ESL 96 - English as a Second Language  I

1. Catalog Description:
The first core course in the study of English reading, writing and grammar designed for students whose first language is other than English. The course includes the study of basic reading, paragraph organization and format, grammar, and sentence structure. One hour a week will be spent using the computer lab software designed to reinforce reading, writing and grammar skills introduced in class. Non-degree applicable.

2. Course Prerequisites
Successful Completion of ESL 80 and ESL 81 or advisory placement in ESL 96 based on an ESL assessment process.

3. Course Objectives
The student will:

a. Apply the rules for the formation, meaning, and use of grammatical structures studies in Level I (see course content) when reading and writing in English.

b. Read basic passages more quickly and efficiently by using schema activation strategies, skimming and scanning.

c. Improve vocabulary level through reading and discussion and the use of contextual clues in a text with familiar language.

d. Write positive, negative, and interrogative sentences in the present, past and future tenses; identify and write compound sentences.

e. Categorize, organize, and logically sequence ideas into the components of a paragraph, using correct format and including a topic sentence.

f. Comprehend and begin to distinguish between main ideas and supporting details in a text where content and/or language is familiar.

g. Edit and proof read his/her own writing following the basic rules of spelling,  grammar, and final punctuation and capitalization.

4. Minimum Student Materials

a. texts
b. dictionary
c. writing materials
d. floppy disk

5. Minimum Instructional Facilities

a. Standard classroom with moveable chairs and blackboard.
b. Overhead projector and screen.
c. TV and VCR
d. Computer lab.

6. Course Content

a. Reading skills include comprehension of basic passages with familiar content and language; distinguishing opinion from fact, interpreting cultural references,  predicting, skimming, scanning, and vocabulary building.
b. Sentence skills include writing positive, negative, and interrogative sentences in the present, past and future tenses.
c. Writing skills include creating paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting details.
d. Grammar skills include comprehension and usage of the present, present   progressive, regular and irregular past, past progressive and future forms of verbs;   present forms of modals, prepositions of place, count and non-count nouns,  possessive nouns, and comparison adjectives.

7. Method of Instruction

a. Pre-reading exercises and discussion will be used before passages are read.    Follow-up exercises will include comprehension, discovering main ideas, and learning new vocabulary. Whole group, small group, or pair discussions focus on cultural or historical aspects of reading passages.
b. In-class reading assignments may also be used to illustrate a grammar point, a writing format, or to practice skimming and scanning.
c. Students may write journals on assigned or free topics, or in response to readings. Journals may be used as a base for paragraph writing.
d. Students will write clear sentences and eventually connect those sentences into supported paragraphs with topic sentences. Students will use the writing process model of pre-writing, writing, revising, peer review and editing. Writing may be based on journals, reading themes, and grammatical structures.
e. Grammatical structures are presented in the context of a reading passage, article or dialogue; rules may be taught deductively or inductively through lecture. Students will complete oral and written exercises individually or in groups to practice structures.
f. Specific reading, writing, and grammar skills are reinforced through use of the computer software in the computer lab.

8. Method of Evaluation

a. Completion of homework assignments to include reading exercises, original sentences and paragraphs, journals, and grammar exercises.
b. Quizzes and Tests
c. Written in-class midterm and final exams
d. Classroom participation
e. Software modules successfully completed.

9. Texts and References

a. Required Texts

(1) Schoenberg, Irene. Focus on Grammar - A Basic Course for Reference and Practice. White Plains, N.Y.: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1994.

(2) Broukal, Milada. Weaving It Together - Book 1. Boston, Mass: Heinle & Heinle Publishers, 1994.

b. Supplementary Text

(1) Schoenberg, Irene. Focus on Grammar - A Basic Course for Reference and Practice, Workbooks A&B. White Plains, N.Y.: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1994.

(2) The Multicultural Workshop Box. Boston, Mass: Heinle & Heinle, 1995.