PDF version - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

De La Salle Language Institute
• Student has one of the following English language proficiency scores: TOEFL score of 495-549 (paper
based), or 167-212 (computer based), or 58-78 (internet based) or a MELAB score of 69-77, or an IELTS
score of 5.5-6.5.
If an accepted student elects to enroll in the ELB Program, the director is assigned as an academic
advisor and helps the student with the academic advising and registration process.
Program Courses
ELB100 Academic Oral Communication Enrichment 3 credits
This course is designed to assist advanced-level nonnative English speakers in acquiring academic
communicative competence. Students are introduced to specific settings in which to use an academic
register and be familiarized with the rules and quality of performance that are expected in these
settings. Because nearly all authentic academic communication situations involve integration of all
four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), course activities integrate all four skills.
Students are required to participate in interviews, orally interpret graphs and tables, define terms, and
discuss articles. They also receive practice with listening to lectures, taking notes, and participating
in class discussions. Finally, they give a process and impromptu speech, serve on a panel discussion,
participate in a seminar, and challenge and defend a position.
ELB110 English Grammar for Academic Enhancement 3 credits
Advanced-level nonnative English speakers thoroughly examine and review the structure and usage
of contemporary spoken and written English grammar in authentic situations. This course involves
more than rote rules and forms. ELB110 seeks to bridge the gap between a student’s declarative
and procedural knowledge of English grammar. ELB110 assists students in developing a functional
understanding of what grammar is and how it works in order to successfully carry out various
communicative tasks connected to success in higher education. Through the use of relevant texts and
oral language, students focus on the grammatical aptitude required for success at the university level in
the skill areas of writing, reading, speaking and listening. Prerequisite: minimum ACT Reading/English
score of 13.
ELB116 Critical Academic Reading Strategies 3 credits
This course for advanced-level nonnative English speakers focuses on reading strategies and vocabulary
enrichment in a variety of academic disciplines (i.e., hard sciences, social sciences, history, business,
and arts) that students encounter in their general education classes. Students improve their reading
comprehension, increase their reading speed, and develop their retention of vocabulary. Strategies that
are covered are prereading techniques; annotation and notetaking; summarizing and paraphrasing; and
vocabulary building through inference, using context, learning prefixes, etc.
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