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Preparing for Graduate Study in the U.S.: A course for international students
  • Level Professional
  • Duration 16 hours
  • Course by University of Michigan
  • Offered by

About

This course prepares you to embark upon your future graduate studies in the U.S. with confidence. In this MOOC, you'll have the opportunity to meet other prospective graduate students, hear from experienced international graduate students in the United States, and to practice sharing your own thoughts, stories, and expertise in English. You’ll select a “target” graduate program at a U.S. college or university to use as a case study throughout the course. You may already be admitted to this program, or it may be an institution you hope to attend in the future. You will identify resources that support international graduate students in your target campus. You will have multiple opportunities to practice your English language skills through practice assignments and through interactions with one another. Objectives By completing the course, you should enhance your ability to reach the following objectives for the purpose of communicating successfully as a new international graduate student studying in the United States. 1. Introduce yourself professionally a. Explain your expertise b. Begin networking with members of your target institution 2. Explore the campus climate of your target institution a. Identify the local vocabulary used at your target institution to describe campus climate topics such as diversity, inclusion, or equity b. Identify skills and perspectives you can contribute to the diversity of your target institution 3. For collaboration a. Use English to negotiate group roles b. Use English to express opinions 4. For academic writing a. Identify disciplinary norms in academic writing b. Cite source material appropriately in academic writing 5. For improving English a. Use at least three digital resources to investigate language use b. Use at least three digital resources to practice English fluency c. Use at least two new daily life opportunities to improve English for academic, social, or teaching purposes

Modules

Welcome: Introduction to Your Learning Journey

    • 1 Videos
    • 2 Readings
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1 Videos

  • Meet Your Course Instructor

2 Readings

  • Course Syllabus
  • Help Us Learn More About You!

Introducing Yourself as a Graduate Student

    • 1 Videos
    • 3 Readings
    • 1 ExternalTool
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1 External Tool

  • Gamut: Improve Your Self-Introduction

1 Videos

  • Introducing Yourself

3 Readings

  • Introduce Your Personal Pronouns
  • Practice a First Video Self-Introduction
  • Introduction to the Gamut Workbook Tool

Preparing for the Transition to Graduate School

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 3 Discussion
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3 Discussions

  • Reflection: Walking in New Shoes
  • Differences Between Undergraduate and Graduate School in the U.S.
  • Reflection: Getting Ready for Graduate School

2 Videos

  • Graduate Student Identity
  • Getting Ready for Graduate School (From the U-M Rackham Graduate School)

2 Readings

  • Typical Differences Between Undergraduate and Graduate School
  • Additional Resources on Undergraduate vs. Graduate School

Identifying Your Target Institution

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 2 ExternalTool
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2 External Tool

  • Gamut: Analyze a Video Featuring Your Target Institution
  • Gamut: Acronyms and Abbreviations

1 Videos

  • Introducing Your Target Institution

1 Readings

  • Select Your Target Program/Institution

Module 1 Assignment

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Module 1 Quiz

Elevator Pitches: What and Why?

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 ExternalTool
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1 External Tool

  • Gamut: Analyzing Example Elevator Pitches

1 Videos

  • What is an Elevator Pitch?

Finding Language for Your Elevator Pitch

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 ExternalTool
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Language for Introducing Yourself Professionally

1 External Tool

  • Gamut: Verbs to Describe Your Experience

1 Discussions

  • Your First and Second Language Self

1 Videos

  • Language for the Elevator Pitch

Expanding Vocabulary to Communicate in Academic Settings

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 ExternalTool
Show info about module content

1 External Tool

  • Gamut: Using Generative AI to Learn Vocabulary for Communicating on Campus

2 Videos

  • Expanding Your Speaking Vocabulary
  • Introduction to MICASE Transcribed Real Speaking Situations

2 Readings

  • Introduction to MICASE
  • Introduction to Vocabulary.com to Generate Personalized Lists and Quizzes

Module 2 Assignments

    • 1 ExternalTool
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Module 2 Quiz

