Sacramento City College
Open tablet menu Close tablet menu×
Open mobile menu Close mobile menu×
Close search box×

Home Academics Programs and Majors English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language (ESL)

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 ESLLAB 30, ESLG 31, and ESLL 31. Advise adult school before taking any novice-high ESL courses.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course focuses on learning academic reading and writing skills at the novice-high level, with an emphasis on vocabulary, reading comprehension, and the writing process. Students will read and discuss fiction and non-fiction texts. Students will develop simple and compound sentence control and will practice writing short paragraphs with a clear beginning, middle, and end, based on course readings. 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.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • employ a variety of basic reading strategies to understand content and structure of short simple fiction and nonfiction texts.
  • write focused paragraphs, of at least 100 words each, using basic topics covered in the course, with a clear beginning, middle, and end relating to fiction and non-fiction topics covered.
  • recognize, use, and acquire vocabulary with correct spelling as presented in the course.
  • discuss basic U.S. academic and cultural expectations.

ESL 40 ESL Through Computer Technology

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 37, ESLG 31, or ESLL 31 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

The course is designed to introduce students to essential vocabulary and language skills connected with computer usage. It includes use of student e-mail, the Sacramento City college website, basic word processing, and the Internet. This course is offered as Pass/No Pass only.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • identify the parts of the computer and their functions and define essential computer vocabulary; describe the steps for the processes of using email, word processing and the Internet in comprehensible English.
  • operate a computer mouse to select windows and demonstrate knowledge of the keyboard and basic typing skills.
  • demonstrate command of vocabulary and skills needed to obtain and use an SCC student email account and communicate with the professor and other students through email with comprehensible and appropriate English.
  • demonstrate command of essential vocabulary and skills needed to access information from the Sacramento City College and the English as a Second Language Department websites and demonstrate ability to understand and use Sacramento City College student eServices (e.g. online registration, counseling services, and library searches).
  • demonstrate command of essential vocabulary and skills needed to complete basic word processing tasks (e.g. creating, saving, formatting, editing, and printing documents, as well as using spell check, cut and paste, and other tools).
  • demonstrate command of essential vocabulary and skills needed to navigate and search the internet.

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:Concurrent enrollment in ESLLAB 40, ESLG 41, and ESLL 41.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course focuses on developing academic reading and writing skills at the intermediate-low level with an emphasis on vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and the writing process. With the information gathered through readings, students begin to use academic content to supplement their ideas in writing. Students build skills in pre-writing, learn to write strong paragraphs, and construct 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.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • employ a variety of reading strategies to understand and analyze the content and structure of short fiction and nonfiction texts.
  • recognize, use, and acquire vocabulary with correct spelling as presented in the course.
  • apply the writing process to compose, revise, and edit simple summaries, responses, and academic paragraphs of at least 150 words.
  • discuss U.S. academic and cultural expectations.

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.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLLAB 50, ESLG 51, and ESLL 51.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This integrated-skills course focuses on developing academic reading and writing skills at the intermediate-mid level. Emphasis is on vocabulary expansion, literal comprehension, inference, and academic writing skills in multi-paragraph essays. Reading and writing topics are integrated; students will practice critical thinking skills to understand, analyze, discuss, and write academic compositions based on ideas expressed in readings.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • employ a variety of strategies to read, understand, and analyze fiction and non-fiction texts.
  • summarize and paraphrase basic concepts in readings.
  • use vocabulary acquired in the course in discussions and writing assignments.
  • write multi-paragraph essays that demonstrate critical thinking and respond to ideas in readings.
  • apply level-appropriate grammar and usage patterns to identify and correct errors in writing.
  • discuss U.S. academic and cultural expectations.

ESL 114 Career Communication Skills: Intermediate

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:Any two courses of the following courses: ESLG 51, ESLL 51, or ESL 55
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLLAB 61.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course gives students the opportunity to develop oral and written communication skills needed for success in job searches and career development. Students discuss cultural practices and learn language patterns applicable to the hiring process in addition to preparing resumes, cover letters, and reference lists.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • demonstrate high-intermediate level oral, written written (including production of a resume, cover letter, and a list of references), and non-verbal communication skills necessary for successful job searches and interviews.
  • demonstrate American English pronunciation skills, including word endings, intonation, word stress, sentence stress and rhythm, and consonant and vowel sounds, with high intermediate accuracy.
  • demonstrate a familiarity with verbal and non-verbal communication patterns in American English.
  • evaluate career options.
  • recognize cultural practices common to job search and workplace situations in the United States, including exploration of various job search sites online.

