120 English as a Second Language (ESL) Chair: Dr. Gary Dohrer Director: Mary Quiroz-Whisler Location: Social Science Building, Room 380 Telephone Contact: Ada Rivera (801) 626-6028 Instructor Specialist: Mark Peterson; Instructors: Tim Conrad, Giana Curtis, Colleen Huerta, Mary Quiroz-Whisler International Student Specialist Ada Rivera I he Weber State University English as a Second Language Program provides intensive English language courses for students in the process of acquiring English as a Second language. The program consists of five levels of instruction (two levels per semester) that prepares students to function effectively in mainstream academic classes where English is the language of instruction. In addition, the program familiarizes students with the American culture, the cross cultural dynamics of the ESL classroom, and the academic atmosphere of studying at an American university .Non-native English speaking international students with no TOEFL scores or TOEFL scores below 500 are required to take the ESL Program Placement Examination. The Placement Test should be taken as soon as the students arrives at the university to determine placement level for necessary ESL courses. Residents, for whom English is a second language and who have no ACT scores or ACT scores in English below 17, are also required to take the ESL Placement Exam and complete necessary ESL courses. All non- native English speaking international students, regardless of TOEFL scores, and other non-native speakers of English must complete ESL 2510 before registering for the required English Department writing courses.Courses in Level One are non-credit and do not count towards graduation. Courses in Level Two through Five earn credit and count towards graduation as electives or foreign language credit toward their B.A. The program curriculum uses an integrated skills, content-based approach. The goal of the program is to prepare non-native English speaking students to read, write and communicate effectively in mainstream academic courses. The program also offers a language learning center for interactive language activities. ESL COURSES LEVEL ONE ESL 0110. Written Communication I (2) Basic sentence structures and paragraph development on familiar topics are emphasized with grammar and vocabulary enrichment. Computer word-processing is introduced. ESL 0120. Topics in English (2) While focusing on reading and vocabulary, this course uses an integrated skills approach with non-academic topics to help beginning level students increase their English proficiency. ESL 0130. Basic English Communication (2) For beginning learners of English needing to develop the ability to sustain basic conversations about common topics and exchanges encountered in and out of class. Course work includes introductory work in speaking, listening, and pronunciation. ESL 0140. Interactive Language Learning I (2) While focusing on communicative language experiences, this course offers beginning level conversation groups led by native speakers of English as well as other activities involving language and culture. LEVEL TWO ESL 1210. Written Communication II (2) The writing of longer paragraphs with a variety of topics and methods of development is emphasized with a focus on sentence structures and vocabulary building. Computer word-processing is continued. ESL 1220. Topics in Learning English (2) While focusing on reading and vocabulary, this course uses an integrated skills approach with semi-academic topics to help high- beginning/low-intermediate students further increase their English proficiency. ESL 1230. Interpersonal Communication (2) For learners of English who are increasingly able to use their new language conversationally to work, study, socialize, and overcome communication breakdowns. At this level, students gain facility in sustaining a greater variety of personal and academic topics. ESL 1240. Interactive Language Learning II (2) While focusing on communicative language experiences, this course offers high- beginning level conversation groups led by native speakers of English as well as other activities involving language and culture. LEVEL THREE ESL 2310. Written Communication III (2) The generation of papers of several paragraphs expanding one theme is emphasized with extensive focus on sentence structure, style and grammar. The uses of the computer are expanded (e-mail, etc.) ESL 2320. Topics for Academic Purposes I (2) Focused on academic topics at an intermediate level, this course will help students increase their English proficiency and vocabulary through a content-based, integrated skills approach. Reading texts are adapted to the students' level. ESL 2330. Academic Communication I (2) For more advanced learners of English and to develop abilities in expressing and supporting opinions, speaking about a variety of topics for an extended period of time, and understanding and participating in classroom lectures and small-group discussions. Course work includes effective note-taking and discussion strategies. ESL 2340. Interactive Language Learning III (2) While focusing on communicative language experiences, this course offers immediate level conversation groups led by native speakers of English as well as other activities involving language and culture. LEVEL FOUR ESL 2410. Written Communication TV (2) The basics of essay structure and development are emphasized with attention to style, coherence, and language usage. Computer skills for communication purposes are developed. ESL 2420. Topics for Academic Purposes II (2) Focused on academic topics at a high-intermediate level, students increase of their English proficiency and vocabulary through a content-based, integrated skills approach. Reading texts are only slighdy adapted. ESL 2430. Academic Communication II (2) English language learners abilities to more freely understand and participate in lectures and small-group interaction. A variety of informal and formal topics will be presented at an increasingly authentic, unsimplified language level. Weber State University 2004 - 2005 Catalog