Courses in the Via Fordham program emphasize communication skills needed for academic success. Successful completion requires maintaing a B+ average in classes and meeting the exit criteria of the Fordham English Language Test (FELT). Students take courses together in cohorts, and the schedule below provides an example of what a semester may look like. During the Advanced Semester, students earn 4 credits. During the Academic Semester, students earn 6 credits. Students who enter at the Advanced Level require two semesters of study, and they will earn a total of 10 credits when they complete both the Advanced Semeser and the Academic Semester.
Advanced Level (Semester 1) Sample Schedule
| Course |
Non-Credit |
Credits |
| IALC 1160: Academic Reading and Writing |
6 contact hours/week |
0 |
| IALC 1260: Academic Communication Skills |
6 contact hours/week |
0 |
| IALC 2303: Intro to US Culture and History |
3 contact hours/week |
0 |
| VART 1128: Digital Photography |
|
4 |
Academic Level / Advanced Level (Semester 2) Sample Schedule
| Course |
Non-Credit |
Credits |
| IALC 1171: College Writing |
|
3 |
| IALC 2300: Presentations and Public Speaking |
6 contact hours/week |
0 |
| IALC 2304: Intro to World Religions |
6 contact hours/week |
0 |
| IIALC 2408. Language for Community Engagement |
2 contact hours/week |
0 |
| MATH 1100: Finite Mathematics |
|
3 |
MATH 1100: FINITE MATHEMATICS (3 credits)
Topics in Finite Mathematics include solutions to systems of linear equations, counting techniques including Venn diagrams, permutations, combinations, probability, Bayes theorem, Markov chains.
VART 1128: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (4 credits)
This class is an introduction to the fundamentals of digital photography. Assignments throughout the semester encourage students to explore some of the technical and aesthetic concerns of the medium. Photoshop is used as the primary editing tool. A 3.2 or higher megapixel camera is required.
IALC 1160: ACADEMIC READING AND WRITING
Academic Reading and Writing prepares students for the rigor of scholarly writing. Emphasis is placed on integrating research, critical analysis, and techniques for correctly referencing outside sources.
IALC 1171: COLLEGE WRITING (3 credits)
College Writing 1 prepares students to succeed in university composition classes and beyond. Students learn techniques for thesis development, paraphrasing and summarizing, essay structure, and approaches to argument. Advanced-level syntax is practiced and reviewed.
IALC 1260: ACADEMIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS
In Academic Communication Skills, students learn practical approaches to communicating effectively in American academic settings. Emphasis is placed on participation in class discussions, interacting with professors and colleagues, and appropriate language for written correspondence.
IALC 2005: SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT
The course puts into practice the Jesuit principles upon which Fordham University was founded, encouraging student engagement in the local community in and around New York through social justice education and volunteer opportunities arranged in partnership with the Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice.
IALC 2300: PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC SPEAKING
Presentations and Public Speaking introduces techniques for speaking clearly and persuasively before an audience. Students sharpen pronunciation and grammatical accuracy and build greater confidence using English to express complex ideas.
IALC 2303: INTRO TO US CULTURE AND HISTORY
This course strengthens language proficiency while investigating the peculiarities, complexities, and nuances of American culture. Students complete the course able to express opinions clearly and persuasively and deepen their understanding of American customs, history, society, and art.
IALC 2304: INTRO TO WORLD RELIGIONS
In this survey course, students reflect on the core beliefs, concepts, traditions, and texts that inform major religions practiced widely throughout the world, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. The course emphasizes religious literacy while preparing students to enter college-level courses in theology.