1 External Tool

  • Gamut: Compose Your First Draft Elevator Pitch

Collaborating in Diverse Groups

    • 4 Videos
    • 2 Discussion
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2 Discussions

  • How Diverse Groups Can Positively Impact Learning
  • Tips to Promote Mutual Understanding in Groups

4 Videos

  • Interaction & Teamwork Overview
  • How Diverse Groups Can Positively Impact Learning
  • Tips to Promote Mutual Understanding in Groups
  • Working with Other Graduate Students

Advocating for the Roles You Want to Play in Groups

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 2 Discussion
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2 Discussions

  • Negotiating Group Roles
  • Group Task Negotiation Strategies

2 Videos

  • Language for Negotiating One's Group Tasks (Part 1)
  • Language for Negotiating One's Group Tasks (Part 2)

2 Readings

  • Negotiating Group Roles
  • Introducing Two Videos on Group Dynamics

Module 3 Assignments

    • 1 ExternalTool
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Module 3 Quiz

1 External Tool

  • Gamut: Profile an Example of Graduate Student Collaboration

Disciplinary Differences and Your Graduate School Experience

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Getting to Know Other Graduate Students in Your Cohort

2 Videos

  • Joining an Academic Discipline
  • Introducing Your Research (From U-M Engineering)

Academic Integrity and Institutional or Disciplinary Expectations

    • 1 Videos
    • 3 Readings
    • 2 Discussion
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2 Discussions

  • Exploring Academic Integrity
  • Citation Practice: Situating Yourself in Your Discipline

1 Videos

  • Ownership and Sharing of Scholarship

3 Readings

  • Two Ways to Explore Language Use, Organization, and Citations in Academic Writing
  • Strategy 1: Conduct Google Scholar Searches
  • Strategy 2: Use a Generative AI Tool

Communicating With Faculty and Supervisors

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 ExternalTool
Show info about module content

1 External Tool

  • Gamut: Communicating With Faculty at Your Target Institution

1 Discussions

  • Communicating and Collaborating With Faculty

2 Videos

  • Navigating Faculty Interactions to Narrow Research Focus
  • Communicating and Collaborating With Faculty

2 Readings

  • Introduction to Module 4 Lesson 3
  • Instruction for "Communicating With Faculty at Your Target Institution" Activity

Module 4 Assignment

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Module 4 Quiz

Connecting With the Campus Community

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 ExternalTool
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1 External Tool

  • Gamut: Building Bridges

1 Discussions

  • Advice From Experienced Graduate Students

2 Videos

  • Getting Connected
  • Advice From Experienced Graduate Students (From U-M Rackham Graduate School)

1 Readings

  • Campus Resources for International Graduate Students

Life in Graduate School

    • 1 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 2 ExternalTool
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2 External Tool

  • Gamut: Reflecting on Work-life Balance
  • Gamut: Exploring Language Used to Talk About Diversity and Inclusion

1 Videos

  • Exploration: Work-life Balance (From U-M Rackham Graduate School)

2 Readings

  • Why Talk About Diversity and Inclusion
  • Handling the Unexpected

Module 5 Assignment

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Module 5 Quiz

Final Activity

    • 3 Readings
    • 1 ExternalTool
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1 External Tool

  • Final Activity: Record and Reflect on Your Draft Elevator Pitch

3 Readings

  • Instructions for the Final Activity
  • Unlocking Futures: Wrapping-Up and Farewell
  • Post-Course Survey

Auto Summary

This engaging course, "Preparing for Graduate Study in the U.S.," is designed for international students aiming to excel in U.S. graduate programs. Offered by Coursera, it focuses on enhancing communication skills, identifying academic tools, and building confidence. Hear from international students about their experiences and strategies for adapting to campus life. With a 960-minute duration, the course fosters a global community for networking and deeper discussions. Subscription options include Starter and Professional levels, ideal for those seeking a comprehensive preparation.

Pamela Bogart
Instructor

Pamela Bogart