to improve students’ oral communication skills and help English language learners prepare for mainstream academic environments. Special emphasis is on understanding the main ideas of complex speech on both concrete and abstract topics delivered in standard speech, including technical discussions in a field of specialization, and giving clear, systematically developed descriptions and presentations, with appropriate highlighting of significant points and relevant supporting detail.

IALC 1265. Academic Communication Skills 1B. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2. This shortened, seven-week course is designed to improve students’ oral communication skills and help English language learners prepare for mainstream academic environments. Special emphasis is on understanding the main ideas of complex speech on both concrete and abstract topics delivered in standard speech, including technical discussions in a field of specialization, and giving clear, systematically developed descriptions and presentations, with appropriate highlighting of significant points and relevant supporting detail.

IALC 1270. Intercultural Skills 1. (2 Credits)

CEFR: B2-C1. This course introduces basic concepts, skills, and strategies to identify and manage cultural and academic expectations in the U.S. Through weekly readings, semester-long research, and practical class discussions, students will learn the importance of preconceptions, context, roles, and power in intercultural communication. Special emphasis is on recognizing a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, identifying opportunities and challenges that arise from cultural differences, and learning ways to address them effectively and appropriately in both academic and social settings.

Corequisite: IALC 1170.

IALC 1271. Intercultural Exchange. (3 Credits)

CEFR: B2-C1. This course is designed for exchange students and introduces the concepts, skills, and strategies to identify and manage cultural and academic expectations in the U.S. The course is designed to familiarize students with contemporary American culture and to help them feel “at home” in NYC. Through weekly readings, ethnographic observations, and practical discussions, students will learn the importance of preconceptions, context, roles, and power in intercultural communication. Special emphasis is on explaining interpretations of culturally-specific opinions, practices, beliefs, and values, pointing out similarities and differences to students' own and other cultures.

IALC 1275. Intercultural Skills 2. (2 Credits)

CEFR: B2-C1. This course is intended for culturally and linguistically diverse learners and introduces basic concepts, skills, and strategies to identify and manage cultural and academic expectations in the U.S. The students will be introduced to the concept of intercultural communicative competence and learn to use language appropriately and effectively while embracing the “differences.” Special emphasis is on recognizing a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, identifying opportunities and challenges that arise from cultural differences, and learning ways to address them effectively and appropriately in both academic and social settings.

IALC 1280. Academic Communication Skills 2. (3 Credits)

CEFR: B2+- C1. This course is designed for students to strengthen academic communication skills by participating in a variety of discussions and mini presentations. Special emphasis is on arguing a case on a complex issue, formulating points precisely, and employing emphasis effectively.

IALC 1301. Int Integrated English Skills. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2. This course will strengthen students’ ability to read, compare, discuss, and debate in English. Students will practice reading fictional short stories, writing complex sentences, giving short presentations, participating in discussions, and producing a digital story. Special emphasis is on producing clear, detailed descriptions and presentations with relevant supporting details.

IALC 1302. Adv Integrated English Skills. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B2-C1. This project-based course will guide students to become editor in chief of a digital publication they create themselves, from concept to completion. By completing small projects every week, students will be exercising writing, speaking, listening, reading, and grammar skills, which will strengthen their English proficiency. Special emphasis is on employing the structure and conventions of various genres, varying the tone, style, and register according to addressee, text type, and theme.

IALC 1303. Summer Integrated English Skills. (0 Credits)

This course will strengthen students’ skills to analyze, report, and debate in English. Students will practice reading, writing, listening, speaking, and will produce an e-publication and present on their work. Special emphasis is on producing clear, detailed descriptions and presentations with relevant supporting details.

IALC 2026. College ESL Writing I. (6 Credits)

CEFR: B2-C1. This course introduces students to college-level reading and writing through the lens of identity, intercultural communication, and education, among other topics. Special emphasis is on reading critically, reflecting on a variety of texts, and writing well-developed narrative, persuasive, and argumentative academic essays. In support of these skills, students will also learn key grammar concepts.

IALC 2200. Special Topics. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A2-C1. This course is designed to enhance students’ communication competence on a variety of topics. Special emphasis is on practicing discussions and delivering speeches on topics of their interests.

