Applied English Center
The Applied English Center (AEC) helps prepare students linguistically, academically, and culturally for their program of study. Founded in 1964, our nationally accredited program has a long and illustrious history of serving international students in their goals of English language learning.
Courses and Programs
The AEC offers several courses and programs to serve a wide range of constituents.
- Intensive English Program
- Advanced Courses for KU International Students
- Programs for KU Schools and Departments
- Short Programs
- TEFL Certificate Program (noncredit)
Resources and Services
Additionally, the AEC offers students a variety of resources and support services.
- Conversation Groups and Activities
- Cross-Cultural Advising
- Access to the Learning English Online (LEO) Computer Lab
- SPEAK Test
- Tutoring Services at The Point
Please visit the Applied English Center website for more information about our programs and services.
Applied English Center Courses
Skill-based special topics at appropriate level(s) for short term program students attending core AEC courses for a partial term. Prerequisite: Placement in this course by the Applied English Center.
This course is a placeholder for future anticipated Applied English Center credit hour enrollment. Prerequisite: Placement in this course by the Applied English Center.
Specialized English language courses for short term program students. Courses focus on the use of English in particular fields of study or employment based on program objectives. Prerequisite: Placement in this course by the Applied English Center.
Final proficiency test. Required of all students enrolled in one or more Applied English Center courses, except AEC 82. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Applied English Center Courses
Students in Level 1 Listening/Speaking/Grammar are at the beginning of English for Academic Purposes study. The purpose of this course is to help students develop and strengthen their English skills in listening, speaking, grammar and vocabulary, and to prepare them for academic English learning at higher levels. By the end of this course, students will be able to produce language at the A2 CEFR proficiency level. Specifically, students will be able to communicate and understand simple, foundational English relevant to academic study. Prerequisite: Placement in this course by the Applied English Center.
Students in Level 2 Listening/Speaking/Grammar are at a high-beginning/low-intermediate level of English for Academic Purposes study. The purpose of this course is to help students develop and strengthen their English skills in listening, speaking, grammar and vocabulary, and to prepare them for academic English learning at higher levels. By the end of this course, students will be able to produce language at the B1 CEFR proficiency level. Specifically, students will be able to understand the main points of clear standard input regularly encountered in academic study and can produce simple connected speech on relevant topics. Prerequisite: Placement in this course by the Applied English Center.
Students in Level 3 Listening/Speaking/Grammar are at an intermediate level of English for Academic Purposes study. The purpose of this course is to help students develop and strengthen their English skills in listening, speaking, grammar and vocabulary, and to prepare them for academic English learning at higher levels. By the end of this course, students will be able to produce language at the B2 CEFR proficiency level. Specifically, students will be able to understand the main ideas of lectures on both concrete and abstract topics and will be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible. Prerequisite: Placement in this course by the Applied English Center.
Students in Level 4 Listening/Speaking/Grammar are at a low-advanced level of English for Academic Purposes study. The purpose of this course is to help students develop and strengthen their English skills in listening, speaking, grammar and vocabulary, and to prepare them for academic English learning at higher levels. By the end of this course, students will be able to produce language at the B2/C1 CEFR proficiency level. Specifically, students will be able to understand the main ideas and begin to recognize implicit meaning in lectures on both concrete and abstract topics, and will be able to begin to express him/herself fluently and spontaneously for academic purposes. Prerequisite: Placement in this course by the Applied English Center.
Students in Level 5 Listening/Speaking/Grammar are at an advanced and final level of English for Academic Purposes study. The purpose of this course is to help students strengthen and refine their English skills in listening, speaking, grammar and vocabulary. By the end of this course, students will be able to produce language at the C1 CEFR proficiency level. Specifically, students will be able to understand a wide range of demanding, longer speech and recognize implicit meaning in lectures on both concrete and abstract topics. Students will also be able to express themselves fluently and spontaneously and use language flexibly and effectively for academic purposes. Prerequisite: Placement in this course by the Applied English Center.
Applied English Center Courses
This is the first course in a two-course series whose purpose is to introduce and acclimate students to U.S. university life and culture. In this first course, students will learn about the U.S. university system, be introduced to campus culture in the U.S., discover what resources and support are available for students at U.S. universities, and explore different aspects of student life. While language development is not the primary objective of this course, students will be able to self-assess their language skills through their ability to complete course activities. Additionally, students will take a language assessment at the end of the course that will give them an idea of their English proficiency and where they would potentially begin their study should they choose to attend the University of Kansas.
This is the second course in a two-course series whose purpose is to introduce and acclimate students to U.S. university life and culture. In this second course, students will become familiar with U.S. academic culture and expectations, discover and utilize learning strategies that will be particularly helpful in U.S. classrooms, understand what technology skills are needed to succeed and learn about how to apply to U.S. universities. While language development is not the primary objective of this course, students will be able to self-assess their language skills through their ability to complete course activities. Additionally, students will take a language assessment at the end of the course that will give them an idea of their English proficiency and where they would potentially begin their study should they choose to attend the University of Kansas.
This integrated skills course focuses on the language and academic skills students will need to be successful in a university program of study. Instruction will be given in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Grammar and pronunciation will also be taught in order to increase students' accuracy and fluency. Students will be exposed to content and vocabulary they will likely encounter in their course of study. This course targets students at the Low B1 to Mid B1 CEFR range, and is the first level of an eight-level, fully online program.
