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Advanced English Mini-Courses

  • Free, non-credit graduate-level courses in research communication for students whose first language is not US English. They are offered by the Writing Center and taught by English Language Specialists.
  • Priority registration will be given to degree-seeking UNC graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Others will be wait-listed until space is available. (See our writing groups and speaking groups pages for additional opportunities.)
  • A certificate of completion may be awarded to students who participate fully in a course if requested. There are no grades for these courses, and they will not appear on any UNC transcripts.
  • Please contact Dr. Gigi Taylor with any questions.

Presentation Practice & Feedback Sessions

Are you preparing for an important presentation? Schedule a 45-minute individual appointment to practice your presentation and get feedback on your slides, presentation style, and any other concerns. For international graduate students and postdocs.

Schedule a practice presentation here.

Also see our workshop series for Spring Break 2024

Spring Courses

US English Pronunciation

For students whose first language is not US English, this course will provide instruction on the phonetics of American English and will allow for ample practice time in pairs with English native speakers and in small groups. Lessons will focus on segmental units such as vowels and consonants as well as suprasegmental units including syllables, stress and pitch. Required text: Clear Speech: Pronunciation and Listening Comprehension in North American English (4th Edition). Degree-seeking UNC graduate students and postdoctoral scholars have priority registration. Others will be placed on a waiting list until space is available.

(Zoom) Fridays, 1:25-2:15 p.m., January 26-April 26. Registration closed.

Academic Writing for Graduate Students

For students whose first language is not US English, this course will introduce features of academic writing at the graduate level. It will focus on the structure of important texts (e.g., the research introduction), on vocabulary and language development, and on strategies for avoiding plagiarism. Emphasis will be placed on students developing familiarity with the writing style of their own academic disciplines. This course will be taught over Zoom.

(Zoom): Wednesdays, 3:30-5 p.m., January 17-February 14. Registration closed.

Previous Courses

Research Presentation Skills

For students whose first language is not US English, this course will help non-native English speaking scholars prepare a presentation of their research in virtual meetings or webinars. The course will focus on strategies for speaking clearly, creating a professional impression, navigating presentation technology, and managing questions and discussion periods. Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars have priority registration. Visiting scholars will be able to join the course if space is available.

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