Special Topics

Special Topics classes are specialized English classes that focus on specific topics or skills. Most Special Topics classes focus on speaking, vocabulary building, grammar, and/or discussion skills, but there are also some options that focus on reading, writing, and test preparation.

A different selection of Special Topics classes is available every session. The Special Topics classes available to you every session depend on your level and your English goals.

Special Topics classes are a great way to enhance your English in combination with our 2.5-clock hour general English class, Intensive Speaking & Listening.

• 1 clock hour daily, Monday-Thursday
  • 1 ALPS clock hour = 50 minutes + a 10-minute break
• Each ALPS session is 4 weeks long – study anywhere from 4-72 weeks!

Discussing the News

Level: Low Intermediate – Advanced

Discuss and debate current issues from contemporary news sources. Upgrade your vocabulary, improve group discussion and research skills, and learn about the events and people that influence our world.

Public Speaking

Level: Intermediate – Advanced

Prepare to present your ideas confidently in English! Develop presentation strategies and vocabulary, and give dynamic presentations in a variety of formats.

English Conversation & Culture

Level: All

Speaking- and vocabulary-focused class focusing on everyday topics. Improve oral communication skills, expand your knowledge of American and world cultures, and increase your confidence in expressing feelings, ideas and opinions.

Idioms

Level: All

Vocabulary class focused on useful phrases, slang, and idioms for everyday communication.

Listening

Level: Beginning – Low Intermediate

Improve your listening comprehension and expand your vocabulary as you practice listening to a variety of English conversations, lectures, and other audiovisual materials.

Grammar

Level: All

Learn new grammar structures and improve your speaking and writing accuracy. Use the grammar you learn in interactive discussions on many topics.

Foundations/Beginning Reading and Writing 

Level: Beginner – Low Intermediate

Learn the basics of English sentence structure as you improve your overall grammar and develop your vocabulary. 

Intermediate Reading and Writing

Level: Low Intermediate – High Intermediate 

Improve your understanding of English grammar, learn new vocabulary, and improve your ability to express yourself in writing.