English for Academic Purposes
The program for undergraduates
The English for Academic Purposes Program is designed to promote the academic development of incoming students for whom English is not the home or native language. The Program coursework prepares students for success by supporting and clarifying the expectations and instructional methods of American higher education, as well as by helping students practice advanced language skills in the context of coursework related to their chosen fields of study. A specialized sequence of courses, support, and workshops taught by specialists is linked to the Skills and Common Core curriculum required of all Benedictine undergraduates. The Program’s Academic Discourse classes and workshops provide students with structured assistance within the context of their chosen disciplines, while specialized sections of the Benedictine Skills and Common Core courses allow students to focus on the overall expectations and philosophy of liberal arts education, informed by the University’s Catholic and Benedictine heritage.
Upon successful completion of the EAP Program, students will demonstrate not only improved fluency and comprehension in advanced English-language situations, but also preparation to apply the standards and practices of American higher education to their chosen profession. To this end, the EAP Program focuses on two principles essential to effective skills transfer: transparency of teaching goals and methods, and practical, skill-building coursework. Workshops provide students with opportunities for one-on-one and small-group instruction that promotes individual and discipline specific development.