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Home Academics Programs and Majors English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses

ESL 37 Novice-High Integrated Reading and Writing

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLG 31, ESLL 31, and ESLLAB 30. Completion of 1 to 2 years of adult school courses or English language skills at the foundational level.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

Students in this course learn academic reading and writing English skills at the novice-high level, with an emphasis on vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and the development of paragraphs. It covers the development of compositions with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This course is part of the reading and writing sequence which prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer. This course serves as a prerequisite to ESL 47.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the basic features of the ARC Learning Management System.
  • demonstrate comprehension of terminology necessary for completion of course tasks.
  • identify the features of an American English dictionary.
  • recognize and use novice-high vocabulary.
  • spell common words accurately.
  • use reading strategies (skimming and scanning) to identify general ideas and locate specific information in novice-high readings.
  • identify nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, articles and prepositions, along with subjects and verbs in sentences.
  • write multiple paragraphs of 5-10 sentences each with topic sentences, basic control of English syntax, punctuation, capitalization, and correct formatting, including indentation.
  • connect topics and vocabulary from reading into writing.
  • recognize and understand the simple present, present progressive, simple past of basic regular and irregular verbs in reading and use these constructions in writing.
  • produce simple and compound sentences.

ESL 47 Intermediate-Low Integrated Reading and Writing

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 37 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESLG 41, ESLL 41, and ESLLAB 40
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course offers academic reading and writing English skills at the intermediate-low level with an emphasis on vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and the development of writing using the writing process. It provides skills in pre-writing, structuring paragraphs and multiple-paragraph compositions, and constructing a variety of sentence types. This course is part of the reading and writing sequence which prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer. This course serves as a prerequisite to ESL 55.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the basic features of the ARC Learning Management System.
  • demonstrate comprehension of terminology necessary for completion of course tasks.
  • recognize, examine, and use vocabulary from lists of high-frequency words.
  • use context clues, prefixes and suffixes to determine the part of speech and meaning of new words.
  • demonstrate comprehension of multi-paragraph texts.
  • use reading strategies (skimming and scanning) to identify general ideas and locate specific information in intermediate-low readings.
  • connect topics and vocabulary from reading into writing.
  • produce paragraphs, such as summaries, and simple three- or four-paragraph compositions on a variety of topics.
  • exhibit an emerging ability to revise compositions for content and edit for language and grammar based on feedback.
  • apply comprehension of the simple present, present progressive, simple past of basic regular and irregular verbs in writing.
  • recognize and understand the simple future and the modal auxiliaries of ability (can, could), of possibility (may, might), and advice (should) in reading and use these constructions in writing.
  • produce simple, compound, and complex sentences.

ESL 55 Intermediate-Mid Integrated Reading and Writing

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 47 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is an intermediate-mid level skills course in reading and writing for non-native speakers of English. This course introduces academic reading skills through analyzing readings from a number of rhetorical styles as well as techniques and processes essential to reading comprehension and essay writing. Language instruction focuses on strengthening individual proofreading and editing skills. Completion of this course is equivalent to completion of both ESLR 50 and ESLW 50 and serves as a prerequisite to ESL 315. This course is not open to students who have completed both ESLR 50 and ESLW 50.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • describe the point, purpose, and point-of-view in readings.
  • identify main ideas and supporting details in readings.
  • analyze context to guess the meanings of words and to understand readings.
  • identify basic organizational patterns (e.g., cause-effect, comparison-contrast, and opinion).
  • identify specific elements of fiction (e.g., plot, character, setting, theme, and figurative language).
  • produce simple summaries and personal responses based on readings.
  • read and clearly respond to writing prompts.
  • generate ideas for writing short essays by using techniques such as freewriting, listing, and clustering.
  • produce well-developed, logically-organized final drafts through multiple drafts.
  • use transitions to connect ideas and paragraphs effectively.
  • produce essays and paragraphs with focused thesis statements, relevant topic sentences, specific examples, and details.
  • use basic essay format, including titles and paragraph and margin indentations.
  • write clear compound and complex sentences using correct capitalization, spelling, and punctuation.
  • edit for basic verb tenses, verb tense consistency, and verb forms.

ESL 299 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

ESL 311 College ESL Newsletter Production

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course offers experience in developing and producing newsletters featuring ESL student writing, interviews of students, staff, and faculty, various advice and information columns, and language tips that include grammar, vocabulary development, and pronunciation for basic language skills acquisition (four to six times a semester).

