Part-time Courses

Course Dates and Time:

Pronouncing American English

This course is designed to help students improve their pronunciation skills and develop fluency, clarity and understanding of spoken English. It addresses common challenges faced by English language learners from various language backgrounds. Students have several opportunities to practice American English sounds, intonation, and rhythm with peers and faculty.

By joining this course, you will:  

• Build fluency and confidence in speaking in English.
• Develop effective listening skills and learn a broad range of English vocabulary.  
• Improve your accuracy in the production of phonetic sounds.
• Learn to speak with proper stress and intonation.
  
  

Grammar for Effective Communication

This course is designed to help students improve their English grammar and communication skills through engaging learning and practice sessions. It focuses on core grammar principles such as verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, word order, parts of speech, and modal auxiliaries.

By enrolling, you will: 

• Enhance fluency and confidence in using English grammar rules.
• Utilize accurate grammatical structures in speaking and writing.
• Review and practice English language grammatical forms in different communication contexts.
  
  

English Language Test Preparation

This course is designed to help students prepare for English language proficiency tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). It focuses on test-taking skills, strategies, and general language skills such as reading and listening for main ideas and inferences as well as reading and listening comprehension.

By joining this class, you will:

• Strengthen your reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in English.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of all sections of TOEFL, IELTS or similar tests.
• Practice proficiency tests and learn strategies to improve your scores.
• Develop your vocabulary and grammar skills for better test performance.

 

Learning English through AI Tools 

This course helps English learners use artificial intelligence (AI) tools effectively and responsibly to strengthen their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Through scaffolded, task-based lessons, students will learn how to write clear prompts, use AI for practice and feedback, and evaluate AI-generated language for accuracy and cultural appropriateness. Activities include short, real-world projects such as AI-assisted presentations, pronunciation practice, grammar review, and reading comprehension tasks. Emphasis is placed on improving language proficiency, developing digital literacy, and understanding the ethical use of AI in both academic and everyday communication.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Use AI tools (e.g., text-based chatbots, pronunciation tutors, and summarizers) to support English language learning tasks.
• Use AI-driven speech tools to rehearse and record short presentations and reflect on pronunciation progress.
• Demonstrate basic AI and digital safety skills by protecting personal information and recognizing inaccurate or biased AI responses.
• Collaborate in pairs or small groups to design and present an authentic product (e.g., a learning guide or travel brochure) using AI responsibly.

Spring I 2026 (8 weeks)  

Dates: January 12 – March 6 

Location: Online 

Days/Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 6:50 PM  

 

Spring II 2026 (8 weeks)  

Dates: March 16 – May 7 

Location: In Person 

Days/Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 6:50 PM

 

---

Cancellation and Refund Policies:

Classes are confirmed one week prior to the start date, based on minimum enrollment. In order to help us confirm classes, please register as early as possible. You may cancel your registration up until the end of the first week of classes. After that date, no refunds will be given. Cancellations must be received via email at geo-elp@vcu.edu.