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Course Description

Graduate Level

For the undergraduate level course, click this link: Undergraduate Level 

As a student at CalArts this fall, you will be speaking English consistently, in class and outside of class. You will work on a group projects, participate in discussions and critiques with students and faculty, write essays and critical responses, and make presentations in English. English for the Creative Arts will prepare you to engage in the community of student artists and experience learning at CalArts in a fuller and more rewarding fashion. 

English for the Creative Arts begins online, with a course Monday to Friday, July 21 to August 1. The course continues on-campus from August 4 to August 28. Classes are scheduled in the morning and language studios are scheduled in the afternoon, Mondays through Thursdays. Field trips are scheduled on Fridays. Attendance on-campus is required from August 4 to August 28.

Learner Outcomes

This course will introduce you to concepts, practices, and vocabulary in preparation for study in an interdisciplinary arts college, with particular focus on preparing you to meet the proficiency threshold necessary to enter their first-year courses successfully. You will practice language skills such as listening for key points in lectures, researching, analyzing, and discussing examples of the visual and performing arts, and critical writing. You will experience American classroom culture, as you learn about conducting research, writing, using correct citations, and the presentation conventions of scholarly writing.

The afternoon language studios build upon and supplement the classroom-based learning of the morning class. You will have the opportunity to further explore and practice your language skills in the context of the program you may be attending at CalArts. You will engage in independent and group artwork related to your creative practice. The emphasis in the language studio will be to help students prepare to join critique and conversation within their dedicated artistic field. Here, students will have the opportunity to practice skills in smaller groups and meet individually with instructors, tutors, alumni, or students in their program of study.

This course includes field trips, cultural activities, and other outings on Fridays that will give you a chance to meet current CalArts students and get to know Santa Clarita and the Greater Los Angeles area.

Prerequisites

If you have been conditionally accepted to CalArts and your English language test scores are lower than CalArts' English Proficiency Requirements then you may apply to the program. If you pass the program, you will fulfill CalArts' English Proficiency Requirements for admission in the fall.

If you already meet the full English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements and want to take the course to improve your English skills, you are welcome to apply. 

To be eligible for the program, you must first apply to CalArts, receive an offer of admission and accept the offer. Your English language test scores must be no lower than the ranges listed below:

For Undergraduate Students

iBT TOEFL- 65-79
DUOLINGO- Minimum of 95
IELTS- 5.0-6.0
PTE- 44-52

For Graduate Students

iBT TOEFL- 85-99
DUOLINGO- Minimum of 100
IELTS- 5.0-6.5
PTE- 54-62

Testimonials

"I think this class helped me a lot. I'm really glad that through this class, I got to meet Julia and other people. Everyone is so friendly and always takes care of me. My English has improved a lot, and now I have the confidence to face the new semester and make friends here."
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Application

Name
English for the Creative Arts
Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Section Title
English for the Creative Arts
Type
Online
Dates
Jul 21, 2025 to Aug 01, 2025
Type
On Campus
Dates
Aug 04, 2025 to Aug 27, 2025
Delivery Options
Hybrid  
Course Fee(s)
ELL Tuition credit (3 units) $6,380.00
Tuition credit (3 units) $6,381.00 or $500.00 deposit Click here to get more information
Section Fees
Utilities $75.00 Optional
Available for Credit
3 units