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • contribute to the development and publication of a college newsletter
  • research, gather, assemble, and assess original student essays, columns, poetry, photographs, Internet articles, and materials for learning English
  • plan the layout of the newsletter, utilizing a desktop publishing program
  • edit for accuracy
  • market and distribute the newsletter on campus
  • conduct and record interviews of campus figures, including faculty, staff, and fellow students, and transcribe the results

ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 55 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (The UC limits ESL course credit - ESL and/or ESLW courses, combined maximum credit, 8 units)
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is an intermediate-high level integrated reading and writing course for non-native speakers of English. This course introduces academic reading skills through analyzing readings from a number of rhetorical styles as well as techniques and processes essential to reading comprehension and academic writing. Language instruction focuses on strengthening individual proofreading and editing skills. Completion of this course is equivalent to completion of both ESLR 310 and ESLW 310 and serves as a prerequisite to ESL 325. This course is not open to students who have completed both ESLR 310 and ESLW 310.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • describe the topic, purpose, and point-of-view in readings.
  • distinguish main ideas from supporting details in readings as well as differentiate facts from opinions.
  • infer the author's intent from explicit statements.
  • demonstrate comprehension of unabridged and increased length of reading texts.
  • integrate contextual clues and strategies for building vocabulary and using increased vocabulary in writing.
  • outline, paraphrase, and summarize concepts from complex readings.
  • synthesize soundly structured, unified essays in response to prompts.
  • develop introductory, body, and concluding paragraphs in narrative, compare-contrast, cause-effect, and argumentative writing.
  • revise and edit to write clear phrases; clauses; and simple, compound, and complex sentences.
  • revise and edit writing for greater focus and clarity, including for verb and word form; indirect and direct speech; and passive vs. active voice.

ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 315 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (The UC limits ESL course credit - ESL and/or ESLW courses, combined maximum credit, 8 units)
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This advanced-low integrated-skills course for non-native speakers of English builds on academic reading and writing skills, while also introducing basic research steps. Emphasis is placed on developing critical reading and writing skills to evaluate a variety of college-level texts and use them to inform and support students’ own compositions. Instruction targets the needs of multilingual writers by addressing specific linguistic and cultural content to promote academic success. The goal of this course is to prepare students for transfer-level composition.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • analyze complex, college-length texts for context, audience, purpose, structure, and genre.
  • apply and adapt appropriate reading strategies in order to critique complex, college-length texts for reliability and credibility.
  • utilize the writing process to produce clear, well-developed, and soundly structured compositions on a range of culturally relevant topics.
  • effectively recognize and implement the conventions of persuasive reading and writing.
  • develop and apply basic research steps and MLA formatting to effectively incorporate outside sources in their own writing through outlining, quoting, paraphrasing, and/or summarizing new texts.
  • understand and use corrective feedback to revise and edit their own writing for clarity of ideas, unity and coherence, accuracy in grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.

ESL 350 Critical Reading, Research and Writing Through Literature

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:A grade of "C" or better in ESLW 340 OR a grade of "C" or better in ENGWR 300.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC ((maximum ESL & ESLW credits accepted - 8 units total))
  • General Education:AA/AS Area II(b); AA/AS Area I; AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area A3; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 1B; IGETC Area 3B
  • C-ID:C-ID ENGL 110; C-ID ENGL 120
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers reading and written analysis of culturally and internationally diverse complex literary works in all major genres, including poetry, drama, and fiction. Students develop analytical, integrative, and research skills while exploring multicultural perspectives. A variety of cultural and social perspectives are explored through the comparison of different ethnic groups within the U.S., focusing on the influence of non-European and non-Western cultures on the content or style of various texts. Formal writing assignments total at least 5000 words. In-person or virtual attendance at readings, plays, and/or films may be required. This course is designed for multicultural and multilingual students.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • identify the elements of a variety of multicultural literary texts of differing genres (such as poetry, dramatic writing, and fiction) and demonstrate the ability to use appropriate literary terms.
  • analyze and respond to diverse academic level texts with a variety of cultural, social, historical, ethnic, and philosophical perspectives.
  • evaluate credibility and bias in literary print and electronic research sources.
  • use active and critical reading strategies to integrate and synthesize information by paraphrasing, quoting, and summarizing readings within interpretative, analytical, and thesis-driven argumentative writing.
  • incorporate and correctly cite relevant literary sources into writing.
  • demonstrate advanced-level revision, proofreading, and editing skills.

