ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
The English as a Second Language program is available to assist English as a Second Language learners in achieving a level of language proficiency sufficient to succeed in an academic program in which English is the language of instruction.
REQUIREMENTS
It is required that all students submit a TOEFL score or the equivalent of another secured assessment of English language proficiency in order to complete the application and admission process. Minimum English proficiency for the acceptance of international students to full-time regular student status normally requires a score of 72 on the Internet-Based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT), 200 on the Computer-Based TOEFL (TOEFL CBT), 533 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (TOEFL PBT) or 6.0 on the International English language Testing System (IELTS). Upon arrival on campus, students who have received a score below these levels will be administered the Institutional TOEFL test and will participate in an oral interview and written test in order to better assess their language proficiency before being registered in the appropriate courses. Only classes numbered 100 and above count toward graduation. Completion of the ESL program will satisfy the general education foreign language requirement. Students will receive only the number of credits in parentheses next to the course titles below. They are not eligible to receive any additional credits for completing the ESL courses.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Es 050
Tutoring (non-credit)
Individualized and small group tutoring sessions are arranged for international students enrolled in ESL and regular academic courses to assist them with challenges related to English language skills. Students who take regular classes before completing the ESL program are required to take one credit hour of Es 050 each semester only until they complete the program.
Es 101
Writing with Grammar I (4)
This course will develop composition skills and the use of grammatical structures at the sentence and paragraph level. Students will learn to write simple, compound and complex sentences and to develop descriptive and narrative paragraphs using the process approach. Grammar points will be addressed and practiced through informal and formal written assignments.
Es 102
Writing with Grammar II (4)
This course will develop composition skills and the use of grammatical structures. Students will learn to write well-organized paragraphs and expository essays. Students are introduced to composition skills and rhetorical styles through analysis of authentic reading materials and experience of the writing process. Grammar points will be addressed and practiced through informal and formal written assignments.
Prerequisite: 75% or above on a writing assessment.
Es 105
Integrated Skills (3)
This course is designed to improve the four English language skills areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking skills through interpretation, analysis, and synthesis of information. Written and oral assignments will be based on the text and other materials presented in class. Activities will include discussion, pair and group work, academic listening and note-taking, oral presentations, and library research.
Es 110
Introduction to American Culture (1)
This course presents an informal introduction to U.S. culture for international students newly arrived in the country. Discussion of selected readings and materials presented online, local excursions, and guest speakers will help students adjust to their new environment. Topics will include information on health and safety, aspects of cultural adjustment, expectations of the U.S. academic classroom, and the Benedictine Heritage.
Es 121
Intermediate Composition (3)
This course will continue to develop composition skills as students advance to academic writing across the curriculum. Using a variety of paragraph development methods, students will write expository essays based on authentic college level readings. Discussion and analysis of the readings are integral to the writing process and will prepare students for advanced composition and reading classes.
Prerequisite: 75% or higher on a writing assessment.
Es 173
Reading with Vocabulary (4)
This course will develop the reading skills necessary for non-native English speaking students to function effectively in the college academic classroom. Textbook and authentic reading material will be used to improve students’ basic and critical reading skills. Strategies for vocabulary-building and increasing reading speed will be developed through learning effective dictionary usage and word attack skills.
Es 193
Listening/Speaking English as a Second Language (4)
This course will develop the oral and aural skills necessary for non-native English speaking students to function effectively in the college academic classroom and in the American environment. Discussions, interviews, debates, and oral presentations provide listening and speaking opportunities while authentic language is presented in a variety of formats to enhance listening and note-taking skills.
Es 198
Special Topics (1–3)
Topics taught on an interest or need basis will be offered from time to time. These courses will be treated in a lecture/discussion or lab format depending on the topic, which will be specified in the course title. These courses may be taken more than once if subject matter varies sufficiently.
Es 205
Advanced Integrated Skills (3)
This course continues to address the needs of students in listening, speaking, reading, and writing with the same emphasis as in Es 105. However, materials, assignments and activities will reflect a higher academic level.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Integrated Skills or 500+ TOEFL score.
Es 222
Advanced Composition and Research (3)
This course focuses on writing research papers using both APA and MLA style citations. Library resources and internet databases will be used in collecting information. Paraphrasing to avoiding plagiarism will be addressed. Two research papers (7–10 pages) will be required.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Composition or 500+ TOEFL score.
Es 273
Reading Across the Curriculum (3)
This advanced level course provides a variety of reading materials authentic to the college disciplines within the humanities, social sciences and sciences. Students will learn jargon specific to the disciplines to improve their vocabulary and employ strategies to improve comprehension and critical thinking.
Es 293
Public Speaking (3)
This advanced level course focuses on oral presentations ranging from three-minute introductory speeches to twenty-minute power point presentation/discussion. Students will work on creating introductions with a clearly stated thesis, organizing information in a logical manner, using transitional words and phrases, and creating insightful conclusions. Students will address credibility of information and must cite sources. Practice in pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary building is integral to the class.
