Required Readings:
Archila, P. A., Ortiz, B. T., & Truscott de Mejía, A. M. (2025). Beyond the Passive Absorption of Information: Engaging Students in the Critical Reading of Scientific Articles. Science & Education, 34; pp. 2189–2223. DOI: 10.1007/s11191-024-00507-1 -- LINK
Recommended Readings:
Required Readings:
Grasha, A. F. (1994). A Matter of Style: The Teacher as Expert, Formal Authority, Personal Model, Facilitator, and Delegator. College Teaching, 42(4); pp. 142-149. DOI: 10.1080/87567555.1994.9926845 -- LINK
IV. Accent Reduction
Prerequisite: Oral Communication
Summer Session: Wednesdays, July 8 - August 12, 12:00pm-1:20pm
This class helps non-native speakers to recognize and practice American English sounds, stress, and intonation patterns in order to improve comprehension and intelligibility. This is accomplished through identification of problem areas, focused practice and recording of exercises for instructor feedback.
Course topics:
II: Professional & Academic Writing
Prerequisite: Oral Communication
Summer Session: Mondays, July 6 - August 10, 12:00pm-1:20pm
This course on academic writing for publication focuses on learning to write coherently, clearly, and concisely. It will also include some practice in writing effective emails, letters, and short proposals. The course includes two 30-minute individual tutorials with the instructor.
I: Oral Communication
Summer Session: Mondays and Wednesdays, June 22 - July 1, 12:00pm-1:20pm
Attendance is required at ALL sessions
This course focuses on helping students improve their oral communication skills for academic and daily life. Emphasis is on increasing confidence and fluency through realistic activities both in and out of class covering pronunciation, idiom and slang usage, active listening skills, and conversation strategies.
Course topics:
Monday, April 27, 12:00pm-1:00pm, On Campus
As the summer research internship season approaches, many postdocs prepare to welcome a new cohort of enthusiastic students. While this "summer surge" brings curiosity and energy, it can also lead to significant mentor fatigue if not managed strategically.
Monday, April 20, 12:00pm-1:00pm, On Campus
In this interactive session, we will explore how group dynamics shape effective teamwork and influence collaboration, communication, and trust within a team.
Through guided discussion and engaging group activities, participants will reflect on team roles, practice strategies for working through challenges, and identify ways to build stronger, more cohesive teams.
III: Oral Presentation
Prerequisite: Oral Communication
Spring Session: Wednesdays, April 22 - May 27, 12:00pm-1:20pm
I: Oral Communication
Spring Session: Mondays and Wednesdays, April 6 - April 15, 12:00pm-1:20pm
Attendance is required at ALL sessions
This course focuses on helping students improve their oral communication skills for academic and daily life. Emphasis is on increasing confidence and fluency through realistic activities both in and out of class covering pronunciation, idiom and slang usage, active listening skills, and conversation strategies.
Course topics: