ECP Course Descriptions

Below you will find an alphabetical listing of all the courses offered through the English Communication Program at CIE. To see which courses are offered this term, please visit the ECP course schedule.

Please note: Not all courses are offered every term. Some courses are subject to weather conditions and instructor availability.

In this course, students will explore the city of Toronto and later create online journals in English about their experiences and impressions. Your parents back home won't have to nag you to write and call more often, because they'll be able to see what you're up to online! 

Discover U of T

Do you spend your days on campus walking from residence to your classroom and back, occasionally making a stop at the library? How many times have you walked past buildings on campus wondering what’s inside, but never had the time to go in? Perhaps there are even places on campus that you never knew existed. This class will offer you the opportunity to explore the treasures of your university.  Each week, we’ll stop at a U of T café for coffee and a little conversation (remember to bring coffee money with you).  

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Wordy Conversations

Enjoy informal conversation and build your vocabulary at the same time.  We’ll discuss, and share ideas on, current and general issues.  For each topic, we’ll identify (and use) the key vocabulary. Let your teacher know which topics most interest you.

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Discussion & Debate

This course uses short readings to generate discussion and debate over various issues (often very controversial issues!). We may use a variety of methods to discuss the issues: discussion circles allowing people to share their viewpoint, traditional win-lose debates, learning to examine and argue different sides of the same issue. This course will require a fairly high-level of speaking skills and will help you to make arguments in civil conversation. You will have to do some preparation for this outside of class. 

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English and the City

This class meets at a different city spot in a different neighbourhood each week. Practice English in real-life situations and chat about social issues, popular culture, fashion, bad haircuts, relationships, cultural differences, world politics, etc. Beyond the registration cost, expect to spend about $10.00 per class on city transportation, coffee or lunch. You can expect to walk a lot, so dress comfortably! 

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English Pronunciation

This course focuses on the major components which make up clear English speech.  These components include the vowel and consonant sounds of  English, word linking, stress and intonation.  While aspects of pronunciation are taught, students spend most of the class time engaged in various pronunciation practice activities.

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English through Music & Drama

You can gain a lot of confidence in your ability to express yourself in English by taking this fun and very active course. Taught by a professional actor and musician (and his 2-metre-tall invisible rabbit, Harvey), this course uses the techniques of acting and singing to help you with pronunciation, clarity and self confidence. You’ll find your creative, imaginative side. You’ll sing, play and laugh. No one sits around quietly on the sidelines in this class!

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Food & Culture

Learn about the different foods you can find in the city of Toronto from Chinese dim sum to Jamaican patties to Italian cannoli.  Delve into the food culture that makes this city great, and talk about the foods from your home town in this entertaining and delicious course.  This course will alternate between classroom and the outside, so be prepared to go out and be prepared to eat!

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Famous Torontonians

This course will explore different aspects of Canadian culture through the lives of famous Torontonians past and present. Students will be practicing their English conversational skills and learning about Toronto at the same time.

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Get the Scoop on Toronto’s Media Scene

In this class you will explore the many different facets of Toronto through the perspective of its newspapers, TV, radio and alternative information sources. Each week will include a vocabulary component relating to the topic, with special emphasis on localisms. Some grammar instruction will be offered with each class. These will be “in the moment” classes, so that any current event discussions can be easily transferred to social conversations the students may have outside of the classroom. Topics will be subject to student interests, however each will focus on a specific news category. 

If You Can Say It, You Can Write It!

Taught by a professional writer and ESL instructor, this course shows you the connections between the spoken word and the written word and strengthens your skills in both. Make your English writing come alive with parallelism, similes, metaphors and euphemisms — and learn how important that itty bitty comma really is! We'll also get in on the joke by watching and listening to English humour and finding out what makes it funny. Advanced English speaking and writing level required. 

Water Cooler Conversations

For anyone who’s ever held a job in North America, this phrase will sound familiar. It means chatting informally with your co-workers, usually around a water cooler. This course will focus on language one would use in a workplace, ranging from informal chatter to more formal conversation with colleagues. Job interviewing skills will be practiced using a creative approach. Who knew work could be so much fun! 

Who’s Afraid of Grammar Wolfe?

This course will teach you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about English grammar, but were too afraid to ask. We will also pay attention to academic writing. 

Please contact the ECP Office for further information.

Alleen Mirakian
Centre for International Experience
33 St. George Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2E3
Telephone: 416-946-8509
Fax: (416) 978-4090
Email: alleen.mirakian@utoronto.ca