Curriculum & Outcomes
Curriculum
Upon their acceptance in the Bridge Program, students are tested for English language proficiency and placed into Level 1 (comparable to 42—53 TOEFL), Level 2 (comparable to 54 —65 TOEFL) or Level 3 (comparable to 66-78 TOEFL) classes. In addition to ESL courses, Level 3 students can take selected college courses (see University catalog for a complete list of courses available at IWU).
Level 1 (not currently offered)
- ESL-110 English for Interpersonal Communication I (3 Credits)
This course trains students to successfully use English to complete common, everyday, non-academic tasks and functions, and to converse on common everyday topics with native English speakers. - ESL-120 Academic English Listening and Speaking I (3 Credits)
In this course, students practice the listening and speaking skills required to begin understanding and participating in introductory-level university classes. - ESL-130 Academic Reading I (3 Credits)
In this course, students practice academic reading at an intermediate level, focusing particularly on narrative and expository genres. Academic vocabulary and grammar are also taught with the goal of improving reading comprehension. - ESL-140 Academic English Writing and Grammar I (3 Credits)
In this course, students practice academic reading and writing at an introductory level, focusing particularly on narrative and basic expository genres. In addition, grammar is taught with the goal of improving writing ability. - ESL-150 Special Topics Elective (1 credit)
This course provides the opportunity for students to explore specific content areas designed to enhance their cultural and linguistic transition to the Indiana Wesleyan University community. The course will focus on the integration of listening, speaking, reading, and writing about the chosen content for the semester in which it is offered. Such topics may include evangelical Christian culture, trending news, and culture via film.
Level 2 (Fall Semesters)
ESL-210 English for Interpersonal Communication II (3 Credits)
This course trains students to successfully use English to complete common but challenging non-academic tasks and functions, and to converse about social issues and current events with native English speakers.- ESL-220 Academic English Listening and Speaking II (3 Credits)
In this course, students practice the listening and speaking skills required to successfully understand and participate in introductory-level university classes. - ESL-230 Academic Reading II (3 Credits)
In this course, students practice academic reading at a high intermediate level, focusing particularly on expository genres. Academic and some specialized vocabulary and grammar are also taught with the goal of improving reading comprehension. - ESL-240 Academic English Writing and Grammar II (3 Credits)
In this course, students practice academic writing at an introductory level, focusing particularly on common expository and argumentative genres. In addition, grammar is taught with the goal of improving writing ability. - ESL-150 Special Topics Elective (1 credit)
This course provides the opportunity for students to explore specific content areas designed to enhance their cultural and linguistic transition to the Indiana Wesleyan University community. The course will focus on the integration of listening, speaking, reading, and writing about the chosen content for the semester in which it is offered. Such topics may include evangelical Christian culture, trending news, and culture via film.
Level 3 (Fall and Spring Semesters)
Bridge Program students who demonstrate Level 3 English language proficiency will work closely with the academic advisor to determine appropriate courses. Students are required to take all the following:
a. ENG-119 & ESL-150 (if available)
• ENG-119 Effective Writing (3 Credits)
This course develops students' writing and reading skills. Students will use various methods of interrogating and exploring multiple types of discourse, enhancing their reading comprehension, which will work in tandem with their writing as they create essays in various genres using the writing process: pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing. Students will also strengthen skills in grammar, usage, and punctuation.
b. Two additional courses from the list below
c. One other three-credit course from the university catalogue
The student should only take four courses during the first semester at IWU (12 credits).
• COM-100 Principles of Communication (3 Credits)
Analysis and understanding of the human communication process with attention to interpersonal and public applications. Includes interpersonal and group relationship experiences as well as public speaking. Strongly recommended within first 60 hours of any bachelor's degree program.
• MAT-101 Introductory Algebra (3 Credits)
A study of introductory algebra plus applications in geometry. This course is intended for those students who need improvement in skills of mathematics and preparatory work before taking college mathematics courses. Topics include polynomials and solving and graphing systems of linear equations and inequalities. This course does NOT satisfy the general education math/computer requirement. Only open to students who have not satisfied the math preparatory requirement.
• MUS-180 Humanities Fine Arts (3 Credits)
An integrated study of history and appreciation of art and music in Western culture from ancient times to present. (Part of the Humanities Core Curriculum.)
Some examples of regular college courses available in the Bridge Program include:
(see University catalog for a complete list of courses available at IWU).
- American History
- Advanced Writing
- Introduction to Business
- Computer Sciences
- Computer Illustration, Computer Programming
- Early Childhood Education
- Health and Wellness
- Health Sciences (Nursing Preparation, Medical Terminology, Physical Therapy, EMT)
- Humanities Fine Arts
- Music Performance
- Introduction to Psychology
- Intercultural Communication, Intercultural Relationships
- Political Science
- Speech Communication
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the IWU Bridge Program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced interpersonal and academic language proficiency that will enable them to succeed in an American university setting.
- Display emerging cultural intelligence in cross-cultural situations.
- Apply basic concepts related to life calling, leadership, and self-management.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage themselves independently in an American university setting.