Yes, but it should not be considered a substitute for the kind of specialized training in English idioms that many students need in order to meet the demands of extensive graduate and post-doctoral work in English . The course helps all students think about the needs of their readers and how best to structure their work to meet those needs. The course also provides all its students with the opportunity to write and get feedback on eight papers a quarter, and that practice alone has boosted many students' English skills. Still, LRS does not directly address many important ESL concerns, especially concerns related to the proper use of idioms, definite and indefinite articles, and the labyrinthine complexities of English verb tenses. For courses explicitly oriented toward ESL matters, you may read The ESL Resource , which is maintained by the Office of International Affairs.
All students turn in eight papers.
If you're taking the course for a Pass, you may turn in sections of your work after turning in two or three LRS assignments. If you're taking the course for a grade, you must complete an LRS assignment for all eight papers. Thus economics students write about economics, literature students write about literature, biology students write about biology, and so on. Please check with your program to determine whether the course can count as credit toward your degree. You may also register if you are a professional school student in SSA, the Divinity School, the School of Public Policy, and a number of programs in the Pritzker School of Medicine.