Paseo Courses
The Undergraduate Paseo Program has two levels - B1 and B2. Each level is one semester long. Students are placed into a program level based on the results of the ALI's Online Placement Exam (CALIOPE). Students must complete the B2 level to matriculate into academic undergraduate courses.
B1 Level Courses
ALI 115 - Digital Writing and Information Literacy (3 credit hours)
This course develops students' writing skills in digital environments while strengthening their ability to evaluate and use information effectively. Students will engage with a variety of digital tools, refine their writing for different audiences, and develop critical thinking skills related to online sources. This course counts as a general elective and carries credit toward graduation.
ALI 116 - Handwriting, Grammar, and Test Preparation (3 credit hours)
This course provides structured practice in handwriting, grammatical accuracy, and timed writing skills to support students in producing clear, legible, and grammatically accurate written responses. It also serves as a proctored testing space where students complete assessments based on readings and lectures from their other courses. This course will help transition students from the ALI to UMKC's Writing Center, which they will use at the B2 level of the Paseo Program. This course counts as a general elective and carries credit toward graduation.
ALI 117 - Academic Discussions, Presentations, and Debates (3 credit hours)
This course enhances students' speaking skills by preparing them for structured presentations, debates, and academic discussions. Students will develop argumentation skills, critical thinking, and the ability to express opinions with clarity and confidence in academic and professional settings. This course counts as a general elective and carries credit toward graduation.
ALI 100 - Lab for B1 Support (1 credit hour)
This interactive lab provides personalized grammar and vocabulary practice to support students in ALI 115 and ALI 117. Students are required to spend 90 minutes per week working through AI-powered exercises that reinforce key language structures, such as complex verb tenses, connectors, modal verbs, and academic vocabulary. This course counts as a general elective and carries credit toward graduation.
Co-requisite Courses
ALI 115, 116, 117 and the Lab for B1 Support must all be taken during the same semester.
F-1 Students
F-1 students are also required to enroll in one of the Math Pathway courses offered at UMKC. UMKC's Math Pathway courses are MATH 116, STAT 115, MATH 110, MATH 120, or any 200-level MATH or STAT courses. These courses are part of UMKC Essentials (UMKC's general education courses). These courses are required for every undergraduate major. These classes count toward the total required credits for undergraduate majors and graduation.
There are several sections of the Math Pathway courses offered each semester. Paseo Pathway students should choose an in-person section.
J-1 Students
J-1 students in the B1 level will not have the option to enroll in a Math Pathway course, instead, they will take ALI 100 - English Through Service and Community Engagement in Kansas City. This course integrates English language learning with hands-on community service and cultural exploration in the greater Kansas City metro area. Students will enhance their English communication skills while engaging with local organizations, learning about the city's diverse communities, and reflecting on their experiences.
B2 Level Courses
ALI 160 - Academic Communication for International Students (3 credit hours)
This course prepares students to deal effectively with the language and academic culture of undergraduate coursework at an American university. Discussion and exercises emphasize fluency in producing oral and written academic discourse in Standard English. This course counts as a general elective and carries credit toward graduation.
J-1 Students
ALI 100 - English Through Service and Community Engagement in Kansas City
This course integrates English language learning with hands-on community service and cultural exploration in the greater Kansas City metro area. Students will enhance their English communication skills while engaging with local organizations, learning about the city's diverse communities, and reflecting on their experiences.
Academic Courses
J-1 students at the B2 level are allowed to choose from a selection of academic courses in various schools at UMKC. To learn more about these academic course options, visit the ALI's Iris Program Page.