Developmental Studies Department
The Developmental Studies Department supports students who want an opportunity for better education and future success but may be underprepared for the challenges of college-level coursework.
Our dedicated faculty and effective classes can help students develop the reading, writing, and critical thinking abilities they need to become confident, independent, and active learners in the college environment.
Our students come from all walks of life. Some are recent high school graduates, single parents returning to school, active-duty military personnel, or older adults seeking a career change. Wherever students begin academically, our department strives to provide the guidance and support they need to attain a better education, brighter future, and personal success.
Questions? Contact Us
Bassel Stassis, Ed.D.
Senior Dean of Academic Affairs
(973) 684-6865
[email protected]
Developmental English Intensive Bootcamp (DE-INT)
This workshop is for students who feel confident that they can complete a fast-paced, intense course in order to accelerate through the Developmental sequence and/or place into college-level composition classes. This workshop will challenge students to develop their essays to meet the demands of college-level English. Students will learn how to accurately answer writing prompts by using information from their experience and from the prompt. Students will also discover how to write an excellent introduction paragraph, how to develop “college-level” body paragraphs, and how to finish with a strong conclusion. Additionally, students will learn to sharpen their reading comprehension and analytical skills with intensive work on critical reading.
Developmental English Accelerated Learning Courses
These courses are for students who demonstrate strong reading and writing skills in DE 010 or show promise for success through acceleration based on their College Placement exam English scores.
Students will enroll in both DE 025 Advanced Studies in Academic English and English Composition I (EN 101). In the Accelerated Learning Courses, Developmental English students join college-level students in a Composition I course. The DE 025 course will assist advanced-level Developmental English students in making the transition to college-level courses. In DE 025 students will learn strategies and techniques which will help them to be successful in Composition I.
English Lab
Students taking DE 010 Academic English I and DE 020 Academic English II are also registered for a corresponding English lab. Each student is required to attend the Developmental English Lab for two hours a week and complete his / her individualized study plan. Students must also sign up for two individual tutoring sessions. The student must attend 10 reading-group sessions, 10 writing-group sessions, and 2 one-on-one sessions, for a total of 22 sessions.
Study Session workshops are offered which provide strategies to improve reading and writing efficiency by building vocabulary and improving basic reading, writing, and study skills. Students may also sign up for individualized tutoring sessions.
Tutors monitor and support students’ progress while providing one-on-one tutoring in reading and writing as needed to help students complete their online study plans as well as their reading and writing assignments from the Developmental Studies courses.