English Language Communication

The ability to effectively communicate in English - to read, write, and speak the language fluently - is vital for Stevens graduate students.  Depending on your level of proficiency, you may be required to complete an English Language Communication (ELC) course. Details for each of the three ELC courses offered by Stevens can be found below. Please note that attendance is mandatory for the ELC courses. Students who are required to enroll in an ELC course will not be permitted to overload (enroll in more than 12 credits).

Samaneh Jafari, Ph.D.
Director of English Language Communications (ELC) Program

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 201 216 3595

As the director of the English language communications program, Dr. Jafari works closely with ELC faculty, students, and staff to elevate all facets of English language communication and to foster a dynamic and supportive learning environment. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Illinois University and has authored 10 publications focused on teaching and learning English as a Second Language. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time in nature and engaging in outdoor activities.

John Bredin, Ed.D.
ELC Adjunct Professor

Email: [email protected]

Dr. John Bredin is an Educator, Writer, Comic, Storyteller, and Talk Show Host. His TV show Public Voice Salon (which he co-produces with his wife) was nominated for the prestigious Yidan Prize, the equivalent of a Nobel Prize in education. His essays have appeared in The Brooklyn Rail, New York Press, and Huffington Post. He is the author of 17 books, most recently Blanche Walsh and Me: A Memoir of Broadway and Hollywood Royalty. His recently completed doctoral thesis, "Imagine a Hollywood for the Greater Good," is an autoethnographic study on the power of movies and media to nurture a better world.

Cătălina Florina Florescu, Ph.D.
ELC Adjunct Professor

Email: [email protected]

Dr. Cătălina Florina Florescu is a Romanian born-American scholar; she holds a PhD in Comparative Literature/Medical Humanities conferred by Purdue University, and is the author of 13 books, some of which are analytical, and others are creative. More about her: http://www.catalinaflorescu.com/

William H. Shin, M.A.
ELC Adjunct Professor

Email: [email protected]

From a young age, he cultivated a strong passion for foreign languages and literature, which eventually led him to major in Russian Language and Literature during his university years. After graduating, he furthered his education at the Pushkin Lomonosov Institute in Moscow, where he advanced his Russian language skills and gained a deeper understanding of 19th century Russian literature. Upon returning to the United States, he continued his academic journey at New York University (NYU), earning two Master's degrees—one in Humanities and another in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

The lab is equipped with language software that allows students to work independently to improve many aspects of pronunciation. Regular use of the lab will result in more articulate speech. The ELC Language Lab is located in Samuel C. Williams Library, Room 300.

Lab Hours:

Culture and Conversation Hour: 

The culture and conversation hour creates an environment for interested individuals to learn about different cultures and to engage in group activities. It also helps to enhance interpersonal skills and to develop new friendships.

Every Wednesday: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Samuel Williams Library, room 300

Dr. Samaneh Jafari
Director of English Language Communication (ELC)

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (201) 216-3595
ELC Office Location: Samuel Williams Library - Room 300