Levels of Instruction
Classes focus on language and cultural skills needed for successful university study. IELI has four levels of instruction. Each level takes one 15-week semester (or one 10-week summer session) to complete. Classes meet 18 hours per week. Level 1 is high beginning. Students entering IELI must have a basic knowledge of English in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Some classes at levels 1 and 2 are multi-level. Students who place into Level 1 repeat these classes for additional credit upon advancing to Level 2. The content of the courses varies from term-to-term.
Classes at all levels are credit bearing. Depending upon major department, undergraduate students may apply up to 36 IELI credits as elective credit towards graduation.
Statement of Philosophy
Grounded Curriculum
Knowledge is socially constructed. The role of faculty is to facilitate students' construction of knowledge of language and its use. The role of the curriculum is to guide this construction by providing tasks and opportunities relevant to students' academic goals that will allow them to continually test and verify their knowledge.
We take a holistic, integrative view that recognizes the interplay of viewpoints often labeled as cognitive, humanistic, and sociocultural.
We aim for a curriculum focused on learning and believe that all members of a classroom community learn from one another.
We strive for an open, supportive learning environment where students can explore individual interests, learn to make decisions, negotiate issues and take responsibility for their own learning.
Broad Faculty Ownership
We value the contributions of a professionally active faculty, and seek to integrate the multiple perspectives and collective expertise of the faculty through regular curriculum discussion.
A Cross-Cultural Perspective
Having an informed cross-cultural perspective will help our students interact with IELI classmates from diverse cultures, and all members of the university community.
Meeting Students' Needs
Students are more than language learners; they are people with preferences and individual goals.
Students at all levels of language proficiency can engage in scholarship, critical thinking, and problem solving.
Learners' abilities develop differentially in the various language skills. Therefore, in administering the curriculum we want students to be able to progress through the lELI program according to their individual needs and performances.
We can serve students well by helping them become independent, autonomous learners capable of functioning on their own in a university environment.
Therefore, we recognize students’ effort by allowing them to count credits earned in the IELI program towards graduation.
Course Descriptions and Goals
(Click on class number for course descriptions)
IELI 1230 and 1240 are multilevel 1 & 2 classes.