ESL 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language - Grammar (ESLG) Courses

ESLG 31 Basic English Grammar

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLW 20 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in other ESL courses at the appropriate level.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is a course for English language learners at the novice-high level, which provides an introduction to the basics of English grammar including parts of speech, word form, word order, and the fundamental verb tenses necessary for spoken and written discourse. It is part of the grammar sequence that prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • exhibit skill in using basic English grammar in spoken and written discourse.
  • apply fundamental rules of mechanics and demonstrate skill and accuracy in using basic English handwriting and spelling.
  • understand the use of auxiliary verbs and main verbs when constructing the past, present, and future tenses and creating negative statements, yes/no questions, and information questions.
  • recognize and construct simple sentences and basic compound and complex sentences.
  • apply basic editing steps to discover and correct errors.
  • discuss basic U.S. academic and cultural expectations.

ESLG 41 Elements of English Sentences

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 31 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in other ESL courses at the appropriate level.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course focuses on learning academic grammar skills at the intermediate-low level, with an emphasis on fundamental grammatical structures in conversation, writing, and reading. It is part of the grammar sequence that prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, or transfer.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply rules in using basic English grammar in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
  • apply fundamental punctuation and capitalization rules, such as periods, commas, and question marks.
  • demonstrate skill and accuracy in using basic English handwriting and spelling.
  • distinguish when to use verbs in the simple (present, past, and future) and progressive tenses.
  • recognize and use basic modal verbs and expressions.
  • differentiate between singular and plural noun forms and count/non-count nouns.

ESLG 51 Grammar for Intermediate ESL Writers

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in an ESL Listening and Speaking and/or Integrated Reading and Writing course at the student's assessed level(s).
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is a course for English language learners at the intermediate-mid level, which focuses on the fundamental grammatical structures of English necessary for spoken and written discourse. It reviews the form and use of the simple and continuous tenses in the present, past and future as well as introduces the present perfect and present perfect continuous. It also provides instruction in other intermediate-level grammar topics such as gerunds and infinitives, articles, and nouns. This course is part of the grammar sequence that prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, or transfer.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • use simple and progressive verb forms in past, present, and future tenses.
  • formulate a variety of questions such as yes-no, wh-, choice and tag questions with correct English word order.
  • use count and non-count nouns correctly with basic control of articles and other determiners.
  • distinguish and apply the rules of gerunds and infinitives.
  • choose appropriate modal auxiliary verbs in different situations.
  • compare and differentiate the uses of present perfect and present perfect progressive verb tenses.
  • apply basic editing steps to discover and correct errors.

ESLG 310 Intermediate-High Grammar

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 51 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Enrollment in an ESL Listening and Speaking, Reading, and/or Writing course at the student's assessed level(s).
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course focuses on further practice of the forms, meanings, and usage of grammatical structures of English at the intermediate-high level. New focal points include adjective and adverb clauses as well as new verb tense and modal auxiliary verb use. Written and oral practice reinforces the structures studied.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate skill in using targeted, level-appropriate grammar when speaking, listening,and writing.
  • demonstrate both written and oral competency of the 12 verb tenses and present and past modal auxiliary verbs.
  • apply rules for gerund and infinitive construction.
  • construct sentences containing adjective clauses.
  • compose grammatically correct sentences in active and passive voice.
  • create both real and unreal conditional sentences in both the present and past tenses.
  • analyze writing and oral conversation which contain direct and indirect speech.

ESLG 320 Advanced-Low Grammar

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 310 with a grade of "C" or better; or, for those not previously enrolled in an ESL grammar course within the Los Rios district, placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Enrollment in an ESL Listening and Speaking, Reading, and/or Writing course at the student's assessed level(s).
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course focuses on practice in the forms and meanings of major structures used in English conversation and writing with an emphasis on clause structure at the advanced level. Oral practice reinforces the structures studied. Assignments emphasize sentence structure in the context of longer written work.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate skill in using targeted, level-appropriate grammar when speaking, listening, and writing.
  • demonstrate both written and oral competency of verb tenses and modal auxiliary uses.
  • combine sentences, with emphasis on the ability to recognize, contrast, and analyze subordination and coordination.
  • recognize and generate sentences using conditional and subjunctive constructions.
  • demonstrate mastery of passive voice and its uses.
  • integrate noun clauses and adjectives clauses into everyday conversation and written usage.
  • employ adverb clauses when conversing and writing.
  • construct adverb and adjective phrases from clauses.

