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English as a Second Language

ESL-001: Educational Interview, Credits = 1
Learner-focused college readiness course designed to provide English as Second Language learners with an understanding of college culture, learning needs and goal setting. The course is offered with students one-to-one, in small or large groups, or in a combination of these configurations. Student can register for three consecutive 1-credit courses. The course must meet for at least 10 hours per quarter to earn one credit. State-mandated assessment as well as the college's registration processes are included. Course has fully developed modules of instruction and is offered as a computer enhanced course.

ESL-005: ESL Level I, Credits = 1 - 12
Offered to non-literate, pre-literate, or semi-literate students. Students will improve reading, writing, speaking, listening, and grammar in life skills contexts such as providing personal information, describing daily events, and identifying jobs and work-related abilities. Prerequisite: Placement by CASAS oral screen.

ESL-010: ESL Level II, Credits = 1 - 12
Offered to students who are literate in their own language or progressed from ESL 005. Students will be able to read simple text and write simple sentences. Focus is to improve reading, writing, speaking, listening, and grammar in life skills contexts such as providing personal information, describing daily events, and identifying jobs and work related abilities. Prerequisite: Placement by CASAS or completion of ESL 005.

ESL-012: ESL Writing I, Credits = 1 - 5
Based on the fundamentals of English grammar, progresses from vocabulary development to sentence-level grammatical instruction within the context of a wide range of personally relevant topics. Prerequisite: Appropriate CASAS placement score.

ESL-013: ESL Writing II, Credits = 1 - 5
Focuses on the fundamentals of English grammar, and progresses from vocabulary development to sentence-level grammatical instruction and structured paragraphs. Computers are used for editing and proofreading as available. Prerequisite: CASAS score of 211 or higher.

ESL-014: Oral Communication, Credits = 1 - 5
For students needing skills in verbal communication at a basic level. Students use familiar oral phrases, questions and social conversations to increase both speaking and listening comprehension. Prerequisite: CASAS placement score of 181-210.

ESL-015: Communication, Credits = 1 - 5
Designed to meet the needs of students who speak with difficulty in familiar settings either face-to-face or in brief telephone conversations. Focus is on developing vocabulary, word choice, register, pace and gesture in order to increase effectiveness of communication. Prerequisite: CASAS placement score of 211 and above.

ESL-020: ESL Level III, Credits = 1 - 12
Enables students to satisfy survival needs and routine work and social demands. Focuses on skills needed independently accomplish simple, well defined, and structured reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills needed to communicate in English. Placement by CASAS score of 191 or completion of ESL 010

ESL-030: ESL Level IV, Credits = 1 - 12
Enables students to satisfy survival needs and routine work/social demands. Focuses on skills needed to independently accomplish simple, well defined, and structured reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills needed to communicate. Prerequisite: Placement by CASAS or completion of ESL 020. Students may co-enroll in IBEST courses with permission of the Transitional Studies Department.

ESL-040: ESL Level V, Credits = 1 - 12
Enables students to satisfy routine work and social demands. Focuses on skills needed to independently accomplish well defined and structured reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills needed to communicate in English. Prerequisite: Placement by CASAS or completion of ESL 030. Student may co-enroll in a I-BEST courses with the permission of the Transitional Studies Department.

ESL-060: Multi-Level ESL, Credits = 1 - 12
Offered for ESL students in levels I-VI. Student-centered instruction designed to develop language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, listening and basic numeracy. Skills are developed in the context of everyday life situations with the goal of communicative and cultural competence. Technology is used to enhance learning opportunities as available.

ESL-066: e-Learning for ESL, Credits = 1 - 9
Designed for ESL students at all levels of English competency. Students use a variety of computer programs and the Internet to improve language, grammar, vocabulary, study skills, and computer skills.

ESL-070: Special Purposes in ESL, Credits = 1 - 11
Opportunity for students to pursue special interests and topics in ESL.