SELS Course Information

Summer

Summer 2026 Public Schedule

Legal English

Students: Our popular Legal English strand can accommodate the needs and interests of students just getting a start in legal studies to advanced LL.M. students and practicing lawyers. Many courses have multiple levels to meet student target goals, backgrounds, and proficiency. Skills:

Courses provide the opportunity to improve and refine language and legal communication skills as well as your knowledge of the U.S. legal system. Topics covered include

legal vocabulary; legal argument, writing, research. and analysis; formal oral presentations and informal discussions; constitutional law...

American Media and Culture

Students: These classes immerse students in rich and engaging readings, videos, podcasts, and discussions focusing on current events, contemporary issues, and cultural history. Many courses have multiple levels to meet student target goals, backgrounds, and proficiency. Courses are open to learners at any level: native, multilingual, and non-native speaking students; visiting international and U.S. resident students as well as current Cal students. Content:

Courses provide the opportunity to improve and refine language and communication skills as well as your knowledge of the diversity and...

Summer English Language Studies

The Berkeley campus and San Francisco Bay Area community offer a stimulating environment for students interested in improving their English. Known for its academic excellence, creativity, and innovative thinking, Berkeley is a perfect choice for summer study. Courses in the Summer English Language Studies program are appropriate for intermediate through advanced students who want to enhance their English language skills, improve job performance, or undertake university work. There are five main Summer English Language Studies courses—ESL 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and W3. Courses are offered through our...

Business English

Students: Our popular Business English strand can accommodate the needs and interests of students just getting a start in business studies to advanced students, paraprofessionals, and professionals in the field. Many courses have multiple levels to meet student target goals, backgrounds, and proficiency Skills:

Courses provide the opportunity to improve and refine both language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and business communication:

business vocabulary business letters and memos negotiation and mediation interviewing formal and informal presentations (oral and...

Academic Preparation for University Success in the U.S.

Students: Academic Preparation for University Success classes can accommodate the needs and interests of students at any level – whether you are an international student considering going abroad for an undergraduate or graduate degree an advanced international student wanting extra practice. a U.S. undergraduate wanting more tips and skills to help them take the next step in their education. Many courses have multiple levels to meet student target goals, backgrounds, and proficiency. Skills:

Courses provide the opportunity to improve and refine the language and communication...

Art, Architecture, and Design

Students: These classes immerse students in rich and engaging readings, visuals, videos, fieldwork, and discussions. Many courses have multiple levels to meet student target goals, backgrounds, and proficiency. Courses are open to learners at any level: native, multilingual, and non-native speaking students; visiting international and U.S. resident students as well as current Cal students. Content:

Courses provide the opportunity to improve and refine language and communication skills as well as broaden your knowledge of how environments can be transformed through planning, policy, art,...

Summer Schedule Updates

February 22, 2026

Summer 2026 has begun for both UC Berkeley and visiting students. Join us online or in person! Please see our schedule of courses for multilingual students of English to begin your planning.

https://classes.berkeley.edu/search/class?f%5B0%5D=subject_area%3A5618&f%5B1%5D=…

Can I arrive after the session has started?

Attendance is mandatory on the first day of class. If a student is not present during the first class lecture of the Summer term, their grade will be negatively affected. It is the responsibility of all students to coordinate their flights and housing arrangements to be in Berkeley before the date of their first class.

My course says that it is "2 units." What does "unit" mean?

A unit (or unit of credit) represents the amount of work in a course. Each unit represents approximately 30-45 hours of work by the student, including both class attendance and preparation. So if you are taking a 2-unit class in the summer, you can expect the total amount of work in the class to take you 60-90 hours/term. See https://summer.berkeley.edu/student-services/units-grades for more information.