IALC 2240. Int Weekend English Skills. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A2-B1. This weekend course is designed to develop students’ English language skills at the intermediate level, with a focus on developing accuracy and fluency in communication. Special emphasis is on improving reading comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, paragraph writing, speeches, and presentation skills.

IALC 2260. Adv Weekend English Skills. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2. This weekend course is designed to develop students’ English language skills at the advanced level. It will help students build effective communication skills. Special emphasis is on refining accuracy and fluency by reading more complex texts, and developing effective oral presentation/writing skills.

IALC 2300. Presentation & Public Speaking. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B2-C1. This course is designed to prepare students for success in typical public speaking situations and to provide them with the basic principles of organization and research needed for effective speeches. Special emphasis is on giving a clear, systematically developed presentation, with appropriate vocabulary usage, techniques to lessen speaker anxiety, and the use of visual aids to enhance speaker presentations.

IALC 2303. Intro to U.S. Culture & History. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2. This content-based course strengthens language proficiency while developing a broader and deeper understanding of various aspects of U.S. culture and history. Special emphasis is on producing clear, detailed text on a wide range of cultural and/or historical topics and explaining a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

IALC 2304. Intro to World Religions. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B2-C1. This course introduces the core beliefs, concepts, traditions, and essential elements of major religions practiced widely throughout the world, including but not limited to Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Islam. Special emphasis is on producing well-structured writings on world religions by thinking critically, evaluating collected resources, and synthesizing information.

IALC 2305. English and the NY Environment. (0 Credits)

This course is designed for students to investigate environmental features of natural parks and urban landmarks in New York City. As students visit these sites, they will learn the vocabulary, history, and unique features of the context. Special emphasis will be placed on on improving oral and written fluency in describing places, events, significant experiences, and feelings. CEFR: A2-B2.

IALC 2306. Comprehensive University Preparation 1. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2. This course introduces techniques for listening actively to academic lectures, taking effective notes, and formulating opinions based on content. Special emphasis is on extracting main ideas, learning different note-taking strategies, summarizing information, and sharpening their critical thinking and comprehension skills.

IALC 2307. Comprehensive University Preparation 2. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B2-B2+. This course is a continuation of Comprehensive University Preparation 1 and will introduce students to more in-depth college-level academic study skills. Special emphasis is on outlining the main points in disagreement with reasonable precision and explaining the positions of the parties involved.

IALC 2308. American Culture in Film. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A2-C1. This course is designed to help students improve their oral/aural skills and their understanding of American culture through an examination of various films. Special emphasis is on writing reflections and sharing comments while understanding idiomatic language as well as recognizing different interpretations in selected scenes.

IALC 2309. American Culture and the Visual Arts. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A2-C1. This course introduces two- and three-dimensional visual arts genres, from the High Renaissance leading up to modern and contemporary Western and American art and architecture. Special emphasis is on recognizing and comparing multiple genres of different visual arts through paraphrasing, discussing, and presenting a visual journal.

IALC 2310. Fiction and Storytelling. (0 Credits)

This course is designed to introduce techniques and terminologies for creative writing and explore uses of language through various genres (fiction, comic strips, plays, children’s books, and poetry). The goal is to improve and develop students' creative writing skills and help them practice intonation and rhythm in storytelling. Special emphasis is placed on writing well-developed creative stories or strips by incorporating idioms and distinctive vocabulary.

IALC 2311. Creative Writing and Drama. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2. The course is designed to improve and develop the craft of creative writing, to find your own style and preferred genre or media as an introduction to professional script-writing. Special emphasis is on writing a well-developed script by incorporating idioms and distinctive vocabulary.

IALC 2312. English for News and Social Media. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2+. The course guides students to explore print and digital media through authentic readings, social media, TV news, and video lectures. Special emphasis is on expanding vocabulary knowledge, discussing news, and increasing the ability to read, listen, research, and develop local and global news stories.

IALC 2313. Conversational English. (0 Credits)

For students at CEFR level A2 and above. This class is designed to introduce and develop students’ conversational skills through role-plays, case studies, and a variety of scenarios. Special emphasis is on understanding the surface and underlying meanings of one’s statements and using appropriate expressions in various contexts.

IALC 2400. Conversational English for Professionals. (0 Credits)

For students at CEFR level B2 and above. This course is designed to teach communication strategies essential for students to remain competitive in today’s global and dynamic economy. Special emphasis is placed on speaking with fluency and spontaneity and building cultural competence through interactive exercises and case studies.

