ESL (English as a second language) Certificate of English Language Studies
The one-year ESL Certificate Program offers a distinctive experience for international students who wish to study English in the United States. The courses are sequenced and integrated so students who wish to study for a year and then return to their homes have substantially improved English proficiency, a greater understanding of American culture, and practical skills. Another unique feature of the certificate program is the tutoring aspect: as an ESL student, you will be paired with an American student for one hour of daily individual tutoring. You will also have the experience of close interaction with American students through shared experiences such as dorm life and other college activities.
If you wish to pursue a bachelor's degree, the program is intended to improve your English proficiency so you will be able to take regular courses. Upon acceptance into a bachelor's program (contingent on meeting TOEFL and all other requirements for admission), you will receive regular academic credit for the ESL courses, which will count toward the 124 required for graduation. You will then take the required general education courses, complete the requirements for a major, and fulfill any other requirements needed for graduation. You'll receive the full benefit of the Christian liberal arts education Northwestern College offers, plus a Northwestern College Certificate of English as a Second Language.
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Requirements
Elective 3-4
ESL 101 - Introduction to American Culture
(2 credits) An introduction to American cultural traits and social and religious customs for international students beginning their studies in the United States. Special focus will be given to local Midwestern culture and rural issues.
Note: This course is limited to students studying English as a second language.
ESL 201 - Oral English
(4 credits) Extensive training and practice in speaking English and comprehending spoken English. Emphasis upon the development of listening comprehension strategies, idiomatic vocabulary, and skills in rephrasing, interrogation, and verification. Each student will be pretested in pronunciation, listening comprehension, speaking and vocabulary. Tutorials and materials appropriate to the student's present proficiency will be utilized, as well as large group presentations and activities. Prerequisite: This class is open only to ESL students with a concurrent enrollment in ESL101, or permission of instructor.
ESL 202 - ESL Bible
(4 credits) The Bible is the foundation for the Jewish and Christian traditions, and has powerfully influenced every dimension of Western Civilization. By studying the Bible, students gain access to the heart of the Judaic-Christian traditions and build a foundation for better understanding Western philosophy, literature, art, music, law and history. In this course, ESL students read selections from the English Bible as well as short excerpts from pieces of Western Literature that have been inspired by the Bible. The aim is both to improve English reading, writing, and speaking skills and also better appreciate the cultural importance of the Jewish and Christian scriptures. Time permitting, students may rehearse and perform in English a short one-act drama based upon a classic Bible story. Prerequisites: ESL101, 201, and 203, or permission of instructor.
ESL 203 - ESL Writing
(4 credits) The study and practice of formal and informal modes of written communication accepted in American academic work. Intensive work will be done to develop fluency in writing and reading, expand vocabulary, diagnose and remediate grammatical deficiencies and train students to identify and correct their own mistakes. Prerequisite: this class is open only to ESL students with a concurrent enrollment in ESL201 or ESL251, or permission of instructor.
ESL 205 - Business English
(2 credits) This course is designed to meet the needs of international students who intend to study business at an American institution or whose primary reason in learning English is for conducting business. The course focuses on learning business concepts and terminology as well as improving communication skills. Prerequisites: ESL251 or 201, and concurrent enrollment in ESL203, or permission of instructor.
ESL 206 - English for Academic Purposes
(4 credits) This course is designed to meet the needs of international students who intend to pursue undergraduate and/or graduate studies in the United States. The course focuses on preparing students for the demands of academic lecture comprehension, note- taking, and also on improving writing skills in evaluating and organizing material as well as predicting upcoming information. In addition, students will practice reading strategies to improve textbook comprehension. Prerequisites: ESL101, 201, and 203, or permission of instructor.
ESL 251 - Advanced Oral English
(4 credits) Continued training and practice in speaking English and comprehending spoken English. Emphasis upon the development of listening comprehension strategies, development of idiomatic vocabulary, skills in paraphrasing, initiating conversation, interrogation, note taking and verification, and the writing of short essays on comparative-cultural topics. Training and practice in college reading strategies toward the dual goal of increased speed and comprehension. Individual work on pronunciation problems. Prerequisite: This class is open only to ESL students with the prerequisite of ESL201 or permission of instructor.
Note: Required of students with TOEFL scores under 525.
Total credits required: 27-28