ESLG 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Grammar

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language - Listening (ESLL) Courses

ESLL 20 Novice Listening and Speaking

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Verified completion of the ESL assessment test.
  • Advisory:One year of adult school and concurrent enrollment in ESL Reading and Writing courses at the student's assessed levels are highly recommended.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course, intended for non-native speakers of English, focuses on understanding and producing appropriate language, and utilizing learned phrases and expressions required for everyday communication. Basic clarification strategies are demonstrated and practiced. English sounds and intonation patterns are introduced.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • express ideas and understand others during basic discussions about everyday topics with pronunciation comprehensible to a sensitive listener.
  • communicate by understanding and using the simple present and present progressive tenses.
  • demonstrate emergent understanding of word order and pronoun use.
  • use language to help with miscommunication.
  • use and demonstrate understanding of question forms in simple present and present progressive tenses.
  • pronounce a limited number of common words in a way that is comprehensible to a sensitive listener.
  • communicate by understanding and using basic vocabulary.
  • discriminate between most American English consonant and vowel sounds.
  • recognize syllables and word stress.

ESLL 31 Listening and Speaking for College Readiness

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 20 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is part of the listening and speaking sequence that prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer. It focuses on learning vocabulary, participating in a variety of listening activities, and discussing a wide variety of topics. It helps students to recognize and produce the sounds, stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns of American English.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate practical conversation skills in giving and receiving information, asking for repetition and clarification.
  • implement and demonstrate increased vocabulary on topics introduced.
  • implement and demonstrate pronounced grammar appropriate for this level, including simple and progressive verbs forms in both statement and question form, past tense statements and questions, as well as modals in the present tense.
  • be able to communicate on familiar topics, i.e. family, health, school, and travel.
  • demonstrate the ability to take simple notes.
  • begin work to recognize syllables, stress (including number stress, i.e. thirteen vs. thirty), and IPA pronunciation.
  • recognize and understand the rules for stress in nouns, verbs, and words with suffixes.
  • understand the rules for pronunciation of the final /s/ and /ed/ endings.
  • recognize reductions in English, including "have to, want to, and going to."
  • demonstrate knowledge in basic college competencies, including syllabus, office hours, and support services.
  • deliver short oral presentations.
  • demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and discuss ideas from listening activities.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the rules of vowel pronunciation based on spelling.

ESLL 41 Listening, Speaking and Presentation Skills for College

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 31 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is part of the listening and speaking sequence that prepares students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer. It covers developing tactics to communicate their ideas in academic situations, and practice in the pronunciation of English.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • employ a variety of listening strategies to understand main ideas and details in short academic spoken text.
  • produce intelligible speech during conversations, discussions, and presentations.
  • demonstrate knowledge of an increased vocabulary.
  • use notetaking techniques to produce organized, accurate notes on information presented.
  • organize and present information on academic topics, including academic expectations and college resources.
  • demonstrate knowledge of US academic and cultural expectations.
  • demonstrate ability to understand pronunciation based on phonetic symbols.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the rules and begin to understand connected speech.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the rules of sentential rhythm based on reduced and stressed words.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the rules for the use of focus words, sentence intonation, and thought groups.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the rules for stressing focus words.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the use of thought groups in English.
  • produce most English consonants and vowels correctly.

ESLL 51 Academic Communication, Notetaking, and College Success Skills

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This intermediate mid-level course, intended for non-native speakers of English, helps students understand and be understood in both familiar and unfamiliar situations. Activities include academic listening and speaking activities and a continuation of pronunciation skills.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • take accurate notes and use outlining skills during academic presentations.
  • paraphrase and summarize after listening to academic-level discourse and presentations.
  • comprehend and use vocabulary appropriate to the level.
  • combine a variety of techniques for interaction, including clarification and polite interruption and disagreement.
  • produce rehearsed and unrehearsed language comprehensible in English-language environments.
  • participate effectively in a pluralistic academic setting.
  • demonstrate knowledge of college resources and programs.
  • accurately produce most English vowels and consonants.
  • accurately produce the correct number of syllables and correct stress in most words.
  • accurately produce grammatical endings, including -s, -ed, numbers, stress change between nouns and verbs, and words with suffixes.
  • develop and employ tactics to function in pluralistic situations, including demonstrating respect through language for alternate viewpoints.