IALC 2401. English for Business 1. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2. This course is designed for students who are either currently working professionals or for those who are seeking work. Special emphasis is on getting familiarized with the major writing and speaking formats in a business setting including emails, reports, phone calls, and presentations.

IALC 2402. English for Business 2. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B2-C1. This course is designed for students who are either currently working professionals or for those who are seeking work. Special emphasis is on improving language and problem-solving skills through role-play, discussion, and case studies of various business scenarios.

IALC 2403. English for Legal Studies 1. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2. The course is designed for students who want to major in law or pursue graduate studies in law. Special emphasis is placed on practicing interviewing, client counseling, and negotiating skills.

IALC 2404. English for Legal Studies 2. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B2-C1. The course is designed for students who want to major in law. Special emphasis is placed on polishing oral and written skills through different types of language practice activities namely courtroom role-plays, problem-solving discussions, and formal letter writing practice.

IALC 2405. Current Events. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A2-B1. This course is designed to enhance students’ reading comprehension and communication skills by discussing the world and local issues that affect our daily lives. Special focus is placed on summarizing, reporting, and providing opinions about current events.

IALC 2406. Social Issues in America. (0 Credits)

CEFR: A2-B1+. This course is designed to identify significant social issues in American society, examine the process of how these social problems arose, and discuss and debate possible solutions. Special emphasis is placed on formulating opinions using expressions and vocabulary related to social issues.

IALC 2407. TOEFL Preparation. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2. This course is designed to help students prepare for the TOEFL iBT. Special emphasis is on developing the four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) as well as specific test-taking strategies.

IALC 2408. Language for Community Engagement. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2. This project-based course is designed for students to get involved and make positive changes in the community. Special emphasis is placed on using appropriate vocabulary, expressions, and idioms, as well as using critical thinking to analyze the issue and research a potential solution.

IALC 2409. New York: Issues and Events. (0 Credits)

CEFR: B1-B2. This course is designed for students to explore current issues related to the politics, culture, faiths, and people of one of the world’s most fascinating and recognized urban centers. Special emphasis is placed on expressing opinions with precision and writing short essays or reports that develop an argument systematically, including appropriately highlighting significant points.

IALC 2410. Intro to Intercultural Communication. (0 Credits)

For students at CEFR level B1+ and above. This course, intended for culturally and linguistically diverse learners, introduces basic concepts, skills, and strategies to identify and manage cultural and academic expectations in the U.S. Special emphasis is placed on expanding students’ awareness of similarities and differences between cultures for successful intercultural communication in both the personal and professional domains.

IALC 2420. Intro to Global Citizenship. (3 Credits)

This course is designed to help students build intercultural competencies as members of the global community through research, discussion, and group projects. Models will be drawn from the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals and the Ignatian Perspective on Global Citizenship. Special emphasis is on deepening the awareness of their place and responsibilities, both locally and globally, and working with others toward the goals of a sustainable earth and just society.

IALC 7100. IALC Winter Holiday Institute (4-Day Intensive). (0 Credits)

This is a 4-day immersive language program exploring innovation, tradition, and creativity in the context of the winter holiday season in New York City. Students receive in-class English language instruction and join guided experiential learning activities and excursions, bringing pedagogic rigor together with real-life experience.

IALC 7200. IALC Winter Institute. (0 Credits)

The Institute of American Language and Culture's Winter Institute challenges participants to explore themes of cultural expression through art, politics, and communities within the context of New York City. While participating in the program, participants become New Yorkers, navigating the complexity of a dynamic and diverse society while enhancing their English proficiency both in and out of the classroom. Classwork strengthens language proficiency and provides students with firsthand exposure to the unique participatory style of American classroom interaction, all while encouraging them to reflect critically on the significance of culture in key international relationships.

IALC 7300. IALC Summer Institute. (0 Credits)

The Institute of American Language and Culture's Summer Institute challenges students to explore the diverse neighborhoods, rich artistic heritage, and natural environment of New York City. Participants receive in-class English language instruction with a special focus on content related to strengthening intercultural competence and communication skills. Guided experiential learning activities and excursions are scheduled for afternoons, evenings, and weekends, fusing pedagogic rigor with real-life experience.