English Language and Cultural Studies
A unit of the Graduate School and International Education, the English Language and Cultural Studies program supports international graduate and undergraduate students as well as visiting and exchange students/scholars by providing supplementary English language and culture instruction.
What Is the English Language and Cultural Studies Program?
We are a part of the Graduate School and International Education, a group of dedicated professionals at the University who are invested in your success in all areas of your career here on campus. The English Language and Cultural Studies program supports international graduate and undergraduate students by providing supplementary credit academic instruction focused on refining the specific skills required for successful degree completion.
English Language and Cultural Studies Courses
The English Language and Cultural Studies (ELAC) Program offers a variety of courses to support international students transition to the University of Arkansas. Depending on placement scores, incoming students are placed in appropriate ELAC courses in their first year at the University. The faculty of the ELAC program work closely with the Office of International Admissions and the Office of International Students and Scholars to support students entering the University.
Proficiency Courses
3 Hours
This course is designed to enhance the academic writing and critical thinking skills
of non-native English speakers across all disciplines. Through focused instruction
and extensive practice, students will develop a stronger academic vocabulary, refine
discourse organization, and increase fluency in formal academic writing.
This course is designed to enhance the academic writing and critical thinking skills of non-native English speakers across all disciplines. Through focused instruction and extensive practice, students will develop a stronger academic vocabulary, improve grammatical accuracy, refine discourse organization, and increase fluency in formal academic writing.
3 Hours
This writing-intensive course is designed to enhance the academic writing, critical
thinking and analysis, research skills, and argument development of non-native English
speakers in the social sciences and education. Through focused instruction and extensive
practice, students will develop a stronger academic vocabulary, increase fluency in
formal academic writing, integrate scholarly sources, and enhance their ability to
present ideas effectively in both written and oral formats.
This writing-intensive course is designed to enhance the academic writing, critical thinking and analysis, research skills, and argument development of non-native English speakers in the social sciences and education. Through focused instruction and extensive practice, students will develop a stronger academic vocabulary, improve grammatical accuracy, increase fluency in formal academic writing, integrate scholarly sources, and enhance their ability to present ideas effectively in both written and oral formats.
3 Hours
This writing-intensive course is designed to enhance the academic writing, critical
thinking and analysis, research skills, and argument development of non-native English
speakers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Through focused
instruction and extensive practice, students will develop a stronger academic vocabulary,
increase fluency in formal academic writing, integrate scholarly sources, and enhance
their ability to present ideas effectively in both written and oral formats.
This writing-intensive course is designed to enhance the academic writing, critical thinking and analysis, research skills, and argument development of non-native English speakers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Through focused instruction and extensive practice, students will develop a stronger academic vocabulary, improve grammatical accuracy, increase fluency in formal academic writing, integrate scholarly sources, and enhance their ability to present ideas effectively in both written and oral formats.
For incoming students who do not meet the minimum requirements for English language
proficiency, the University of Arkansas offers an Intensive English Program designed to provide non-native English speakers the language and cultural skills
needed for academic, professional, and personal success.
Enrichment Courses
3 Hours
Students expand their communicative language skills through the study of news and
media. By analyzing the messages and methods used in a variety of sources, students
refine their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students develop critical
thinking skills as they evaluate and synthesize concept from a range of media sources.
2 Hours
In this course students study the basic principles of phonetics and phonology of English
to develop their ability to understand and produce standard American discourse.
3 Hours
This is a course for non-native English speakers to develop their oral communication
skills for professional business settings. From informal dialogues to formal business
presentations, students learn appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication strategies
and develop confidence to communicate effectively and comprehensibly.
3 Hours
Through an in-depth study of American life, culture, communicative style and institutions,
non-native speakers of English improve their oral and written communication skills.
3 Hours
For advanced non-native speakers of English to build skills and strategies for delivering
effective, clear presentations in academic and professional settings. Students learn
about organization, best use of visual aids, connecting with an audience, facilitating
questions and answers, and intercultural issues that affect perception and comprehensibility.
3 Hours
To prepare international graduate assistants to assist or teach in U.S. university
classes. The course focuses on enhancing teaching and communication skills, and cultural
knowledge. Students are non-native speakers of English who are developing their spoken
language proficiency to fulfill teaching responsibilities on campus.
Program Faculty and Staff
The faculty of the English Language and Cultural Studies Program are happy to assist you!
Wendy McBride (wmcbride@uark.edu) is the coordinator for the program. Please contact her with any questions about registration, placement in ELAC courses, or for other information about the program.
Faculty offices are in the English Language and Cultural Studies House (ELAC) located on the University of Arkansas campus near the corner of Douglas Street and Lindell Avenue, across the street from the University Housing Office (HOUS).
Wendy McBride
Coordinator and Instructor of English Language and Cultural Studies Program
ELAC House
Joseph Poniatowski
Instructor of English Language and Cultural Studies Program
ELAC House