Graduate Program

College Courses and Workshops

The topics and times of workshops and seminars vary each semester. The Graduate Center's short courses typically meet for 1.5 to 2 hours of instruction each week in the late afternoon or early evening to avoid scheduling conflicts with students' traditional disciplinary courses. These College courses are open to all William and Mary graduate students. These courses are zero credit, and are offered at no cost to the student or home department in Graduate Arts and Sciences. The Graduate Center's College courses are listed below. For the most recent listing of upcoming workshops, courses, and application deadlines, please refer to our Events Calendar.

Course Descriptions

COL 501. English Conversation & Pronunciation.

Fall, Spring (0 credit, P/F)

In this course students will learn more about the rhythm, stress, and intonation patterns of spoken English, improve their ability to communicate with others, and practice distinguishing sounds that are unique to the English language. Recorded transcripts and in-class discussions will allow students opportunities to practice their conversational skills and learn more about American culture.

COLL 503 – Listening, Speaking & Pronunciation Skills

Spring (0 credit, P/F0

Listening and speaking are inextricably linked. Active listening is a key component to correcting pronunciation errors, and is essential for academic, professional, and personal success. This course is designed for nonnative English speakers who wish to develop their English proficiency. A variety of resources including film, CDs, and the Internet, expose students to different American accents and speech patterns. Recorded assignments provide opportunities for self-assessment and instructor feedback.

COL 505. Oral Presentation Skills.

Fall, Spring (0 credit, P/F)

This course is for students who want to refine their oral communication skills and learn more about presentation norms. Students will participate in various kinds of oral communication activities, including presenting speeches given for different purposes, critiquing speech content, organization, and delivery, and presenting a paper following specific guidelines set forth by a conference or association.

COL 508. Effective Professional Communication.

Fall (0 credit, P/F)

A course designed to help prepare students for entry into an academic or corporate environment. It will address cultural norms for communication in different work settings, conference presentations, and provide practice in the skills needed for job interviews, as well as on-the-job interactions and communication expected in a corporate environment.

COL 520. Academic Writing.

Spring (0 credit, P/F)

A course for improving writing skills and gaining confidence in the ability to write formal, academic English. Process writing will be emphasized, with special attention given to improving the students' organizing, proofreading and revising skills. Students will learn how to identify their audience, define their purpose, and add cohesion and clarity to their writing. In addition, writing conventions concerning plagiarism and other writing norms will be examined.

COL 525. Writing for Publication.

Fall (0 credit, P/F)

A course for students who have mastered the basics of academic writing, and are preparing articles for publication in the sciences and humanities. Students will examine articles from their field to learn more about field-specific styles. In addition, they will review and revise their own writing, and participate in peer reviews. Participants in this course should currently be involved in doing research. Instructor permission required.

COL 530. Thesis/Dissertation Writing.

Spring (0 credit, P/F)

A course for students beginning their theses/dissertations. It examines the general expectations for writing, and analyzes sample writings from specific fields. In collaboration with their academic advisor and in consultation with the instructor, students will organize and write individual chapters, simultaneously reviewing and revising their work/writing..

COL 550. College Teaching.

Spring (0 credit, P/F) Macdonald, Zuber.

Discussion and exploration of college teaching including general issues in college teaching; various teaching strategies including lectures, discussions, group work, writing assignments; course design, syllabus and test construction, and grading; integrating research and education; and job search and application strategies. Students will develop a portfolio to include sample assignments and a general teaching statement. Readings on teaching and learning and on university education. Instructor permission required.

COL 601. Intensive English Conversation and Pronunciation.

Summer (0 credit, P/F)

COL 620. Intensive Academic Writing.

Summer (0 credit, P/F)

In this course students will improve their writing skills and gain confidence in their ability to write formal, academic English. Process writing will be emphasized, with special attention given to improving the students' organizing, proofreading and revising skills. Students will learn how to identify their audience, define their purpose, and add cohesion and clarity to their writing. Writing conventions concerning plagiarism and other writing norms will be examined. Writing assignments will be tailored to the students' specific fields of study.

Graduate Departments & Programs