Western Kentucky University

WKU International Pathway to Academic Success (IPAS)

Course Descriptions

COMM 145: Fundamentals of Public Speaking and Communication (3 credit hours)

COMM 145 –“Fundamentals of Public Speaking and Communication” is designed to increase your understanding of the principles and processes of communicating effectively in a variety of contexts and to facilitate the development of your skills in public communication, listening group communication, and interpersonal communication. This is done through a combination of speaking, listening, writing, and reading assignments. COMM 145 is part of the Colonnade curriculum and fulfils the Human Communication requirement (Foundations category).

IDST 199: University Learning (3 credit hours)

For students to successfully navigate the rigours of college-level work, they must be proficient in their ability to read, write, listen, and speak. This class provides students with the knowledge and skillsets necessary to handle the workload they will encounter at WKU. This course fosters new and positive academic and behavioural habits while rectifying the ineffective and inefficient practices often espoused by students new to the college landscape. This is the primary focus of the course with particular emphasis on these changes as they relate to reading.

POP 201: Introduction to Popular Culture Studies (3 credit hours)

An interdisciplinary introduction to the major theories and subjects of the study of popular culture. The course offers a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to considering the producers, audiences, and meanings of the culture of everyday life in a variety of historical and cultural contexts.

ENG 100E/105: Introduction to College Writing and Supplemental Writing Lab (5 credit hours)

Emphasizes writing for a variety of rhetorical situations with attention to voice, audience, and purpose. Provides practice in development, organization, revision, and editing. Introduces research skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average class size?

Smaller class sizes contribute to your success.

WKU International Pathway to Academic Success was built to ensure unique programming and support mechanisms so that students obtain the necessary academic skills for future success. A huge part of this is the low student-to-faculty ratio which facilitates substantial student-faculty interaction.

Should you be admitted to the program, you will be in classes with other international students. These classes are taught by WKU faculty members who are selected based on their experience and interest in working with international students.

Will my courses count towards graduation?

No delay in graduation!

Students are enrolled full-time and earn academic credit toward their desired degree while fulfilling general education requirements. Students who successfully complete the WKU International Pathway to Academic Success program will be eligible for admission to non-International Pathway to Academic Success WKU courses.

How long will I be in the program?

Program participation lasts one to two semesters depending on the academic needs of each student.

What is required for completion of the program?

In order to successfully complete the International Pathway to Academic Success Program, students must:

• Earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA over the course of the program
• Earn a minimum 2.0 GPA for each of the two terms in the program
• Earn 24 credit hours

How many credit hours are required each semester?

• 12 hours per term is required.
• Pathways students must be enrolled with a full-time course load.

Do you have any graduate program offerings?

• WKU International Pathway to Academic Success is an undergraduate program.
• At this time, there is not a graduate option.