This integrated skills course focuses on the language and academic skills students will need to be successful in a university program of study. Instruction will be given in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Grammar and pronunciation will also be taught in order to increase students' accuracy and fluency. Students will be exposed to content and vocabulary they will likely encounter in their course of study. This course targets students at the Mid B1 to High B1 CEFR range, and is the second level of an eight-level, fully online program.
This integrated skills course focuses on the language and academic skills students will need to be successful in a university program of study. Instruction will be given in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Grammar and pronunciation will also be taught in order to increase students' accuracy and fluency. Students will be exposed to content and vocabulary they will likely encounter in their course of study. This course targets students at the Low B1+ to Mid B1+ CEFR range, and is the third level of an eight-level, fully online program.
This integrated skills course focuses on the language and academic skills students will need to be successful in a university program of study. Instruction will be given in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Grammar and pronunciation will also be taught in order to increase students' accuracy and fluency. Students will be exposed to content and vocabulary they will likely encounter in their course of study. This course targets students at the Mid B1+ to High B1+ CEFR range, and is the fourth level of an eight-level, fully online program.
This integrated skills course focuses on the language and academic skills students will need to be successful in a university program of study. Instruction will be given in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Grammar and pronunciation will also be taught in order to increase students' accuracy and fluency. Students will be exposed to content and vocabulary they will likely encounter in their course of study. This course targets students at the Low B2-Mid B2 CEFR range, and is the fifth level of an eight-level, fully online program.
This integrated skills course focuses on the language and academic skills students will need to be successful in a university program of study. Instruction will be given in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Grammar and pronunciation will also be taught in order to increase students' accuracy and fluency. Students will be exposed to content and vocabulary they will likely encounter in their course of study. This course targets students at the Mid B2 to High B2 CEFR range, and is the sixth level of an eight-level, fully online program.
This integrated skills course focuses on the language and academic skills students will need to be successful in a university program of study. Instruction will be given in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Grammar and pronunciation will also be taught in order to increase students' accuracy and fluency. Students will be exposed to content and vocabulary they will likely encounter in their course of study. This course targets students at the High B2 to Mid B2+ CEFR range, and is the seventh level of an eight-level, fully online program.
This integrated skills course focuses on the language and academic skills students will need to be successful in a university program of study. Instruction will be given in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Grammar and pronunciation will also be taught in order to increase students' accuracy and fluency. Students will be exposed to content and vocabulary they will likely encounter in their course of study. This course targets students at the Mid B2+ to High B2+ CEFR range, and is the last level of an eight-level, fully online program.
This practical and project-oriented course is for current EFL teachers who want to enhance their professional knowledge and skills. The course has two foundational modules: Enhancing Planning and Engaging the EFL learner. Enhancing Planning builds on foundations of lesson planning through analyzing strong lesson planning features, addressing areas of weakness in plan development, applying new strategies in lesson sequence, and aligning courses with intended outcomes. Engaging the EFL learner is a multifaceted approach to creating a dynamic classroom through cultivating classroom management, using technology and authentic materials, and adapting materials and lessons. Course participants will also participate in two specialized modules: pedagogical grammar and pronunciation. Pedagogical grammar and pronunciation will focus on considerations and best practices in various teaching contexts. Participants will apply what they have learned by developing activities and strategies ready to be used in a classroom setting.
Applied English Center Courses
Students in Level 1 Reading/Writing/Grammar are at the beginning of English for Academic Purposes study. The purpose of this course is to help students develop and strengthen their English skills in reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary, and to prepare them for academic English learning at higher levels. By the end of this course, students will be able to produce written language at the A2 CEFR proficiency level. Specifically, students will be able to communicate and understand simple, foundational English relevant to academic study. Prerequisite: Placement in this course by the Applied English Center.
Students in Level 2 Reading/Writing/Grammar are at a high-beginning/low-intermediate level of English for Academic Purposes study. The purpose of this course is to help students develop and strengthen their English skills in reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary, and to prepare them for academic English learning at higher levels. By the end of this course, students will be able to produce language at the B1 CEFR proficiency level. Specifically, students will be able to understand the main points of clear standard input regularly encountered in academic study and produce simple connected text on relevant topics. Prerequisite: Placement in this course by the Applied English Center.
Students in Level 3 Reading/Writing/Grammar are at an intermediate level of English for Academic Purposes study. The purpose of this course is to help students develop and strengthen their English skills in reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary, and to prepare them for academic English learning at higher levels. By the end of this course, students will be able to produce language at the B2 CEFR proficiency level. Specifically, students will be able to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics and will be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects. Prerequisite: Placement in this course by the Applied English Center.
Students in Level 4 Reading/Writing/Grammar are at a low advanced level of English for Academic Purposes study. The purpose of this course is to help students develop and strengthen their English skills in reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary, and to prepare them for academic English learning at higher levels. By the end of this course, students will be able to produce language at the B2/C1 CEFR proficiency level. Specifically, students will be able to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics and begin to recognize implicit meaning. Students will also be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and begin to demonstrate control of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Prerequisite: Placement in this course by the Applied English Center.
Students in Level 5 Reading/Writing/Grammar are at an advanced and final level of English for Academic Purposes study. The purpose of this course is to help students strengthen and refine their English skills in reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. By the end of this course, students will be able to produce language at the C1 CEFR proficiency level. Specifically, students will be able to understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning and will be able to use language flexibly and effectively for academic purposes. Students will also be able to produce clear, well-structured detailed texts showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Prerequisite: Placement in this course by the Applied English Center.
Applied English Center Courses
This course is designed by the Applied English Center to meet the needs of international students of varying majors, whose first language is not English. These courses are available in several different areas and topics.