English as a Second Language (ESL)

ESL-55 6 Units ESL Reading, Writing and Grammar 1

108 hours lecture; 108 hours total

Recommended Preparation: Appropriate placement.

This course is the reading, writing, and grammar component of level 1 of the ESL program. Students will study basic English reading, writing, and grammar skills. They will read short articles and texts and write short paragraphs using simple and compound sentences in English.

Not transferable

ESL-65 6 Units ESL Reading, Writing and Grammar 2

108 hours lecture; 108 hours total

Recommended Preparation: Completion of ESL-55 or appropriate placement.

This course is the reading, writing and grammar component of level 2 of the ESL program. Students will build on basic reading, writing, and grammar skills of Level 1, learning to write simple narrative, descriptive, and expository paragraphs and short compositions, using present, past, and future tenses, and simple, compound, and complex sentences. They will learn to revise and edit their writing as well as improve reading skills such as reading comprehension and speed, vocabulary development (including vocabulary in context), summarizing written material, and overall language fluency.

Not transferable

ESL-75 6 Units ESL Reading, Writing and Grammar 3

108 hours lecture; 108 hours total

Recommended Preparation: Completion of ESL-55 and/or ESL-65 with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.

This course is Level 3 of the college ESL program focusing on the integration of the major language learning components, including reading, writing, and grammar. Students will build on the major components of Level 2, reading full-length works of fiction and/or nonfiction and continuing to improve and expand reading comprehension, vocabulary skills, and overall written fluency by revising paragraphs, short narratives, and descriptive compositions with clear introductions, support and conclusions. Grammar will include review of all simple and progressive verb tenses and the construction of compound and complex sentences.

Not transferable

ESL-85 6 Units ESL Reading, Writing and Grammar 4

108 hours lecture; 108 hours total

Recommended Preparation: Completion of ESL-65 and/or ESL-75 with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.

This course is level 4 of the college ESL program focusing on the integration of the major language learning components, including reading, writing, and grammar. Students will build on the major components of level 3, reading full-length works of fiction and/or nonfiction and continuing to improve and expand reading comprehension, vocabulary skills, and overall written fluency. They will write, revise, and edit paragraphs and short essays, summarize and respond to selected readings, and improve their ability to identify and correct common errors of in grammar and syntax.

Not transferable

ESL-106 4 Units Oral Communication 3

72 hours lecture; 72 hours total

Recommended Preparation or Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or completion of ESL-84 and/or ESL-85 and/or ESL-108 with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.

Advanced oral communication skills class in which students learn to listen actively, speak with clarity, and communicate effectively in English. Students will work collaboratively to make oral presentations and contribute to group and class discussions about topics of current interest. Concurrent or previous enrollment in ESL 85, 108 or an recommended placement is recommended before taking this class.

Transfers to CSU only

ESL-108 5 Units ESL College Composition and Reading

90 hours lecture; 90 hours total

Recommended Preparation: Completion of ESL-85 with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.

This course provides an integrated approach to reading and writing for highly advanced English-language learners to prepare them for transfer-level English. Students will engage in college level work; practice critical reading, writing, and thinking skills; and improve their vocabulary and study skills. Students will also actively engage with their peers, read and interact with a variety of college-level texts, and complete both formal and informal writing assignments connected to these readings. The course will also cover grammar concepts and revision and editing methods specific to English-language learners.

Transfers to both UC/CSU