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English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track

The English and Academic Preparation – Grad Track non-credit course is for students who wish to strengthen their academic skills in preparation for graduate studies. This certificate course is designed to help both domestic and international students communicate more effectively in spoken and written contexts, read and comprehend scholarly texts, and take notes more efficiently. Ideally, prospective students have completed or are near completion of a bachelor’s degree and would like to study for a master’s or doctorate degree in the United States.

The total length of time required to complete the course is approximately 4 weeks. Students should expect to spend about 3-4 hours per week working with the materials and assignments.

The course is made up of 4 modules:

• Listening, Speaking, and Critical Thinking

• Writer’s Workshop

• Reading and Note-taking

• Capstone Project

Each module consists of video lessons, opportunities for practicing English and academic skills, interactive discussion boards with classmates, and graded activities. The course is asynchronous, which means that the lessons and their activities can be completed at any time of day or night.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Listening, Speaking and Critical Thinking

In this module, we will learn some skills necessary for listening to and speaking about academic topics at the graduate level.

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Focuses on developing essential skills for success in graduate studies

Taught by instructors with expertise in English language instruction and academic preparation

Offers a comprehensive overview of key academic skills, including listening, speaking, writing, reading, and note-taking

Provides opportunities for interactive practice and feedback through discussion boards and graded activities

Ideal for students who are nearing completion of a bachelor's degree and plan to pursue a graduate degree in the United States

Asynchronous format allows students to complete the course at their own pace

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Reviews summary

Graduate academic skills preparation

According to what prospective learners might anticipate, this academic preparation course from Rice University is designed to provide essential English and academic skills for graduate studies. It focuses on improving communication in spoken and written contexts, comprehending scholarly texts, and efficient note-taking. The asynchronous format offers flexibility, covering listening, speaking, critical thinking, writing, reading, and note-taking across its four modules, culminating in a capstone project. Learners may find the 4-week, low-commitment structure manageable, though success would likely hinge on consistent engagement with the video lessons and graded activities.

Delivers key skills within a concise and manageable timeframe.

"The 4-week duration feels efficient for covering these essential preparatory skills."

"Spending just 3-4 hours a week seems manageable, even with other commitments."

"It's a good condensed program for a quick academic skill boost before grad school."

The course design culminates in a project applying all learned academic skills.

"The capstone project is a great way to synthesize everything learned in the previous modules."

"It allows me to practice applying graduate-level academic skills in a realistic scenario."

"I expect the capstone to be the crowning achievement, demonstrating my progress."

Offers convenient self-paced learning suitable for busy schedules.

"The asynchronous nature of the course is perfect for my busy schedule, letting me learn anytime."

"Being able to complete lessons at my own pace would be a huge advantage."

"It's great for students who need flexibility and cannot attend live sessions."

Aims to build essential English and academic skills for graduate studies.

"I appreciate how this course covers all the key areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing for graduate school."

"It truly prepares you for the academic rigor required in a Master's or PhD program."

"The modules on note-taking and critical thinking seem particularly valuable for academic success."

Provides broad academic preparation but may not delve into highly specialized areas.

"This course offers a broad overview, which is great for general preparation, but perhaps not for deep dives into niche academic writing styles."

"If you're already very proficient in some areas, certain content might feel like a review."

"It seems to be an excellent foundation, but I wouldn't expect it to replace extensive individual tutoring for specific weaknesses."

The asynchronous format may demand strong self-management and motivation.

"Since it's self-paced, you really need to be disciplined to keep up with the modules and assignments."

"Without live classes, staying motivated and on schedule is entirely up to the individual learner."

"I anticipate needing to actively set aside dedicated time each week to truly benefit from the materials."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track with these activities:

Review Basic English Grammar

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Get a refresher on English grammar fundamentals to prepare for academic coursework.

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Go over the parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc.)
Review sentence structure (subject, verb, object, modifiers)
Practice identifying and correcting common grammatical errors

Practice Active Listening Exercises

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Engage in active listening exercises to enhance your understanding of spoken English.

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Listen attentively to conversations, focusing on understanding the main points
Summarize what you've heard in your own words
Ask clarifying questions to ensure comprehension

Follow Online Writing Workshops

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Enroll in guided online workshops to sharpen your writing skills.