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 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.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLLAB 60 and ESLG 310.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This integrated-skills course focuses on strengthening academic reading and writing skills at the pre-college level. The emphasis is on reading comprehension and analysis, vocabulary expansion, and writing in response to readings. This course is part of the reading-writing sequence which 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:

  • use a variety of reading strategies to understand and analyze ideas in fiction and non-fiction readings.
  • compose developed, organized, unified essays which show critical thinking and which respond to readings.
  • use an expanded variety of academic and idiomatic vocabulary in discussions and in reading and writing assignments.
  • apply level-appropriate grammar knowledge and usage to read more complex passages and edit for errors in writing.
  • discuss U.S. academic and cultural expectations.

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.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLLAB 70 and ESLG 320.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course prepares students for transfer-level composition and college writing in general. It focuses on college reading strategies and academic writing skills with an emphasis on reading analysis, academic vocabulary, and reading-based writing.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • analyze and evaluate fiction and non-fiction by using a variety of reading strategies.
  • compose thoughtful, original essays integrating outside sources appropriately and applying the writing process to draft, revise, edit, and proofread these essays.
  • create an annotated bibliography after completing library research.
  • write first-drafts of essays exhibiting acceptable development, coherence, organization, and language control.
  • recognize a wide variety of academic and idiomatic vocabulary.
  • discuss basic U.S. academic and cultural expectations.

ESL 350 Critical Reading, Research and Writing Through Literature

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLLAB 80
  • Transferable:CSU (effective Fall 2024); UC (effective Fall 2024)
  • General Education:AA/AS Area II(b) (effective Fall 2024); AA/AS Area I (effective Fall 2024); AA/AS Area VI (effective Fall 2024)
  • C-ID:C-ID ENGL 110
  • 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 different genres (such as poetry, dramatic writing, and fiction) and demonstrate the ability to use appropriate literary terms.
  • analyze and respond to diverse literary 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 argumentative writing.
  • incorporate and correctly cite relevant literary sources into writing.
  • demonstrate advanced-level revision, editing, and proofreading skills.

ESL 495 Independent Studies in English as a Second Language

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • discuss and outline a proposal of study (that can be accomplished within one semester term) with a supervising instructor qualified within the discipline.
  • prepare a written and/or oral report summarizing the results achieved from the independent study.

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:None.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESL 37 and ESLL 31 or other courses at the appropriate level. Students should attend adult school before taking ESLG 31.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides English language learners with an introduction to the basics of English grammar. Students will practice fundamental grammatical structures in statements and questions. This course 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:

  • recognize and use parts of speech, basic singular and plural noun forms, and spelling,
  • produce and edit sentences and questions with the present progressive, simple tenses (present, past, and future), and basic modals according to sentence or situational cues.
  • use correct word order, sentence parts, and punctuation properly in sentences and paragraphs.

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 47, ESLL 41, and ESLLAB 41
  • 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 statements and questions. 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, compound, and basic complex sentences; structure questions correctly; apply fundamental spelling and capitalization rules.
  • demonstrate skill and accuracy in using verbs in the simple (present, past, and future) and present continuous tenses (regular and irregular forms); basic modals; singular and plural noun forms.
  • identify and use fundamental parts of speech.

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 ESL 55, ESLL 51, and ESLLAB 51.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course concentrates on the fundamental grammatical structures of English at the intermediate-mid level. Students will develop skill and accuracy in using these grammatical structures in appropriate contexts. Oral and written practice activities emphasize verb tenses and sentence structure.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • analyze, identify, and correct level-appropriate grammatical errors in writing. The focus will be on problems with run-ons, comma splices and fragments in simple and compound sentences and complex sentences with adverb clauses.
  • demonstrate comprehension of and use level-appropriate verb tenses in context. The focus will be on understanding and using the Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive verb tenses in contrast with the simple present, simple past, present progressive, and past progressive verb tenses. Instruction includes regular and irregular verbs.
  • use gerunds and infinitives in context.
  • compose sentences using present time modals and common past time modals appropriately to express a variety of ideas in context.
  • form level-appropriate noun phrases, including correct use of count and non-count nouns, articles, quantifiers, and forms of other.

