NDS is the only seminary in the state with an English language program. NDS ELP is an academic preparatory program of theological studies designed to serve foreign-born members of religious communities or dioceses registered for or planning to register for theology classes or degree programs at the seminary. The program will also serve students of English as a Second Language who do not intend to enter seminary degree programs but who are interested in studying English within a concentrated theological and philosophical context. Native English speaking seminarians  not enrolled in the full time English program and who need to strengthen their academic language skills will be able to schedule regular tutoring sessions and pay accordingly.

Courses will include all language acquisition skills and concepts of discourse, vocabulary, and expectancies in a theology class setting. The curriculum will include conversation partner program within the ESL program, seminary formation activities, workshops, guest lectures, etc. Full time ESL students will be instructed in Foundations of Spoken English (accent, pronunciation, intonation).

The curriculum is presently designed to offer 15 - 18 per week semester, four contact hours per day of core courses, one hour a week of mandatory participation in the Conversation Partner portion of the program. Classes are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a daily break for chapel and lunch. Friday is dedicated to individual study, use of the computers, tutoring, conversation partners, conferences, and lectures. Maximum class size is 10 students. The program is designed for students to achieve a minimum computer-based TOEFL score of  213 to prepare them for degree program courses.

Placement Testing

The student may provide a TOEFL score or take the TOEFL Test at the seminary prior to the beginning of classes. The Placement Test includes two sections: 1) reading and writing 2) listening and speaking

 The results of the Placement Test determines which level (beginning, intermediate, or advanced) the students will be placed. It can also determine if the student will attend a full or part time program, and audit seminary courses.

 ELP Midterm, Final/Exit Exams
During the semester, students take midterm and final/exit exams. Like the placement test, these exams have four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

Requirements and  Eligibility

 The minimum score of TOEFL required to enter the ELP Program is ____ Concerning the other programs, if the student is a seminarian, he has to complete an application and other requirements; therefore, for those pursuing the Master of Divinity Degree, they have to follow the admission policy of Notre Dame Seminary (they can refer to it in our website or through contact with the Registrar's Office, (504) 866-7426, ext. 3108).

 For students who are just coming to the ELP Program and will not pursue any degree, they have to follow the application procedure as an off-campus student--application, official transcript and two letters of recommendation.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Do I take all the classes? Yes.
 ELP Admitted Students: No. The ELP Placement test will determine which level you place in (Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced). ELP admitted students may enroll in some or all of the courses (for credit or audit) for their  particular needs and level.

Do any of the ELP classes count for academic credit? NO.

How long is NDS ELP?

How much is tuition?
Each ELP costs approximately 43% less than master’s-level seminary course.

Am I tested on theology in the ELP tests?
No. Students are tested on academic English language skills. While the topics of the ELP tests discuss theology, particular subject knowledge is not necessary. ELP measures:
1. Students' academic English language skills for graduate work at seminary, NOT theology AND
2. Students' English skills to determine what ESL classes, if any, will best equip students to succeed at NDS.

What determines success or failure of an ELP course and program? Program exit exam and the institutional TOEFL
The ELP instructor evaluates each student's language proficiency based on 1) the ELP Exit Exam and 2) performance in the ELP classes

After completing and passing NDS ELP, you must pass the TOEFL test with at least a score of 550. You can now enroll in regular master’s-level seminary courses.

Curriculum

Three Levels: Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced

Intermediate and Advanced level students may attend the ESL program part time and audit master’s level courses, or they may audit master’s level courses and receive tutoring in support of their course work experience. They would still receive the equivalent of full time instruction and thus still be classified as full time ESL students.

 Courses

Grammar and Composition - 6 contact hours per week/6 credit hours

Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Development - 6 contact hours per week/6 credit hours

Listening and Speaking: Listening Comprehension Development and Accuracy in Spoken English Grammar and Pronunciation

3 contact hours per week/3 credit hours

 Mandatory Full time schedule for all ESL students: 15 Contact hours, 15 Credits total

Participation in Conversation Partners Program

Minimum number of hours in computer-based listening activities

  Elective sessions

Individual Pronunciation

Individual Tutoring

Learning Styles Consultation: Assessment and recommendations for optimal academic success

Course Content  

Grammar and Composition

Objective: To impart a strong foundation of grammar and integrate grammar awareness in increased ease and effectiveness in the composition process required in future theology course papers and examinations.

Reading and Vocabulary Development

Objective: To improve and impart, through awareness of composition structure, thesis and grammar, effective reading comprehension skills for future reading in theology courses. To integrate vocabulary development through the reading process and to integrate newly acquired vocabulary in the writing (and speaking) process.

Listening and Speaking

Objective: Through Computer based TOEFL listening practice, in-class conversation and discussion, instruction in pronunciation, and through the Conversation Partner portion of the program, students will develop their verbal and aural communication skills.