English as a Second Language

Faculty/Staff

Monica Kowarsch, Program Director

Adjunct: Jayne Doneskey, Alison Hill, Melanie Padon

Aims of the Program

Intensive English Language courses are designed to immerse limited English proficient (LEP) students in the English language. These remedial ESL classes will help the student develop the language and language-related skills necessary to progress in the university program. These classes cover phonetics, syntax, aural comprehension, speech, reading, vocabulary and writing skills. Classes and laboratories are taught in English for four to six hours a day, according to the individual student's needs. Students will also have opportunities to visit various tourist attractions in Texas to extend their language learning beyond school and gain valuable experience in cultural and social aspects. Twelve hours of 100 level ESL classes may apply to a Bachelor's Degree and six hours may apply to an Associate Degree.

Admission

Non-degree seeking ESL students may enter the ESL program without academic transcripts.  (See Admissions p. 10).  Students must meet all admission requirements for enrollment at Southwestern Adventist University.

Students taking ESL classes will take the Michigan Placement Test to determine the level of ESL classes best suited to their level of English proficiency. Students will then be advised on the courses they should take. In order to progress to another level, students must pass all of the ESL courses in their current level and obtain a score on the placement test between 48-74 points to enter level 2 or between 75-100 to enter level 3. Students may also take university courses along with Level 3 ESL courses if they have taken the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency and the results show they have the proficiency necessary to succeed in selected courses. Students in Level 3 are encouraged to take UNIV 110 along with ESL courses.

For academic advising, the results of the ESL course work will be evaluated along with the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency.

Courses

ESOL 010 - Oral Composition (3 hours)

A basic course that introduces language used in everyday life on the university campus and in society. Emphasis is placed on the development of vocabulary, phrases necessary to function in all social interactions, clear pronunciation, and fluent speech. (Fall, Spring)

ESOL 012 - Oral Composition II (3 hours)

This course includes an introduction to the phonology of the English language. Specific listening skills are developed. Class time is given to practical exercises developing extemporaneous and prepared speech. Fluency and accuracy are encouraged. (Fall, Spring)

ESOL 015 - Experience America (1-2 hours)

A short-term one-two month intensive language study for non-credit students.  Classes and activities promote language learning and practical usage.  Communication skills will be enhanced through in-class activities, interaction with American students, campus activities, and field trips.  (Fall, Spring)

ESOL 020 - Grammar (3 hours)

Introduction to the basics of English spelling, writing, parts of speech, punctuation, and sentence patterns. (Fall, Spring)

ESOL 025 - Intermediate Grammar (3 hours)

Study of the structure of English sentence patterns, parts of speech, verb tenses and forms, idioms, and spelling. (Fall, Spring)

ESOL 030 - Reading I (3 hours)

An introduction to reading in the English language with emphasis on developing vocabulary and comprehesion skills. (Fall, Spring)

ESOL 035 - Reading II (3 hours)

This course is designed to develop phonetic skills as well as emphasize the understanding of vocabulary in context, reading for the main idea, reading for facts and details, and making inferences. (Fall, Spring)

ESOL 050 - Writing I (3 hours)

This course is designed to develop the creation of original sentences and paragraphs. Students move from sentence-level writing to guided paragraphs. (Fall, Spring)

ESOL 055 - Writing II (3 hours)

Guided composition practice with a focus on the process of writing paragraphs. Emphasis on different patterns of organization, coherence, transitions, and error correction. (Fall, Spring)

ENAP 113 - Writing for Academic Purposes (3 hours)

This course provides an overview of the writing process with practice in revising and editing. Extensive practice in writing five-paragraph essays of different rhetorical modes and summaries. (Fall, Spring)

ENAP 116 - Speech Composition and Comprehension (3 hours)

A study of the phonology of the English language, with in-class practice of the sounds, stress, intonation, and inflection of words, phrases, and sentences. This class emphasizes listening skills necessary for taking notes and discussion techniques for participating in mainstream classes. Emphasis is given to fluent speech as well as pronunciation. (Fall, Spring)

ENAP 121 - Reading for Academic Purposes (3 hours)

This course is designed to bring the reading skills of LEP students up to college entry standards. This course includes intensive exercises in reading, comprehension, making infrences, vocabulary, discussion, and oral presentation. (Fall, Spring)

ENAP 131 - English Structure and Usage (3 hours)

Review of all English grammar structures with concentration on preparation for the university entrance tests. Emphasis is given to the understanding and use of structural patterns. (Fall, Spring)