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:Concurrent enrollment in ESL 315 and ESLLAB 61.
  • 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 with an emphasis on verb usage. Students will continue to develop their skills and accuracy in using these grammatical structures in appropriate contexts. Both oral and written activities will focus on verb tenses, noun phrase formation, and clauses.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • demonstrate skill in using targeted, level-appropriate grammar when speaking and writing.
  • generate a wide variety of phrases and sentence types by using parts of speech, word order, and sentence connectors effectively.
  • write compositions with skill and accuracy by using verb tenses (including both regular and irregular forms) in the active voice and basic passive forms, in statements, negatives, and questions, and in time and “real” condition clauses.
  • employ modals and phrasal modals effectively in present, future, and past tenses, including progressive forms, to express a wide variety of ideas.
  • analyze, identify, and correct level-appropriate grammatical errors in writing.

ESLG 320 Advanced-Low Grammar

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 310 with a grade of "C" or better; or, for students not previously enrolled in ESL courses within the Los Rios district, placement through the Los Rios assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESL 325 and ESLLAB 71.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course focuses on the forms and meanings of major structures used in writing at the advanced-low level with an emphasis on clause structure. Oral practice reinforces the structures studied. Students practice writing extensively. 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 and writing.
  • choose from a wide variety of phrases, clauses, and sentence types with emphasis on proper sentence combination to express ideas more effectively.
  • incorporate multiple verb tenses with skill and accuracy including active and advanced passive forms for more effective communication.
  • distinguish hypothetical (unreal) conditions in present and past time using appropriate verb forms and word order.
  • use modal verbs and phrasal modals effectively in passive voice, unreal conditionals, and advanced clause structures.
  • analyze, identify, and correct level-appropriate grammatical errors in writing.

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

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

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language - Listening (ESLL) Courses

ESLL 31 Listening and Speaking for College Readiness

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESL 37 and ESLG 31 or other courses at the appropriate level. Students should attend adult school before taking ESLL 31.
  • 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. Students focus on learning vocabulary, participate in a variety of listening activities, and discuss a wide variety of topics. Students will learn to recognize and begin to 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:

  • employ a variety of basic listening strategies to understand content and structure of different short recordings and take simple notes of the main ideas.
  • produce intelligible speech and use vocabulary presented in the course during conversations, discussions, and presentations.
  • plan, organize, and present in a mostly clear and understandable manner on different class topics.
  • discuss basic U.S. academic and cultural expectations in the classroom and college.

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 ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer. Students focus on developing phrases and sentences to communicate their ideas in academic situations. This course includes group and individual listening and speaking activities including practice in the stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns of standard American 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 major details in short academic spoken texts.
  • produce intelligible speech and use vocabulary presented in the course during conversations, discussions, and presentations.
  • use notetaking techniques to produce organized, accurate notes on information presented in class.
  • organize and present information on academic topics clearly and effectively.
  • discuss U.S. academic and cultural expectations.

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.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLLAB 51, ESLG 51, and ESL 55.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is a course in listening comprehension and speaking strategies for students at the intermediate-mid level. Students will be introduced to academic listening and speaking activities, including note-taking, and will work on improving their pronunciation and communication skills.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • employ intermediate-level rules of pronunciation, syllabification, stress, and intonation of standard American English in order to produce short, unrehearsed examples of mostly intelligible connected speech.
  • identify central meaning in and take notes on academic spoken discourse.
  • demonstrate the ability to function in listening and speaking situations where English is the primary language.
  • use a variety of presentation strategies effectively.

English as a Second Language - Pronunciation (ESLP) Courses

ESLP 85 Pronunciation

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:Completion of ESLL 41 with a grade of "C" or better; or for students not previously enrolled in ESL courses within the Los Rios district, placement through the SCC assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This elective course is designed for students who need to improve their pronunciation. It offers intensive practice in the pronunciation and recognition of American English sounds. Students will practice American English intonation patterns, syllable number and stress, and sentence rhythm and stress.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • identify and produce the basic sounds of American English in isolation and in meaningful English sentences and dialogues.
  • recognize and produce intonation patterns appropriate to a given situation.
  • produce intelligible spoken English by using correct stress patterns, reductions, linking, thought groups, and rhythm.