ESLL 299 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Listening

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

ESLL 310 Intermediate-High Listening and Speaking

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 51 with a grade of "C" or better; or, for those not previously enrolled in an ESL listening course within the Los Rios district, placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in an ESL Reading and Writing course, and/or Grammar course at the student's assessed level(s).
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This intermediate-high-level course, intended for non-native speakers of English, develops listening and speaking for academic purposes, including comprehension of lectures, note-taking, and discussion. It includes a review of American English sounds with emphasis on understanding and producing stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns to communicate effectively.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate the ability to use linking and the resulting sound changes in spoken English, including dropping the /h/ sound in word groups such as "would have," "could have," and "should have," as well as with pronouns such as "tell him" and "tell her."
  • demonstrate accurate intonation, pausing, chunking, and sentence rhythm.
  • demonstrate accurate notetaking.
  • identify the central message and key supporting details of academic-level language.
  • choose appropriate responses in a variety of both formal and informal situations.
  • convey meaning clearly in brief oral presentations.
  • apply critical thinking skills to listening activities.
  • develop and employ tactics to function in a pluralistic environment, including demonstrating respect through language for alternate viewpoints.
  • present researched material covering college resources and programs on campus.

ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 310 with a grade of "C" or better; or, for those not previously enrolled in an ESL listening course within the Los Rios district, placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESL Reading and Writing courses at the student's assessed level.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides intensive practice in listening and active participation strategies for U.S. college courses. Activities include listening to extended lectures from various subject areas, refining note-taking skills, participating in in-depth discussions, and giving oral presentations. Practice of pronunciation skills is also covered.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate competency in English oral communication skills, including giving presentations and communicating effectively.
  • compose and present dialogues and reports with appropriate pronunciation, grammar, organization, and lexical choice.
  • compile accurate notes while listening to lectures and presentations.
  • formulate and use a variety of interactive strategies effectively, such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies.
  • recognize and use a wide variety of academic and idiomatic vocabulary.

ESLL 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Listening

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language - Pronunciation (ESLP) Courses

English as a Second Language - Reading (ESLR) Courses

ESLR 20 Novice Reading

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:One year of adult school and concurrent enrollment in ESL Writing and Listening/Speaking courses at the student's assessed levels are highly recommended.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course, intended for non-native speakers of English, focuses on literal understanding of basic vocabulary and readings at the Novice level. There is a focus on expanding basic vocabulary through readings, word parts, and word-form activities. The concepts of using context and giving personal reactions to readings are introduced.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • read simple words, sentences, and readings.
  • respond correctly to basic comprehension questions.
  • respond to and use basic vocabulary.
  • identify and use appropriate word forms (nouns, verbs, and adjectives).
  • identify the use of sentence word order, pronouns, and verb forms in the readings.
  • write short responses to readings using learned expressions and format.

ESLR 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Reading

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language - Writing (ESLW) Courses

ESLW 20 Novice Writing

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:One year of adult school and concurrent enrollment in ESL Reading and Listening/Speaking courses at the student's assessed levels are highly recommended.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course for non-native speakers of English focuses on the structure of English sentences, including parts of speech and word order. Emphasis is on producing clear, basic written sentences at the novice level using everyday vocabulary. Question formation is also demonstrated and practiced.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • write simple sentences with correct capitalization and punctuation.
  • use simple present and present progressive tenses of common verbs.
  • write questions in correct word order.
  • write sentences based on everyday topics and picture prompts in paragraph form.
  • spell common words correctly.
  • use clear handwriting placed correctly on the paper.

