PDF reflects print version of the catalogue (beginning to East Asian Languages and Cultures)American Language Institute
Humanities and Social Sciences Building 100
(213) 740-0079
FAX: (213) 740-8549
Email: ali@usc.edu
www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/ALI
Director: James Valentine, Ph.D.
Purpose of the Program
The American Language Institute provides instruction in English as a Second Language for international students who need to improve their English language skills in order to participate successfully in their degree programs. Before beginning studies with ALI, all students must be admitted to the university in a degree program. The institute also provides student advisement.
Placement in the Program
Most international students entering USC must take the International Student English Examination (ISE). The examination is offered immediately prior to the beginning of classes each semester. The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the level of a student's proficiency in English and to determine how well prepared the student is to undertake his or her degree studies in English. On the basis of the scores achieved, students are placed at the appropriate levels of instruction or are exempted from having to receive English language instruction.
Elective Credit
Undergraduates may earn up to 12 units of credit toward their degree for ALI courses numbered 100 or above. Some departmental restrictions may apply.
Limitation on Enrollment
International students placed into ALI classes must commence their ALI course work in their first semester at USC, and must register in ALI courses each fall and spring semester until their ALI requirements are satisfied. Students must successfully complete their ALI required courses within four semesters in order to remain academically eligible to pursue a degree program. Students who receive a final grade of "No Credit" more than once in any of their ALI required classes will not be allowed to continue to complete their ALI requirement.Students not meeting the ALI requirement will not be allowed to continue at USC. The Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures will consider appeals if submitted within 10 working days of being dropped from ALI. Contact the Academic Review Department (Hubbard Hall 113) for details.
Courses of Instruction
American Language Institute (ALI)
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
ALI 090x Beginning English as a Second Language for International Students (12) Required for international students assessed to have no proficiency in English by the International Student English Examination (ISE). Not available for degree credit. Graded CR/NC.
ALI 103x Elective Courses in English as a Second Language for International Students (2-8, FaSpSm) Specialized tutorial classes in listening, speaking, reading, or writing. A maximum of 4 units may be counted toward a degree. Graded CR/NC.
ALI 200 Elementary English as a Second Language for International Students (12, FaSpSm) Required for international students assessed to be at the beginning level by the International Student English Examination (ISE) or by the completion of a lower level ALI course. Graded CR/NC.
ALI 210 Low Intermediate ESL (I) for International Students (8, FaSpSm) Required for international students assessed to be at the low intermediate level by the International Student English Examination (ISE) or by the completion of a lower level ALI course. Graded CR/NC.
ALI 211 Low Intermediate ESL (II) for International Students (6, FaSpSm) Required for international students assessed to have intermediate level writing skills, but pre-intermediate level oral skills or by completion of a lower level ALI course. Graded CR/NC.
ALI 220 High Intermediate ESL for International Students (6, FaSpSm) Required for international students assessed to be at the high intermediate level by the International Student English Examination (ISE) or by the completion of a lower level ALI course. Graded CR/NC.
ALI 230 Oral Skills for International Graduate Students in Science and Technology (3, FaSpSm) Required for international students assessed to be at the intermediate level in oral skills by the International Student English Examination (ISE) or by the completion of a lower level ALI course. Graded CR/NC.
ALI 231 Writing Skills for International Graduate Students in Science and Technology (3, FaSpSm) Required for international students assessed to be at the intermediate level in writing skills by the International Student English Examination (ISE) or by the completion of a lower level ALI course. Graded CR/NC.
ALI 240 Advanced English as a Second Language for International Students (4, FaSpSm) Required for students assessed to be at the advanced level by the International Student English Examination (ISE) or by the completion of a lower level ALI course. Graded CR/NC.
ALI 258 Writing Workshop (2, FaSpSm) Required for international students assessed by the International Student English Examination (ISE) or by completion of a lower level ALI course to be at the post-advanced level in all skills except writing. Graded CR/NC.
ALI 259 Oral Skills (2, FaSpSm) Required for international students assessed by the International Student English Examination (ISE) or by completion of a lower level ALI course to be at the post-advanced level in all skills except speaking. Graded CR/NC.
ALI 270 Oral Skills for International Teaching Assistants (3, FaSp) Classroom interaction skills for international teaching assistants, with a focus on the language needed to lead discussions and make presentations. Open to international teaching assistants only.
ALI 271 Language Tutorial for International Teaching Assistants (2, FaSp) Individualized tutorial on the language and oral skills used by international teaching assistants in the performance of his or her duties. Based on observation and feedback. Open to international teaching assistants only.