English as a Second Language - Reading (ESLR) Courses

ESLR 340 Advanced Reading Skills Through Literature

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 325 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLLAB at the appropriate level.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:AA/AS Area I; AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area C2
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is designed to improve vocabulary and reading skills for advanced students. Readings include selected essays, poetry, plays, short stories, and novels. Students will read and discuss literature from a variety of cultural perspectives, including non-Western and non-Eurocentric authors and texts. This course develops a critical awareness of the multicultural contributions of, and social experiences of, underrepresented ethnic/racial minority groups in the United States. Throughout the course, students will also juxtapose their own experience, and that of their culture, with the U.S. social experience exposed in the texts. This course emphasizes critical thinking skills and reading strategies needed for academic performance: (1) vocabulary development, (2) analysis and comprehension skills, (3) flexibility of reading rate. The course also emphasizes the comparison and contrast of universal and metaphorical themes.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • identify, analyze, and compare each texts’ social and cultural representations of ethnicity, ethnocentrism, and racism, and examine how they shape and explain the U.S. social experience
  • read, analyze, and discuss a variety of literary genres and vary reading rate according to the demands of the text and the assignment.
  • demonstrate comprehension in written responses to literary texts by using literary terms for analysis.
  • identify and analyze literary elements.
  • use new vocabulary and understand words in context.

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 85 Parts of Speech

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 47 or ESLG 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the most important parts of speech in English. Students will learn to identify and use nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, verbs, prepositions, and conjunctions in their writing.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • demonstrate an understanding of the parts of speech and how they function.
  • identify word forms, word families, and affixes.
  • integrate appropriate parts of speech in simple sentences.
  • identify and correct word form errors in simple sentences.

ESLW 86 Spelling

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 47 or ESLG 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is designed for students who need to improve their spelling. It includes an introduction to the basic spelling rules and patterns of English. Students will also learn to recognize and differentiate homophones and to recognize and utilize common affixes and plurals. Students will develop competence in the ability to spell.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • recognize and spell phonetic words.
  • differentiate between phonetic words and "sight" words.
  • apply spelling rules associated with affixes.
  • recognize homophones by the context of the sentence.

ESLW 299 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Writing

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

This is the experimental courses description.

ESLW 340 Advanced Composition

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 325 with a grade of "C" or better; or, for students not previously enrolled in ESL writing courses within the Los Rios district, placement through the Los Rios assessment process.
  • Advisory:Completion of ESLG 320 with a grade of "C" or better; concurrent enrollment in ESLLAB 80 and LIBR 318 recommended.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • 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 advanced writing, reading, critical thinking, and research skills essential for successful 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 and a research paper (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 information from complex readings that represent a diversity of perspectives.
  • compose organized and unified argumentative, interpretive, and analytical essays of 700-1,000 words in response to readings.
  • write well-developed, college-level compositions employing a variety of rhetorical strategies, on topics from assigned readings or original research.
  • paraphrase, quote, and summarize readings and correctly cite sources in order to integrate credible sources into writing, and to avoid plagiarism.
  • research relevant information from multiple academic databases and assess the credibility and biases of source material to prepare an documented analytical research paper, using MLA or APA format.
  • revise and edit to achieve clarity of ideas and correctness of grammar, punctuation, and mechanics, and appropriate diction for the collegiate level.

ESLW 341 Developing Editing Skills and Advanced Grammar Review for ESL Writers

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 320 with a grade of "C" or better and either ESL 315 or ESLW 310 or higher with a grade of "C" or better; OR placement through the Los Rios assessment process.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is designed to help students increase awareness of higher level ESL grammar errors commonly made in the composition process. Reading, writing, and editing assignments focus on improved analysis, the development of self-help strategies, sentence structure, and the English verb system. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with an advanced writing course. This course may be taken before or after ESLW 342. ESLW 341 may be taken for a letter grade or for Pass/No Pass grading.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • differentiate between global and local errors.
  • identify individual patterns of grammar errors in verb tense and sentence structure.
  • utilize a variety of self-editing strategies to find and correct errors in verb tense and sentence structure.
  • recognize correct English grammar and usage.
  • identify and correct errors in writing, especially in verb tense and sentence structure.
  • strengthen written communication skills.