ESLW 340 Advanced Composition

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 325 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC ((maximum ESL & ESLW credit accepted - 8 units total))
  • General Education:AA/AS Area II(a); CSU Area A2; IGETC Area 1A
  • C-ID:C-ID ENGL 100
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This college composition course emphasizes writing, reading, critical thinking skills and research skills essential for completion of a college degree. It focuses on the needs of multilingual writers by addressing specific language and cultural content required for academic success at the college level. Writing assignments include expository and argumentative essays (5,000 words minimum in total) using MLA documentation and format. Writing assignments are based on reading of transfer-level texts that include diverse perspectives.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • analyze and synthesize complex readings that represent a diversity of perspectives.
  • compose organized and unified argumentative, interpretive, and analytical essays in response to collegiate-level readings.
  • identify and employ genre-specific style and rhetorical choices across a variety of assignments, such as pathos in literacy narrative or logos in an analytical research paper.
  • assess the credibility of online and print sources and integrate them in writing through effective paraphrase and quotation using MLA citation formatting standards.
  • integrate research from multiple academic databases and assess bias in source material for a fully documented analytical research paper in MLA format.
  • revise and edit writing for clarity of ideas and accuracy in grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and appropriate diction for the collegiate level.

ESLW 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Writing

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language Accelerated (ESLA) Courses

ESLA 299 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language Accelerated

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

ESLA 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language Accelerated

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language Lab (ESLLAB) Courses

ESLLAB 30 ESL Center: Novice-High Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 20, ESLR 20, and ESLW 20 with grades of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESL 37.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in reading, formatting/mechanics, writing, and/or grammar skills at the novice-high level. Students confer with a lab instructor to design a study plan to refine basic English language skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction for students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 37. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5 unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply a variety of reading strategies at the novice-high level to comprehend basic readings and improve vocabulary acquisition.
  • analyze model sentences, paragraphs, and short essay to build academic vocabulary needed to learn about the writing process and produce similar writing.
  • locate common grammar errors at the novice-high level and practice different methods to edit work.

ESLLAB 31 Novice-High Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 20, ESLR 20, or ESLW 20 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESLG 31 and ESLL 31
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in listening, speaking, pronunciation, oral grammar, and other language skills at the novice-high level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine basic English oral skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLG 31 and/or ESLL 31. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply a variety of listening, speaking, and pronunciation strategies at the novice-high level to comprehend basic listening passages and complete basic speaking tasks.
  • analyze listening passages for grammatical features covered at the novice-high level to discern differences in pronunciation and meaning.
  • demonstrate the different intonation patterns for yes/no and “wh” questions and simple statements.

ESLLAB 40 ESL Center: Intermediate-Low Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 37, ESLG 31, or ESLL 31 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESL 47
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in reading, formatting/mechanics, writing, and/or grammar skills at the intermediate-low level. Students confer with a lab instructor to design a study plan to refine intermediate English language skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction for students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 47. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply a variety of reading strategies at the intermediate-low level to comprehend basic readings and improve vocabulary acquisition.
  • analyze model sentences, paragraphs, and short essays to expand academic vocabulary needed to learn about the intermediate-low writing process and produce similar writing.
  • locate common grammar errors at the intermediate-low level and practice different methods to edit work.

ESLLAB 41 ESL Center: Intermediate-Low Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 37, ESLG 31, or ESLL 31 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESLG 41 or ESLL 41
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in listening, speaking, pronunciation, oral grammar, and other language skills at the intermediate-low level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine intermediate English oral skills. This course provides individualized and small group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLG 41 and/or ESLL 41. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply a variety of listening, speaking, and pronunciation strategies at the intermediate-low level to comprehend intermediate-low listening passages and complete intermediate-low speaking tasks.
  • analyze listening passages for grammatical features covered at the intermediate-low level to discern differences in pronunciation and meaning.
  • demonstrate the different intonation patterns for requests/clarification as well as statements and answers in academic settings.

ESLLAB 50 ESL Center: Intermediate-Mid Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 47, ESLG 41, or ESLL 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESL 55
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in reading, formatting/mechanics, writing, and/or grammar skills at the intermediate-mid level. Students confer with a lab instructor to design a study plan to refine expanding intermediate English language skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction for students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 55. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply a variety of reading strategies at the intermediate-mid level to comprehend readings of expanded length and/or multiple related-readings and improve vocabulary acquisition.
  • analyze model sentences, paragraphs, and essays of varying length to expand academic vocabulary needed to learn about the intermediate-mid writing process and produce similar writing.
  • locate common grammar errors at the intermediate-mid level and practice different methods to edit work.

