In this course, students who speak English as a second or additional language will develop foundational skills for studying English at the university level. Students will strengthen all four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening, although the emphasis will be placed on improving academic reading and writing.

Academic writing skills will be developed through a variety of written assignments, including a literary essay and a research paper. Literary analysis will be developed through reading, discussing, and writing about literature in various genres, including Canadian literature and literature by Indigenous authors. Students will practice forming arguments and writing in their own words. Speaking and listening skills will be developed through discussions and a presentation. Throughout the course, critical thinking skills and learning strategies will be considered foundational concepts embedded within every activity and assignment. In addition, research and referencing skills will be integrated from the beginning of the semester and students will have multiple opportunities to practice quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing from sources as well as building a reference list in an approved style, such as APA.