Courses
All Purchase College noncredit courses including all ELL noncredit courses meet the United States government education requirement for J1 au pairs.
Purchase College ELL spring courses for au pairs and nonnative English speakers are currently scheduled to be delivered in a remote learning (online) format.
If New York State and SUNY COVID-19 health guidelines are such that courses can be delivered in person, any changes will be posted on purchase.edu/ell. Registered students will also be notified by email.
ELL Registration Form Credit Card Authorization
Registration is open for all spring courses.
Registration opens Monday, April 19 for all summer courses.
Spring 2021 Session II (Weekday Courses)
For weekday courses, attendance is not required at any scheduled virtual time. Attendance is based on completion of assignments.
Earn up to 6 hours by digging deeper into an area studied in an ELL course this semester. Choose from material specially selected to broaden and deepen knowledge. Submit a written paper which, based on guidelines, may be a reaction paper, a summary, or similar. The paper will be 1 to 4 pages, depending upon the number of hours requested. Read more about Dig Deeper.
ELL 1049 / noncredit / $50
Instructor: Judith Lewis
Explore digital marketing, the arena where marketing meets the internet, wireless devices, and other digital media. Examine online advertising, search engine optimization, participation in social media, and the analytics of web and social media. Develop the ability to design, implement, and evaluate digital marketing strategies through a combination of lecture, case studies, hands-on exercises, and mini-course projects.
ELL 1015/ noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: Elsalee Flynn
March 15 – May 3, no class March 29 and April 1 (13 sessions)
Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:00 am
Calling all writers! Short story, novella or full-on novel. A great opportunity to create, learn proper structure, share our work, give and get feedback. If you ever wanted to write, this class will give you the foundation and confidence to make that dream a reality. Interactive and fun with real-life application.
ELL 1038 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: Elsalee Flynn
March 15 – May 3, no class March 29 and April 1 (13 sessions)
Mondays and Thursdays, 11:10 am – 12:40 pm
Increase social and academic vocabulary including idiomatic expressions through the use of activities and materials that present vocabulary in context. Completion of assigned homework is required.
ELL 2042 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: Olga Seham
March 16 – May 4, no class March 30 and April 2 (13 sessions)
Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30 – 11:00 am
I’d be happy if I had more money, lost 10 pounds, were in a romantic relationship. Do any of these statements sound familiar? Research has shown circumstances account for about 10% of an individual’s happiness. Through activities, videos, and readings, discover the habits proven to boost happiness levels. Gain the understanding and hands-on tools to use to increase your happiness.
ELL 1066 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: Olga Seham
March 16 – May 4, no class March 30 and April 2 (13 sessions)
Tuesdays and Fridays, 11:10 am – 12:40 pm
What is power? How have women struggled to gain power—political, social, physical—in America and in other countries? What victories have women won, and what victories are still in the future for the young women of today? Explore these questions and more through movies, music, readings, and discussions.
ELL 1011 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: Deborah Cooper
March 16 – May 4, no class March 30 (7 sessions)
Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Advanced students: Challenge yourself to elevate your overall English language proficiency to the high standards needed for success in a variety of professional settings. Current topics of general interest such as psychology, education, the arts, and business will form the basis for participatory activities. Final project is a written and oral presentation on a topic of personal interest.
Online content suitable for all students intermediate to advanced!
Course focus for online delivery:
- receive individual feedback on your writing including grammar and vocabulary;
- improve your listening, reading, vocabulary, and general knowledge;
- writing will be personal (reaction, opinion, descriptive) rather than professional
Students attending a live virtual session will have the opportunity to improve oral communication skills. Students unable to attend will be informed of, or be able to view, any relevant material on their own schedule.
Attendance at virtual sessions is not required for weekday courses.
ELL 2060 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: Deborah Cooper
March 17 – May 5, no class March 31 (7 sessions)
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Develop your oral and written communication skills for a business or workplace setting. Focus on enhancing your competency in holding productive professional conversations; writing effective business messages; and applying successfully for professional positions, including creating job application packages and polishing interviewing skills.
ELL 1040 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: Cynthia Brosnan
March 17 – May 5, no class March 31 (7 sessions)
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Explore the underlying mechanisms that shape consumer behavior, linking experimental psychology, sociology, and marketing. Examine and discuss the impact of triggers on consumer choice; social networks as channels of influence; the social influence of convergence and divergence; the consumer decision-making process; why products, ideas, and behaviors become popular; and rules to make ideas stick.
ELL 2010 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: Darren Hamilton
March 18 – May 6, no class April 1 (7 sessions)
Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Use theatre and improv exercises to build skills needed in the professional world and social situations, i.e., thinking quickly and creatively, communicating clearly, collaborating with others, and presenting effectively. Join this engaging, informative and fun course, ideal for anyone in business, the arts, education, marketing, or any field where a creative approach can spell success.
