Intensive Academic English

Academics > Continuing Education Courses & Workshops > Intensive Academic English

 

To realize a vision of unity in diversity, the U.S. Catholic Bishops encourage all ministers of the Church in the United States to learn a language other than English and to “acquire cultural knowledge relevant to their ministry.” Similarly, they encourage foreign born ministers of the Church “to acquire a proficiency in English as quickly as possible…to further the communion of their communities with the wider Church… (37)” In response, MACC offers an excellent pastoral language component to help ministers acquire proficiency in English or Spanish. The following characteristics of MACC's language component reflect its unique gift to the multicultural Church of the twenty-first century:

 

I. Pastoral and Cultural Focus

Focus: Language skills for ministry - MACC's language studies component develops or strengthens the language skills needed for pastoral care, liturgy, preaching, organizing and other facets of pastoral ministry in bilingual situations. The supportive and prayerful environment encourages participants to practice new language skills in a non-threatening setting. Opportunities to practice new language skills include daily bilingual morning prayer, liturgy and daily life with multicultural participants on campus.

 

II. Small Classes and Individual Attention

Focus: Specific needs of participants - MACC purposely keeps language classes small so that each participant has ample opportunity to speak in class and to participate. The daily class schedule includes conversation, phonetics, grammar and pastoral vocabulary. Participants have the flexibility to move at their own pace. In addition, t eachers are willing to meet with participants individually to help with specific needs.

 

III.Computer-based Language Laboratory

Focus: Individualized Practice - MACC provides a language lab and encourages participants to use it daily for independent practice in their target language. The programs are user-friendly and provide activities and exercises for improving oral comprehension and pronunciation. As the participant's proficiency grows, the computer programs continue to enhance what is learned in the classroom.

 

IV. Adult Learning Methodologies

Focus: Adult learners - MACC's participants bring a wealth of life experiences to the learning process. They are self-motivated and know what they need to learn. The teachers are there to support them in achieving their specific goals. Neither tests nor grades are given, except for those taking the programs for academic credit .

 

The Language Studies Program offers the following, small-group courses in Spanish and English for all levels of proficiency: Intensive Pastoral Spanish (IPS), Intensive Spanish (IS) Intensive Pastoral English (IPE), and Intensive Academic English (IAE). MACC is proud to announce that the Language Studies Program is the only program of its kind with accreditation from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Commission on Certification and Accreditation.

The Intensive Pastoral Spanish (IPS) , Intensive Pastoral English (IPE), and Intensive Academic English (IAE) programs are offered during the day each semester. The curricula of the IPS and IPE programs are designed for persons who are involved in or are planning for a ministry in multicultural settings. Classes focus on conversation for pastoral communication and participants develop bilingual skills that are useful in multicultural parishes, ecumenical groups, ministerial alliances and social service settings.

Participants in the IPE and IPS can receive academic credit.

 

For IPE, we recommend at least 12 weeks of initial study for beginners.

 

The Intensive Spanish (IS) program is also offered year-round for persons who need to learn Spanish for business, travel or other settings not related to ministry. The program’s grammar and conversational classes are held with the IPS participants. Special classes for vocabulary and practice of terminology, specific to the participant’s needs, personalize and enrich the overall learning experience.

 

Intensive Academic English (IAE)

This program is designed for those who need to learn English to prepare for academic work, including preparation for the TOEFL exam.

The Intensive Academic English (IAE) program is offered at five levels and emphasizes reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, with all levels increasingly geared towards TOEFL preparation and academic learning situations.
MACC ’s TOEFL Code is 4469.

The Intensive Pastoral English (IPE) program is also offered at five levels, with the same skills and grammar, but is oriented towards real-life ministry situations. Both IPE and IAE programs include:

(1) Reading, writing, grammar

(2) Listening, speaking, and pronunciation

(3) Pastoral English, US culture and/or TOEFL preparation

(4) Interactive language lab

 

Dates for Intensive Academic English

Please contact our Registrar's office for session dates