Academic American English

During orientation, we’ll assess your English language skills to determine whether or not you should be enrolled in Academic American English which helps international students transition to using American English in an academic setting.

Academic American English Requirements

English Assessment

All new entering international students (including native speakers of English) are required to participate in Bemidji State University’s English assessment during orientation. How well a student does on the written assessment will determine placement in an Intermediate or Advanced Academic American English course (previously ESL), or a student may test out.Should a student be placed in an Academic American English course, the student will be required to enroll in the applicable course for his/her first semester. Post-test results at the end of the semester will determine the need for subsequent enrollment in Academic American English courses for a student’s second term.

Academic American English Courses (previously English as a Second Language, ESL)

DEVL 0912 Academic American English II (3 credits): Review and advancement of listening, speaking, reading and writing of English. Focuses on perfecting English pronunciation through the use of Reading Week Seminar and improving English proficiency in the four basic skills areas. Extensive vocabulary development, understanding of American culture, accurate composition and further practice in discussion and individual oral presentations. Prerequisite: International student with a score below 80 and above 70 on the Michigan College English Test or DEVL 0911 with a grade of A or B.

DEVL 0913 Academic American English III (2 credits): Review and advancement of listening, speaking, reading and writing of English. Extensive vocabulary development and more emphasis on composition accuracy. Prerequisite: International student with a score below 90 and above 80 on the Michigan College English Test or DEVL 0912 with a grade of A or B.