ELL 2043 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: Linda Gelman
March 19 – May 7, no class April 2 (7 sessions)
Fridays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Spring 2021 Session II (Weekend Courses)
All weekend courses include required attendance at the scheduled virtual time and completion of all assignments.
Earn up to 6 hours by digging deeper into an area studied in an ELL course this semester. Choose from material specially selected to broaden and deepen knowledge. Submit a written paper which, based on guidelines, may be a reaction paper, a summary, or similar. The paper will be 1 to 4 pages, depending upon the number of hours requested. Read more about Dig Deeper.
ELL 1049 / noncredit / $50
Instructor: Judith Lewis
Examine and explore the key strategies of preparing for and embarking on a successful job search. Topics discussed and practiced include employment goals, cover letters, résumé writing, compiling references, interview techniques, essentials of follow-up, and email etiquette. Hands-on, interactive, practical, and fun, this course provides the information and practice to put your best job-search foot forward.
ELL 1055 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $265 (30-hour section), $345 (40-hour section)
Instructor: Laura Katen
March 20 – 21 (2 sessions)
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Develop strategies for successful intercultural communication in professional and social settings. Examine and discuss the functional and practical components of communicative interactions and how processes differ among cultures. Through such activities as role playing, case studies, and analysis of videos and transcriptions, learn ways to creatively address intercultural challenges. Topics include socially appropriate ways to request, refuse, compliment, and hedge.
ELL 1001 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $265 (30-hour section), $345 (40-hour section)
Instructor: Domenica Delprete
April 17 – 18 (2 sessions)
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Are there times when your life and the world around you seem especially challenging? Find the balance between mind and body; build self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation. Explore mind/body exercises, including relaxation techniques and gratitude journaling. Increase the ability to cope with stress, disappointments, the ups and downs of daily life. Journey toward the self-care that enables optimal personal and professional performance.
ELL 1025 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $265 (30-hour section), $345 (40-hour section)
Instructor: Laura Katen
May 1 – 2 (2 sessions)
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Do you know where your money goes every month? Understand basic finances and money management, which are important to your personal well-being and career. Explore budgeting, savings and debt, credit card pros and cons, and basic stock market concepts in this interactive course, which focuses on what you must know to make smart financial choices to achieve your personal and career goals.
ELL 2030 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $265 (30-hour section), $345 (40-hour section)
Instructor: Laura Katen
May 15 – 16 (2 sessions)
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Summer 2021 Session I (Weekday Courses)
For weekday courses, attendance is not required at any scheduled virtual time. Attendance is based on completion of assignments.
Earn up to 6 hours by digging deeper into an area studied in an ELL course this semester. Choose from material specially selected to broaden and deepen knowledge. Submit a written paper which, based on guidelines, may be a reaction paper, a summary, or similar. The paper will be 1 to 4 pages, depending upon the number of hours requested. Read more about Dig Deeper.
ELL 1049 / noncredit / $50
Instructor: Judith Lewis
Are you eager to refine and perfect your business communication skills? This course will help you to enhance your listening skills, overcome nervous energy in workplace settings and speak with elegance, thoughtfulness and professionalism. Class discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including understanding how to improve your speaking, presentation and listening skills – all critical aspects of communicating effectively.
ELL 1039/ noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: Cynthia Brosnan
May 19 – June 23 (6 sessions)
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Advanced students: Challenge yourself to elevate your overall English language proficiency to the high standards needed for success in a variety of professional settings. Current topics of general interest such as psychology, education, the arts, and business will form the basis for participatory activities. Final project is a written and oral presentation on a topic of personal interest.
Online content suitable for all students intermediate to advanced!
Course focus for online delivery:
- receive individual feedback on your writing including grammar and vocabulary;
- improve your listening, reading, vocabulary, and general knowledge;
- writing will be personal (reaction, opinion, descriptive) rather than professional
Students attending a live virtual session will have the opportunity to improve oral communication skills. Students unable to attend will be informed of, or be able to view, any relevant material on their own schedule.
Attendance at virtual sessions is not required for weekday courses.
ELL 2060 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: Deborah Cooper
May 19 – June 23 (6 sessions)
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Advertising campaigns –the ‘make or break’ factor of marketing a product or service. Through collaborative activities, explore and practice the essentials of an effective ad campaign. Create a story board and examine the basics of a compelling ad campaign ‘pitch’ for a service or product of your choosing. Present your campaign for valuable feedback. Interactive and fun, with real-life application.
