English as a Second Language Course Descriptions

ESL 90
Language Skills Laboratory
.5-1 Units
Prerequisite: None
Hours: 54 hours LAB
This is a laboratory course designed to enable students to focus on specific English language skills through interaction with tutors, faculty, and computer software programs. This class is recommended for ESL students at any level who need further, focused attention to very specific skills including, but not limited, to pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary development and spelling. Students may enter the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester and earn either .5 or 1 unit. For each semester of enrollment, a specific study plan will be developed by faculty in consultation with the student. Students may repeat the course, earning a maximum of six units. This course is graded on a pass/no pass basis.

ESL 299
Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB

ESL 325
Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing
6 Units
Prerequisite: ESLR 310 and ESLW 310 with grades of "C" or better; or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
Hours: 108 hours LEC
This course integrates the reading and writing skills English language learners need to succeed in college-level courses. Students focus on refining academic reading skills with an emphasis on speed, vocabulary development, and analytical comprehension. Students will practice research and synthesizing skills and do extensive writing based on critical analysis of readings. Students will analyze and employ techniques throughout the writing process to produce a variety of well-focused, fully developed and organized essays. The course also emphasizes competent sentence variety and mastering the mechanics of English in the context of the essay. Essays will incorporate outside sources as well as personal experience.