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Choose workshops that cover topics like thesis development, argumentation, and research methods
Complete exercises and assignments to receive feedback and improve writing
Apply techniques learned to your own academic writing

Five other activities

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Develop a Glossary of Academic Terms

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Compile a comprehensive glossary of academic terms relevant to your field of study.

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Identify key terms and concepts from your coursework and readings
Provide clear definitions and explanations for each term
Organize the glossary alphabetically or by topic

Read and Critique 'The Elements of Style'

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Read and analyze Strunk's classic guide to improve your writing clarity and conciseness.

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Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to the principles of clear writing
Identify specific examples of well-written and poorly-written sentences
Rewrite passages from the book to demonstrate your understanding of the principles

Attend Weekly Discussion Groups

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Participate in weekly discussion groups to engage with classmates and practice using academic English.

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Join or form a discussion group with classmates
Prepare for discussions by reading the assigned materials
Actively participate in discussions, sharing your ideas and perspectives

Volunteer as a Tutor or Mentor

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Volunteer as a tutor or mentor to practice your communication and teaching skills in an academic setting.

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Identify opportunities to volunteer at local schools or community organizations
Prepare lessons and activities that support students' academic development
Provide guidance and support to students, both in academic and non-academic areas

Attend Workshops on Thesis Writing

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Attend workshops to develop your skills in formulating a research question, conducting research, and writing a thesis.

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Identify workshops that align with your research interests and career goals
Actively participate in the workshops, asking questions and engaging in discussions
Apply the knowledge and techniques learned to your own research project

Career center

Learners who complete English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

College Professor

College Professors teach and mentor students in higher education institutions. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming College Professors as it provides foundational skills in communication, critical thinking, and academic writing, all of which are essential for success in teaching and research.

See salaries and explore the career path for College Professor

Writer

Writers create and produce written content for a variety of purposes, including news articles, blog posts, marketing materials, and creative works. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Writers as it provides foundational skills in academic writing, grammar, and critical thinking, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Editor

Editors review, revise, and prepare written content for publication. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Editors as it provides foundational skills in grammar, punctuation, and style, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Public Relations Specialists as it provides foundational skills in communication, critical thinking, and media relations, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Marketing Managers as it provides foundational skills in communication, critical thinking, and consumer behavior, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve revenue targets. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Sales Managers as it provides foundational skills in communication, negotiation, and customer relationship management, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts identify and analyze business needs and develop solutions to improve efficiency and productivity. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Business Analysts as it provides foundational skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects to achieve specific objectives. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Project Managers as it provides foundational skills in communication, leadership, and project management, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers manage the human capital of organizations. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Human Resources Managers as it provides foundational skills in communication, conflict resolution, and employee relations, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers lead and manage nonprofit organizations to achieve their missions. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Nonprofit Managers as it provides foundational skills in communication, fundraising, and stakeholder management, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Social Worker

Social Workers help individuals, families, and communities address social and emotional challenges. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Social Workers as it provides foundational skills in communication, counseling, and social work practice, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Counselor

Counselors help individuals address mental health and emotional issues. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Counselors as it provides foundational skills in communication, counseling, and mental health, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

Teacher

Teachers educate and support students in their academic and personal development. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Teachers as it provides foundational skills in communication, lesson planning, and classroom management, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Librarian

Librarians manage and provide access to information resources in libraries. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Librarians as it provides foundational skills in information literacy, research, and library management, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical records and artifacts. The English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Archivists as it provides foundational skills in archival theory, preservation, and research, all of which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track.

The Language of Heresy in Late Medieval English...

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Is the definitive dictionary of the English language. It contains over 600,000 words and phrases, and it is the ultimate authority on spelling, pronunciation, and usage. The book is also a valuable resource for etymologists and lexicographers.

The Language of Heresy in Late Medieval English...

Hardcover

$$$$

The Language of Heresy in Late Medieval English...

Kindle Edition

$$$

CMOS Simplified

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Is the essential reference guide for academic writing. It provides detailed guidance on grammar, punctuation, style, and formatting. The book is also a valuable resource for researchers and professionals.

English and Academic Preparation - Grad Track

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Graduate academic skills preparation

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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