Pre-College Program – Academics
The EPP is an intensive English as a Second Language program for students who are working to meet the English proficiency requirements for admission to the American University of the Middle East (AUM).
The EPP offers a rigorous series of courses in listening, speaking, reading, and writing English, with an emphasis on academic writing and preparation for the AUM admission examinations. The program features small classes (no more than 20 students), student-centered learning, and individualized instruction.
Placement
The EPP program consists of a year-long course of study of the English Language. The entire year is a progression through the different stages of academic language development. On entry into the program, students must take placement tests to determine appropriate instructional levels.
The placement tests may include all or some of the following:
- a standardized proficiency exam
- an essay, written on-site, through which students are rated on their ability to apply their knowledge of English to academic writing
- an interview
- Understanding of spoken English in a variety of forms (discussions, presentations, lectures, interviews, conversations)
- Presenting information orally in English
- Reading and comprehending college-level writing in English
- Producing writing in English that not only displays understanding of material, but also applies critical thinking skills (analysis, synthesis, inference, argumentation)
- Reading and writing for learning and research
- Knowing how to use tools and strategies (such as a dictionary and thesaurus) to increase vocabulary, and how to apply online resources to their writing and speaking for further development of English skills
- Referencing sources properly in order to avoid plagiarism.
- Writing consultations and workshops: 2 hours per week
- Study and Conversation workshops: 2 hours per week.
Preliminary individualized instructional goals will be established for each student based on performance on these exams.
Course Objectives and Outcomes
The primary program objective of EPP is to prepare students for entry into the academic courses at AUM by building their English language competency, developing their language learning strategies, and stimulating their critical thinking.
The following outcomes are addressed:
The extent to which these outcomes are reached will be measured by performance on the exams and essays required in the courses and by students’ performance on selected exit measures.
Grading
The passing grade for EPP is 70%.
Grades will be determined by a combination of traditional and performance measures. These will include measures of in-class interaction and participation, performance on reading and writing assignments and oral presentations, and successful completion of the Mid-Term and Final Examinations. The Mid-Term and Final Examinations will include essay and oral examinations in which students demonstrate their proficiency in applying the English language skills they have learned.
The weight of specific course components may vary from course to course in the sequence, and will be specified on each course syllabus.
Exit Requirements
Students should understand that in order to achieve admission into the AUM, they need to successfully complete the EPP courses.
Class Meetings
Classes are intensive and meet five days a week. In addition, students are to attend up to two hours in the Academic Communication Lab each week (using Auralog’s Tell Me More Software) -
Students are encouraged to use the Communication Lab facilities for additional study beyond the required minimum. They are also encouraged to practice at home.
Academic Rules and Policies
Academic Honesty
Students in the EPP are expected to adhere to the standards for academic honesty of the AUM, as outlined in the general catalog. For courses in the EPP, the following specific practices are also required:
Plagiarism
The EPP expects that students submit their own work, and only their own work. It is never acceptable to submit a project of any sort that has been purchased, borrowed, or taken from someone else. This is considered plagiarism, and will be punished by suspension or expulsion from the EPP.
