Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Overview
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program and courses are designed to help non-native speakers of English to enter and succeed in the community and technical college system as well as in the transfer curriculum. ESOL skills courses focus on speaking and listening, reading and vocabulary, writing and grammar, and pronunciation. In addition, students take an integrated skills course which gives them an opportunity to explore various topics and practice all their language skills together.
Depending on their intended major, students completing the ESOL program may begin one of the trade programs, enroll in general education courses, or require further developmental coursework in English and/or Reading.
Students interested in enrolling in the ESOL program must take the ESL ACCUPLACER test This test assesses a student’s reading, listening and grammar ability.
Students accepted for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses must have a high school diploma, a GED, or pass "Ability to Benefit" tests.
For Minimum Program Entry Requirements, Course Sequence and Program Outcomes,
please see the Program Requirements Guides.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Courses
| Course |
Cr |
| ESOL 0725 |
High Intermediate Reading & Vocabulary |
4 |
| ESOL 0735 |
High Intermediate Speaking & Listening |
4 |
| ESOL 0745 |
High Intermediate Writing & Grammar |
4 |
| ESOL 0750 |
High Intermediate Integrated Skills |
3 |
| ESOL 0825 |
Advanced Reading & Vocabulary |
4 |
| ESOL 0835 |
Advanced Speaking & Listening |
4 |
| ESOL 0845 |
Advanced Writing & Grammar |
4 |
| ESOL 0850 |
Advanced Integrated Skills |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
30 |
|
| Electives |
Cr |
| ESOL 0820 |
Pronunciation and Articulation |
1 |
| ESOL 0840 |
ESL for Working Adults |
3 |
Course Descriptions
ESOL 0725 High Intermediate Reading and Vocabulary
This course introduces non-native speakers of English to academic reading skills at the high intermediate level. Students learn how to identify main ideas and details, use pre-reading strategies, increase reading speed, and interpret graphs and charts. Students also build their vocabulary through the study of word parts, the academic word list, and other strategies. The use of library resources, dictionaries, and online materials are also emphasized. This is a required course. (Prerequisite(s): Appropriate assessment score) 4C/3/1/0
ESOL 0735 High Intermediate Speaking and Listening
This course introduces non-native English speakers to academic speaking and listening skills at the high intermediate level. This course helps students improve their ability to understand native speakers and to express themselves correctly and confidently in a variety of everyday and academic situations. Students use new vocabulary and apply grammar skills to make presentations, participate in group discussions, take lecture notes, and participate in a variety of audio and video activities. This course also helps students improve their pronunciation. Regular use of the multimedia language laboratory is part of this course. This is a required course. (Prerequisite(s): Appropriate assessment score) 4C/3/1/0
ESOL 0745 High Intermediate Writing and Grammar
This course introduces non-native speakers of English to academic writing skills at the high intermediate level. Students will improve their ability to write clear, correct sentences and well-organized paragraphs. Students study basic verb forms, verb tenses, and other grammar structures. Then, they apply this grammar knowledge in a variety of writing situations and formats. Students become familiar with the writing process and online materials. This is a required course. (Prerequisite(s): Appropriate assessment score) 4C/3/1/0
ESOL 0750 High Intermediate Integrated Skills
This course provides high-intermediate level non-native speakers of English with an opportunity to integrate, apply and practice the language skills and concepts they are learning in their ESOL skills courses. The reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar skills introduced in the other courses are applied in various types of projects and presentations focusing on specific themes. Integrated skills courses focus on developing critical thinking skills and using appropriate language to express ideas and demonstrate content knowledge in a college setting. This is a required course. (Prerequisite(s): Appropriate assessment score and either completion of or concurrent enrollment in ESOL 0275, ESOL 0735, ESOL 0745) 3C/3/0/0
ESOL 0820 Pronunciation and Articulation
This course is designed for ESL students who need to improve their pronunciation, articulation, and intonation skills. The emphasis is on the technique of sound production, enunciation, rhythm, volume, and pitch through modeling and extensive drilling. Students will reduce their accent and acquire more confidence when they speak. Students at any level are accepted, no prerequisites are required. 1C/1/0/0
ESOL 0825 Advanced Reading and Vocabulary
In this course, non-native speakers of English continue to develop their academic reading and vocabulary skills at the advanced level. Students continue to analyze main ideas and details, use pre-reading strategies, increase reading speed, and interpret graphs and charts. Students further develop their general and academic vocabulary through the study of word parts, the academic word list, and other strategies. The use of library resources, dictionaries, and online materials are also emphasized. This is a required course. (Prerequisite(s): Appropriate assessment score or completion of ESOL 0725 with a grade of “C” or better) 4C/4/0/0
ESOL 0835 Advanced Speaking and Listening
In this course, non-native English speakers continue to develop their academic speaking and listening skills at the advanced level. Students will listen to academic lectures and online media, participate in academic discussions, deliver presentations, and give oral summaries. Students will learn note-taking skills and appropriate communicative strategies for the U.S. college classroom. Use of correct grammar, clear pronunciation and academic vocabulary will be reinforced throughout the semester. Regular use of the multimedia language laboratory is part of this course. This is a required course. (Prerequisite(s): Appropriate assessment score or completion of ESOL 0745 with a grade of “C” or better) 4C/4/0/0
ESOL 0840 ESL for Working Adults
This intermediate level ESL course is designed for working adults interested in improving their English skills. This course integrates all four skills with the emphasis on grammar and reading. Grammar concepts are introduced in context, and accuracy is developed through extensive oral and written exercises. The topics of study include themes of high interest. Students will also write short stories and make brief presentations related to the topics of study. This course is not part of the Intensive English Program. (Prerequisite(s): Appropriate assessment score) 3C/2/1/0
ESOL 0845 Advanced Writing and Grammar
In this course, non-native speakers of English continue to develop writing skills and grammar accuracy at the advanced level. This course helps students improve their ability to write clear, correct sentences and well-organized paragraphs and essays. Students study advanced sentence and grammar structures and then apply this grammar knowledge in a variety of writing situations and formats. This course also emphasizes the writing process, basic research skills, and the use of online materials. This is a required course. (Prerequisite(s): Appropriate assessment score or completion of ESOL 0745 with a grade of “C” or better) 4C/4/0/0
ESOL 0850 Advanced Integrated Skills
This course provides advanced-level non-native speakers of English with an opportunity to integrate, apply and practice the language skill, and concepts they are learning in their ESOL skills courses. The reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar skills introduced in the other courses are applied in various types of projects and presentations focusing on specific themes. Integrated skills courses focus on developing critical thinking skills and using appropriate language to express ideas and demonstrate content knowledge in a college setting. This is a required course. (Prerequisite(s): Appropriate assessment score or completion of ESOL 0750 and either completion of or concurrent enrollment in ESOL 0825, ESOL 0835, ESOL 0845) 3C/3/0/0