Course Descriptions

ESL R076 Reading and Writing Fundamentals - This course is designed to instruct the low-advanced ESL learner or the native English speaker desiring instruction in the fundamental skills of academic reading and writing. Writing topics include compound and complex sentences, verb tenses, and punctuation applied to academic writing. Reading topics include identifying main idea in paragraphs and longer passages, vocabulary development, use of context, literal and inferential comprehension, and recognizing basic patterns of organization. Study skills include note-taking, text annotating, scanning for information, study-reading techniques, and navigation of college's learning management system.

ESL R086 Academic Reading and Composition - In this course, students develop sentence skills by writing, analyzing, and rewriting sentence exercises and paragraphs. The course includes study of paragraph structure and various patterns of development. Course also includes skills for college-level reading focusing on active reading techniques, critical reading skills, reading comprehension, study skills and vocabulary development.

ESL R096 College Reading Skills for ESL - This course, designed to meet the needs of the second language learner, provides practice with college-level reading materials from a variety of courses across the curriculum including instruction of techniques in reading for major details, main ideas, drawing inferences, and conclusions; considering the nature of evidence and knowledge, and interpreting author’s tone and purpose. Students work toward expanding their vocabulary and improving comprehension.

ESL R100 – Composition: ESL Emphasis 4 Units Prerequisites: ENGL R068 Hours: 4 lecture weekly - This course focuses on reading and composition for students whose native language is other than English. The course is intended for students familiar with the structure and vocabulary of English and with paragraph development. The course will develop the student’s ability to think critically about and organize information from reading and to write and revise expository essays. The course emphasizes basic writing processes, as well as focusing on grammar and syntax. (Formerly ENGL R140.) Field trips may be required. Transfer credit: CSU, UC

ESL R108/COMM R100 – ESL Academic Oral Communication 3 Units Advisories: ESL R046 Hours: 3 lecture, 1 lab weekly - This course is designed to help advanced non-native speakers of English communicate well in academic, professional, and social settings through practice in basic principles of oral communication (with an emphasis on most effective use of voice and body). Students will engage in group discussion, public speeches, and oral reading. Field trips may be required. Transfer credit: CSU

Noncredit ESL Courses

ESL R800A - Beginning Listening and 0 Units Speaking Noncredit Hours: 54 contact hours This course focuses on speaking and listening skills designed for beginning non-native speakers of English. Activities include role playing, dialogues, pronunciation practice, and class discussions. Not applicable for degree credit. Course is offered on a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) basis only. Field trips may be required. This is a noncredit course. Does not apply to Associate Degree. Credit: none

ESL R800B - Beginning Reading and 0 Units Writing Noncredit Hours: 54 contact hours This course is designed for non-native speakers of English at a high-beginning to low-intermediate level. The course provides listening and speaking practice used in conversational patterns and academic settings. The course also includes grammar points, vocabulary, note-taking, and pronunciation to develop language proficiency and build academic skills. The course emphasizes developing confidence in expressing oneself in English. Course is offered on a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) basis only. Field trips may be required. This is a noncredit course. Does not apply to Associate Degree. Credit: none

ESL R801A - ESL Communication Skills 0 Units Hours: 52.5 contact hours This course is designed for non-native speakers of English at a high-beginning to low-intermediate level. The course provides listening and speaking practice used in conversational patterns and academic settings. The course also includes grammar points, vocabulary, note-taking, and pronunciation to develop language proficiency and build academic skills. The course emphasizes developing confidence in expressing oneself in English. Course is offered on a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) basis only. Field trips may be required. This is a noncredit course. Does not apply to Associate Degree. Credit: none

ESL 801B Reading, Grammar and Writing Skills - This is a low-intermediate level reading and writing course for students learning English as a second language and native English speakers who need to develop basic reading and writing skills. Topics included are comprehension skills, critical thinking, vocabulary development, and study skills integrated with grammar and sentence-level writing for academic and real-life situations.

ESL R802A Speaking and Listening Skills - This course is intended for high-intermediate to advanced non-native English speakers who are able to hold a conversation in English. The course helps ESL students communicate more effectively in academic, professional, and social settings, and to adequately document oral presentations. Students will also develop listening, note-taking, and speaking skills, and strategies for success in the college environment. The course provides review of grammar, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions.

ESL R802B Reading and Writing Skills - This course provides intermediate level ESL students instruction in basic academic reading and writing skills. Topics include understanding main idea and supporting details, literal and inferential comprehension, grammar and sentence skills, vocabulary development, study skills and basic use of library resources and the college's course management system.

ESL R805 - Language Skills for 0 Units Citizenship Preparation Noncredit Hours: 18 contact hours Advisories: Intended for students interested in becoming naturalized citizens The course is designed to help non-native speakers of English prepare for U.S. Citizenship. Students receive direct instruction in oral/aural and written literacy skills in English necessary to pass an oral and written test with an Immigration and Naturalization Service official. Course is offered on a Pass/ No Pass (P/NP) basis only. Field trips may be required. This is a noncredit course. Does not apply to Associate Degree. Credit: none