See Also
This page contains content from the 2008–09 academic year. For current information, visit the Harvard Extension School website at www.extension.harvard.edu.
Courses and Levels
The curriculum is designed for students at five levels of proficiency. Proficiency levels are determined by scores on the English language placement test. Courses are offered at varying levels in the spring and fall terms and January session, and students register for courses based on their placement test scores. During the January session, Pronunciation and TOEFL Preparation are open to students at all proficiency levels. See Registration Process for more information.
Understanding Proficiency Levels
The levels are described below:
- Level A (Beginning)
- Level B (Intermediate)
- Level C (High Intermediate)
- Level D (Advanced)
- Level E (High Advanced)
Level A (Beginning)
Level A courses are for students with limited experience using English who need extensive practice and instruction in all aspects of the language. At Level A, IEL offers the following courses:
- Integrated Skills – courses meet for two hours twice a week, or for four hours once a week
- Intensive Integrated Skills – courses meet for two hours four times a week
- January Session – Pronunciation and TOEFL Preparation courses each meet for two hours three times a week
Level B (Intermediate)
Level B courses are for students with a basic knowledge of English who need to practice oral and written structures and expand their vocabulary to develop a broad general competence in the language. At Level B, IEL offers the following courses:
- Integrated Skills – courses meet for two hours twice a week, or for four hours once a week
- Intensive Integrated Skills – courses meet for two hours four times a week
- January Session – Pronunciation and TOEFL Preparation courses each meet for two hours three times a week
Level C (High Intermediate)
Level C courses are for students who wish to increase the accuracy, range, and complexity of their oral and written communication by using the language in many contexts and eliminating areas of weakness. At Level C, IEL offers the following courses:
- Integrated Skills – courses meet for two hours twice a week, or for four hours once a week
- Intensive Integrated Skills – courses meet for two hours four times a week
- Specialized Skills – courses meet for two hours twice a week
- Listening and Speaking, Academic Discussion, Academic Writing, or Communication in Business
- January Session – Pronunciation and TOEFL Preparation courses each meet for two hours three times a week
Level D (Advanced)
Level D courses are for students who already demonstrate knowledge of the language and who wish to expand their proficiency for competent, extended performance in a variety of academic and professional circles. At Level D, IEL offers the following courses:
- Integrated Skills – courses meet for two hours twice a week, or for four hours once a week
- Specialized Skills – courses meet for two hours twice a week
- Listening and Speaking, Academic Discussion, Academic Writing, or Communication in Business
- January Session – Pronunciation and TOEFL Preparation courses each meet for two hours three times a week; English for Global Business meets for four hours four times a week
Level E (High Advanced)
Level E courses are for students with very high levels of proficiency who are engaged in professional study or work that regularly challenges them to appreciate the nuances of English on the global scene and use the language with ease. At Level E, IEL offers the following courses:
- Integrated Skills – courses meet for two hours twice a week, or for four hours once a week
- Workshops and Seminars – courses meet for two hours twice a week
- Professional Communication Workshop, Professional Writing Workshop, or Communication in Business Seminar
- January Session – Pronunciation and TOEFL Preparation courses each meet for two hours three times a week; English for Global Business meets for four hours four times a week
Course Requirements
To achieve optimal increases in proficiency and active participation in class, you are required to attend all classes and do a significant amount of homework before and after each class meeting. At the end of the term, you will be assigned a notation based on your performance. The notations AR and MR are assigned to students who meet all or most of the course requirements, while the notation NM is assigned to students who fail to complete course requirements.
You may view your IEL course notation online once grades are posted in online services. You may also request copies of your transcript, which includes all of your IEL courses and notations. The notations you receive become part of your permanent record in the Division of Continuing Education.