ESLLAB 51 ESL Center: Intermediate-Mid Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 47, ESLG 41, or ESLL 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESL 55, ESLG 51, and ESLL 51
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in listening, speaking, pronunciation, oral grammar, and other language skills at the intermediate-mid level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine expanding intermediate English oral skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLG 51 and/or ESLL 51. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply a variety of listening, speaking, and pronunciation strategies at the intermediate-mid level to comprehend lengthier listening passages and complete intermediate-mid speaking tasks.
  • analyze listening passages for grammatical features covered at the intermediate-mid level to discern differences in pronunciation and meaning.
  • demonstrate different intonation patterns and appropriate phrases for participation in pluralistic academic settings.

ESLLAB 60 ESL Center: Intermediate-High Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 55 or ESLG 51 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESL 315
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in reading, formatting/mechanics, writing, and/or grammar skills at the intermediate-high level. Students confer with a lab instructor to design a study plan to refine intermediate-high English language skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction for students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 315. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply a variety of reading strategies at the intermediate-high level to comprehend readings of expanded length and/or multiple related-readings and improve vocabulary acquisition.
  • analyze model sentences, paragraphs, and essays of varying length to expand academic vocabulary needed to learn about the intermediate-high writing process and produce similar writing.
  • locate common grammar errors at the intermediate-high level and practice different methods to edit work.

ESLLAB 61 ESL Center: Intermediate-High Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 51 or ESLL 51 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESLG 310 and ESLL 310
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in listening, speaking, pronunciation, oral grammar, and other language skills at the intermediate-high level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine English oral skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLG 310 and/or ESLL 310. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply a variety of listening, speaking, and pronunciation strategies at the intermediate-high level to comprehend lengthier listening passages and complete intermediate-high speaking tasks.
  • analyze listening passages for grammatical features covered at the intermediate-high level to discern differences in pronunciation and meaning.
  • demonstrate the different intonation patterns and appropriate phrases for participation in pluralistic academic settings including expressing disagreement with respect for alternate viewpoints.

ESLLAB 70 ESL Center: Advanced-Low Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 315, ESLG 310, or ESLL 310 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESL 325
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in reading, formatting/mechanics, writing, and/or grammar skills at the advanced-low level. Students confer with a lab instructor to design a study plan to refine advanced-low English language skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction for students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 325. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply a variety of reading strategies at the advanced-low level to comprehend readings of expanded length and/or multiple related-readings and improve vocabulary acquisition.
  • analyze model sentences, paragraphs, and essays of varying length to expand academic vocabulary needed to learn about the advanced-low writing process and produce similar writing.
  • locate common grammar errors at the advanced-low level and practice different methods to edit work.

ESLLAB 71 ESL Center: Advanced-Low Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 315, ESLG 310, or ESLL 310 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in listening, speaking, pronunciation, oral grammar, and other language skills at the advanced-low level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine advanced-low English oral skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLG 320 and/or ESLL 320. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply a variety of listening, speaking, and pronunciation strategies at the advanced-low level to comprehend a variety of lecture-length listening passages and complete advanced-low level speaking tasks.
  • analyze listening passages for grammatical features covered at the advanced-low level to discern differences in pronunciation and meaning.
  • demonstrate the different intonation patterns and appropriate phrases for participation in pluralistic academic settings to show active listening skills and include appropriate non-verbal expressions and body-language.

ESLLAB 80 ESL Center: Advanced Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 325, ESLG 320, or ESLL 320 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESL 350 or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in reading, formatting/mechanics, writing, and/or grammar skills at the advanced skills level. Students confer with a lab instructor to design a study plan to refine advanced English language skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction for students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLW 340 or ESL 350. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply a variety of reading strategies at the advanced level to comprehend readings of expanded length and/or multiple related-readings and improve vocabulary acquisition.
  • analyze model sentences, paragraphs, and essays of varying length to expand academic vocabulary needed to learn about the advanced writing process and produce similar writing.
  • locate common grammar errors at the advanced level and practice different methods to edit work.

ESLLAB 299 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language Lab

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

ESLLAB 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language Lab

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

Explore the English as a Second Language Course Sequence

English as a Second Language Course Sequence

ARC ESL Department

Learn more about our program and finding classes.

English as a Second Language Department

ESL Center

Students can work at their own pace on the areas of English that they need most. Many of our students are improving their English skills in order to earn a certificate, complete an associate degree, or to transfer to a university, while other students are here to improve their English skills for their jobs.

ESL Center