ESLW 342 Building Editing Skills and Advanced Grammar Review for ESL Writers

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 320 with a grade of "C" or better and either ESL 315 or ESLW 310 or higher with a grade of "C" or better; or placement through the Los Rios process.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is designed to help students increase their awareness of higher level ESL grammar errors commonly made in the composition process. Reading, writing, and editing assignments focus on improved analysis, the development of self-help strategies, clarity, conciseness, and punctuation. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with an advanced writing course. ESLW 342 may be taken before or after ESLW 341. ESLW 342 may be taken for a letter grade or for Pass/No Pass grading.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • differentiate between global and local errors.
  • identify individual patterns of grammar errors.
  • utilize a variety of self-editing strategies to improve clarity, conciseness, and punctuation.
  • recognize correct English grammar and usage.
  • strengthen written communication skills.
  • identify and correct punctuation errors, tense shifting errors, and areas of wordiness.

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:None.
  • 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 the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine basic English language skills. Supervised and facilitated by the instructor, this course provides individualized plans and goals, and small group instruction to 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 the completion of 27 lab hours. Students can only take 0.5 unit of this course per semester. This course may be taken three times for credit using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • apply a variety of reading, writing, grammar, and/or editing strategies at the novice-high level to comprehend basic readings and write and edit basic sentences and paragraphs.
  • recognize and use a greater variety of academic and idiomatic English than at the beginning of the semester.
  • recognize and apply key terms and concepts covered in the integrated reading-writing course at the same level.

ESLLAB 31 Novice-High Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLG 31 or 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. Supervised and facilitated by the instructor, this course provides individualized plans and goals, and small group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLL 31. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for the completion of 27 lab hours. This course may be taken three times for credit using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • apply a variety of listening, speaking, pronunciation, and/or grammar strategies at the novice-high level to comprehend basic listening passages and complete basic speaking tasks.
  • recognize and use a greater variety of academic and idiomatic English than at the beginning of the semester.
  • recognize and apply key terms and concepts covered in the listening-speaking course at the same level.

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:Concurrent enrollment in ESL 47.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in reading, formatting and mechanics, writing, and grammar skills at the intermediate-low level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine basic English language skills. Supervised and facilitated by the instructor, this course provides individualized and small group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 47. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for the completion of 27 lab hours. Students can only take 0.5 unit of this course per semester. This course may be taken three times for credit using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • apply a variety of reading, writing, grammar, and editing strategies to comprehend readings at the intermediate-low level and write paragraphs with a clear beginning, middle, and end while developing correct sentence structure at the intermediate-low level.
  • recognize and use a greater variety of academic and idiomatic English than at the beginning of the semester.
  • recognize and apply key terms and concepts covered in the integrated reading-writing course at the same level.

ESLLAB 41 ESL Center: Intermediate-Low Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 31 or ESLL 31 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in 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-low English oral skills. Supervised and facilitated by the instructor, this course provides individualized plans and goals, and small group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLL 41. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for the completion of 27 lab hours. Students can only take 0.5 unit of this course per semester. This course may be taken three times for credit using different modules.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • apply a variety of listening, speaking, pronunciation, and grammar strategies to comprehend intermediate-low listening passages and complete intermediate-low speaking tasks.
  • recognize and use a greater variety of academic and idiomatic English than at the beginning of the semester.
  • recognize and apply key terms and concepts covered in the listening-speaking course at the same level.

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:Concurrent enrollment in ESL 55.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in writing, grammar, editing, and reading skills at the intermediate-mid level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine English language skills at the intermediate-mid level. Supervised and facilitated by the instructor, this course provides individualized plans and goals, and small group instruction to students. It is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 55. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for the completion of 27 lab hours. Students can only take 0.5 unit of this course per semester.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • apply a variety of reading, writing, grammar, and editing strategies to understand, analyze, and appropriately respond to readings and writing prompts at the intermediate-mid level to summarize and paraphrase basic concepts from short readings and to write essays with introductions, body paragraph support, and conclusions while developing correct sentence structure at the intermediate-mid level.
  • recognize and use a greater variety of academic and idiomatic English in discussions and written work with accurate spelling than at the beginning of the semester.
  • recognize and apply key terms and concepts covered in the integrated reading-writing course at the same level.

ESLLAB 51 ESL Center: Intermediate-Mid Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 41 or ESLL 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLG 51 or 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 at the intermediate-mid level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine intermediate-mid English oral skills. Supervised and facilitated by the instructor, this course provides individualized plans and goals, and small group instruction to students. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for the completion of 27 lab hours. Students can only take 0.5 unit of this course per semester.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • apply a variety of listening, speaking, pronunciation, and grammar strategies to comprehend listening passages and complete speaking tasks at the intermediate-mid level.
  • recognize and use a greater variety of level-appropriate academic and idiomatic English grammatical structures than at the beginning of the semester.
  • recognize and apply key terms and concepts covered in the listening-speaking course at the same level.

