All courses in the ESL + Design Certificate are offered every semester.

Schedule of Classes

Fall and Spring Semesters

Summer Semester

Course Descriptions

ESL Courses

ESL courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer terms. The full-time curriculum involves 18 hours in class per week for 12 weeks in the fall and spring and 9 weeks in the summer.

Spring 2019 classes run from January 28 to April 30, 2019.

Summer 2019 classes run from June 10 to August 13, 2019.

Fall 2019 classes run from September 4 to December 5, 2019.

Grammar of English

In the Intensive English Program at the New School, students learn more than just a set of grammar rules. At all levels, the emphasis is on how students use grammar in speaking and writing. Grammar classes are lively and active, with reading, discussion, videos, songs, presentations, games, and writing as well as more traditional exercises and quizzes.

Academic Writing

Our writing program takes students through the process of writing paragraphs and essays, from prewriting to organizing, drafting, and revising. At each level, students learn the sentence structure, vocabulary, and writing techniques that will help them express themselves clearly in academic English.

Listening and Speaking

In these classes, students practice speaking and listening in a variety of informal and formal settings. They learn idioms and phrasal verbs, practice difficult pronunciation patterns and sounds, and acquire good presentation skills. Listening practice includes movies, YouTube videos, and lectures.

Reading and Vocabulary

In our reading program, designed to increase our students' reading speed, understanding, confidence, and enjoyment, students practice reading skills, build vocabulary, and read a variety of long and short texts at the appropriate level. Students are expected to talk and write about the texts in detail as well as answer questions about the texts on quizzes.

ESL + Design: Studio Class

In this studio class, offered through Parsons School of Design, students who are studying in the ESL + Design Certificate program develop their language skills through studio art and design practice. Students work collaboratively and conduct active field research in the urban environment for exercises and projects based on themes in the city. Multiple art and design disciplines are explored, and students complete both independent and group projects. Students gain experience speaking in studio discussions, collaborating in groups, and writing about projects, and they learn art and design terminology vital for studio practice. This class can replace the regular Listening and Speaking class when students reach their highest level (Level 5 for AAS programs; Level 6 for BFA, BBA, and MFA programs).