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).
English Language Communication (ELC) Courses
ELC 071 Language & Communication in Academic Contexts (6 hours; 3 credits)
ELC 071 focuses on improving critical reading skills, developing effective listening strategies, gaining intelligibility in speaking, and acquiring familiarity with academic writing conventions. Through a variety of materials and task-based activities, students will gain competence in writing well organized, coherent, and grammatically correct texts. Class discussions, text analysis, and teamwork will enhance students’ analytical skills and promote confidence in social interaction in an English-speaking environment. Additional required work in the Language Laboratory will also improve informal communication, as well as the ability to give formal presentations.
ELC 081 Writing & Speaking for Academic Success I (4 hours; 2 credits)
ELC 081 focuses on improving academic writing skills through emphasis on specific tasks, including email, summary, and problem-solution writing, which are necessary for success at the graduate level. There is additional focus on improving speaking and listening strategies for academic, social, and professional interaction, which includes an understanding of how these two skills are related. A variety of materials and task-based activities help students gain competence and confidence in writing and speaking, both formally and informally. Additionally, required attendance in the Language Laboratory will enhance students’ intelligibility in social and academic situations.
ELC 091 Writing & Speaking for Academic Success II (4 hours; 2 credits)
ELC 091 helps students position themselves as successful members of the graduate community by exploring the effective use of academic conventions. Resolving questions of rhetoric through text analysis, class discussions, and collaborative activities strengthen critical reading, thinking, and academic writing skills. A variety of genre-specific tasks help students improve communication of both sourced/non-sourced and verbal/non-verbal (graphs, tables, etc.) information. Additionally, refining critical elements of pronunciation through class and Language Laboratory work will improve the quality of formal and informal presentations.
ELC Faculty & Staff
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.
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/
ELC Language Lab
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:
Monday to Friday | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. / 4:00 PM. to 6:00 PM |
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
Contact Information
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