ESLLAB 60 ESL Center: Intermediate-High Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 55, ESLG 51, or ESLL 51 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.; or placement in ENGWR 300.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESL 315.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in reading, grammar, editing, and writing skills at the intermediate-high level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine essential English language skills. Supervised and facilitated by the instructor, this course provides individualized plans and goals, and small group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 315. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for the completion of 27 lab hours. Students can only take 0.5 unit of this course per semester.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • apply a variety of reading, writing, grammar, and/or editing strategies to comprehend and analyze ideas in fiction and non-fiction readings, and to write and edit academic essays at the intermediate-high level.
  • recognize and use a greater variety of level-appropriate academic and idiomatic English than at the beginning of the semester.
  • recognize and apply key terms and concepts covered in the integrated reading-writing course at the same level.

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.; or placement in ENGWR 300.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLG 310 or ESL 114.
  • 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 essential English oral skills. Supervised and facilitated by the instructor, this course provides individualized plans and goals, and small group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with other level-appropriate ESL classes. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for the completion of 27 lab hours. Students can only take 0.5 unit of this course per semester.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • apply a variety of listening, speaking, pronunciation, and/or grammar strategies at the intermediate-high level to analyze, interpret, and respond to listening passages, discussions, and lectures with clear academic oral language.
  • recognize and use a greater variety of intermediate-high level-appropriate academic and idiomatic English grammatical structures than at the beginning of the semester.
  • recognize and apply key terms and concepts covered in the listening-speaking course at the same level.

ESLLAB 70 ESL Center: Advanced-Low Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 114, ESL 315, or ESLG 310 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.; or placement in ENGWR 300
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESL 325.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course refines students’ skills in grammar, editing, reading, and/or writing skills at the advanced-low level. Students meet with the lab instructor to design a study plan to develop and reinforce skills at the advanced-low level. Supervised and facilitated by the instructor, this course provides individualized plans and goals, and small group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 325. Students can only take 0.5 units of this course per semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for the completion of 27 lab hours.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • apply a variety of reading, writing, grammar, and/or editing strategies at the advanced-low level to analyze, interpret, and comprehend ideas in fiction and non-fiction readings, and to write and edit academic essays at the advanced-low level.
  • recognize and use a greater variety of academic and idiomatic English at a more advanced level than at the beginning of the semester.
  • recognize and apply key terms and concepts covered in the integrated reading-writing course at the same level.

ESLLAB 71 ESL Center: Advanced-Low Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 114 or ESLG 310 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.; or placement in ENGWR 300.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLG 320.
  • 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. Supervised and facilitated by the instructor, this course provides individualized plans and goals, and small group instruction to students. Students can take this course for only 0.5 units per semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for the completion of 27 lab hours.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • apply a variety of listening, speaking, pronunciation, and/or grammar strategies at the advanced-low level to analyze, interpret, and respond to listening passages, discussions, and lectures using clear academic oral language.
  • recognize and use a greater variety of academic and idiomatic English at a more advanced level than at the beginning of the semester.
  • recognize and apply key terms and concepts covered in the listening-speaking course at the same level.

ESLLAB 80 ESL Center: Advanced Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 325 or ESLG 320 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.; or placement in ENGWR 300.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLW 340, ESLR 340, or ENGWR 300 or higher.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This lab course offers students practice in grammar, editing, reading and/or writing skills at the advanced level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine English language skills. Supervised and facilitated by the instructor, this course provides individualized plans and goals, and small group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLW 340 or ESLR340. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units for the completion of 27 lab hours. This course may be taken three times for credit using different modules. Students may take 0.5 units of the total 1.5 units possible per semester.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • apply a variety of reading, writing, grammar, and/or editing strategies at the advanced level to comprehend advanced readings and write and edit advanced essays.
  • recognize and use a greater variety of academic and idiomatic English than at the beginning of the semester.
  • recognize and apply key terms and concepts covered in the reading and writing courses at the same level.

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.

More About the Program

English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Details

ESL Placement

ELLIS Center

Arts and Communication

Arts and Communication meta major

This program is part of the Arts and Communication meta major.

Arts and Communication