ELL 2009 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: Elsalee Flynn
May 20 – June 21, no class May 31 (9 sessions)
Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Increase social and academic vocabulary including idiomatic expressions through the use of activities and materials that present vocabulary in context. Completion of assigned homework is required.
ELL 2042 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: Olga Seham
May 21 – June 22 (10 sessions)
Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Summer 2021 Session I (Weekend Courses)
All weekend courses include required attendance at the scheduled virtual time and completion of all assignments.
Earn up to 6 hours by digging deeper into an area studied in an ELL course this semester. Choose from material specially selected to broaden and deepen knowledge. Submit a written paper which, based on guidelines, may be a reaction paper, a summary, or similar. The paper will be 1 to 4 pages, depending upon the number of hours requested. Read more about Dig Deeper.
ELL 1049 / noncredit / $50
Instructor: Judith Lewis
Expand your conversational ability from just the spoken word to American Sign Language, a vibrant, expressive, visual language. Increase understanding of the deaf culture. Be introduced to and practice the basic ASL signs. Use your newly acquired skills to teach babies, children, and your friends. Grow your ability to interact with people who use ASL. Informative, useful, and fun!
ELL 1071/ noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $265 (30-hour section), $345 (40-hour section)
Instructor: Laura Katen
June 5 – 6 (2 sessions)
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Ever wonder where your day has gone? Do you feel like you’re working really hard with little result? Do you spend too much time searching through clutter? In this class you will gain a solid foundation in basic organizing theory. Learn core concepts behind categorizing, sorting, purging and the fundamentals of time management, space and digital organization for optimum productivity.
ELL 2008 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $265 (30-hour section), $345 (40-hour section)
Instructor: Elsalee Flynn
June 26 – 27 (2 sessions)
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Summer 2021 Session II (Weekday Courses)
For weekday courses, attendance is not required at any scheduled virtual time. Attendance is based on completion of assignments.
Earn up to 6 hours by digging deeper into an area studied in an ELL course this semester. Choose from material specially selected to broaden and deepen knowledge. Submit a written paper which, based on guidelines, may be a reaction paper, a summary, or similar. The paper will be 1 to 4 pages, depending upon the number of hours requested. Read more about Dig Deeper.
ELL 1049 / noncredit / $50
Instructor: Judith Lewis
Develop clarity, correctness, and variety of style in written English through interactive peer activities and writing exercises. Improve structure of sentences, paragraphs, and essays as appropriate to level of proficiency. English language writing assessment administered prior to the start of class. Active participation and completion of assigned homework is required.
ELL 2055/ noncredit / $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: TBA
July 5 – August 5 (15 sessions)
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 11:10 am – 12:40 pm
Increase confidence, fluency, and comprehension in speaking and listening skills. Pair work, small group activities, and individual student presentations are employed in this intermediate level interactive class. Assessment of spoken English administered prior to the start of the course. Active participation and completion of assigned homework is required.
ELL 2041 / noncredit / $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: TBA
July 5 – August 5 (15 sessions)
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:00 am
Increase social and academic vocabulary including idiomatic expressions through the use of activities and materials that present vocabulary in context. Completion of assigned homework is required.
ELL 2042 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: TBA
July 6 – August 6 (10 sessions)
Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30 – 11:00 am
Develop grammatical skills to communicate with clarity of expression in both oral and written communication. Practice proper grammatical structure in individual, pair and small group work. Improve all language skills through interactive reading, writing, and speaking exercises. Assessment of English language grammar proficiency administered prior to class start. Active participation and completion of assigned homework is required.
ELL 2056 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $216 (24-hour section)
Instructor: TBA
July 6 – August 6 (10 sessions)
Tuesdays and Fridays, 11:10 am – 12:40 pm
Summer 2021 Session II (Weekend Courses)
All weekend courses include required attendance at the scheduled virtual time and completion of all assignments.
Earn up to 6 hours by digging deeper into an area studied in an ELL course this semester. Choose from material specially selected to broaden and deepen knowledge. Submit a written paper which, based on guidelines, may be a reaction paper, a summary, or similar. The paper will be 1 to 4 pages, depending upon the number of hours requested. Read more about Dig Deeper.
ELL 1049 / noncredit / $50
Instructor: Judith Lewis
Set and create an inspirational picture of your goals through the creation of a Vision Board. Examine the research behind how setting, writing, and seeing tangible goals can expedite their achievement. Verbalize, organize, and visualize your short-term and long-term goals. Be guided through the process of creating your own Vision Board to keep, inspire, and grow with. Some materials required.
ELL 1065 / noncredit / $180 (20-hour section), $265 (30-hour section), $345 (40-hour section)
Instructor: Laura Katen
July 10 – 11 (2 sessions)
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm