English As a 2nd Language (861)

861-105. Adv Comm/Non-Native Speakers. (3 Credits)

Designed for non-native speakers of English at the advanced level, this course utilizes a variety of material from American literature, U.S. history, psychology and sociology to fine-tune speaking, listening and reading abilities and improve writing skills. Oral and written assignments require explanation, comparison and contrast, evaluation, persuasion and problem solving. Readings and presentations reflect culturally and ethnically diverse points of view with the goals of expanding knowledge and understanding of American culture and society.

Prerequisites: 861-766 with a minimum grade of S and 861-767 with a minimum grade of S and 861-768 with a minimum grade of S

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861-110. ESL-Pronunciation. (1 Credit)

Designed for non-native speakers at the advanced level, this course is for those who need to improve their pronunciation and fluency. Class presentations, activities and assignments provide information and practice aimed at improving consonant and vowel sound production, stress rhythm, intonation, enhanced conversation strategies and oral presentation skills. Learn to monitor speech in social, educational and professional situations. Pre- and post-speech assessment is required; must demonstrate an understanding of the American English sound system and show improved intelligibility.

Prerequisites: 861-766 with a minimum grade of S and 861-767 with a minimum grade of S and 861-768 with a minimum grade of S

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861-401. Workplace ESL - Level III. (2.4 Credits)

Designed for workers with a rudimentary grasp of English communication skills, this course will strengthen your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Use industry and company-based materials to develop the skills necessary to function independently and as a contributing member of a team.

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861-710. ESL Level 1. (3 Credits)

Level I, Beginning ESL, introduces students to the English language through classroom activities in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students begin to familiarize themselves with American culture by using the language in realistic situations. Emphasis is on oral communication. Coursework establishes the foundation for further instruction and focuses on basic survival and workplace needs.

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861-716. ESL Level 1 Writing/Structure. (1 Credit)

Level 1 Writing/Structure introduces the writing of letters, words, numbers, and symbols. Students begin to reproduce familiar sight words from dictation. The verb "to be" is used with basic survival vocabulary and personal information about themselves and classmates. Course work establishes the foundation for further instruction.

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861-717. ESL Level 1 Listening/Speaking. (1 Credit)

Level 1 Listening/Speaking introduces basic listening and speaking patterns of answering simple questions and communicating minimally about such survival topics as family, health, school, and numbers. Students repeat speech using basic linking, intonation and syllabic stress to produce comprehensible language. Following school policies of schedules, absenteeism, and participation plays an important role in laying the foundation for further instruction.

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861-718. ESL Level 1 Reading. (1 Credit)

Level 1 Reading introduces pre-reading skills of alphabet recognition, sound/symbol relationships, visual discrimination and application of prior knowledge to print. Students begin to recognize simple words and signs required for personal information and other basic survival needs. Technology instruction introduces accessing and exiting basic computer programs using the mouse. Course work establishes the foundation for further instruction.

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861-719. ESL Level 1 Workshop. (1 Credit)

Level 1 ESL Workshop is an introduction to a self-paced instructional environment providing enrichment, remediation, and support. Students use a variety of materials and media, including Listening/Speaking, Reading and Writing/Structure courses. Competencies developed correspond with and reinforce those in the classroom. The ESL Workshop is an integral component of the open-entry, multi-level program.

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861-720. ESL Level 2. (3 Credits)

The Level 2 English Language Learner will read, write, listen, and speak to develop low-beginning English skills. Instruction will incorporate numeracy, civics, technology, workplace skills, and academic language to prepare students for ELL Level Three.

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861-725. Vocational ESL. (2 Credits)

Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) provides support for students seeking employment or currently employed in entry-level jobs. Classes are taught in English and/or bilingually, in Spanish and English. Classes focus on the needs of beginning and beginning-intermediate ESL students. Emphasis is on practical communication skills for the workplace.

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861-726. ESL Level 2 Writing/Structure. (2 Credits)

Level 2 Writing/Structure builds on the writing skills foundation course work. Simple written statements and questions in present continuous tense use initial capitalization, end punctuation and standard word order. Grammar skills include the use of subject pronouns, singular/plural nouns, subject-verb agreement, and possessive adjectives. Present tense is introduced using a limited selection of familiar verbs. Technical instruction introduces computer input of text.

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861-727. ESL Levl 2 Listening/Speaking. (1 Credit)

Level 2 Listening/Speaking builds on the listening/speaking skills in the foundation course work with the addition of appropriate response to simple statements and questions. The use of survival language grows with basic employment, medical, computer, and social vocabulary. Pronunciation skills include final sounds, verb inflections and contractions. Working cooperatively and demonstrating an awareness of the work ethic in the U.S. are emphasized as part of the career/cultural competencies.

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861-728. ESL Level 2 Reading. (2 Credits)

Level 2 Reading builds on the foundation of pre-reading skills. Basic community, workplace and school topics from picture reference sources make up the core survival vocabulary, which includes a limited number of sight words and simple idioms. Short readings incorporate frequent repetition of familiar words and phrases. Skills include recognizing the effect of word order and punctuation on meaning.

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861-729. ESL Level 2 Workshop. (1 Credit)

Level 2 Workshop provides enrichment, remediation, and support in a self-paced instructional environment. Students use a variety of materials and media, including computers and learning packets designed to enhance the curriculum for the Level 2 Listening/Speaking, Reading, and Writing/Structure courses. Competencies developed correspond with and reinforce those in the classroom. The ESL Workshop is an integral component of the open-entry, multi-level program.

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861-736. ESL Level 3 Writing/Structure. (2 Credits)

Level 3 Writing/Structure expands the use of simple present tense. Simple future and past tense are introduced for use in simple and compound tenses. Grammar skills include the use of can/can't, object pronouns, adverbs, and prepositional phrases. Students use the writing process to compose short paragraphs and letters. Technology instruction introduces the saving and retrieving of information.

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861-737. ESL Level 3 Listening/Speaking. (1 Credit)

Level 3 Listening/Speaking expands listening experiences to following oral two-step directions, discriminating between present and past tense oral usage, and using clarification strategies. Students initiate conversation appropriate to social situations and use basic job-seeking language. Pronunciation includes the use of vowel length, reductions, diphthongs, and constant clusters.

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861-738. ESL Level 3 Reading. (2 Credits)

Level 3 Reading increases the range of written materials to include basic employment resources, written directions, and measuring instruments. Students begin to use context clues and to identify main ideas and supporting details of readings on familiar subjects. Vocabulary skills include using homonyms, antonyms and synonyms. Study skills focus on applying test-taking strategies to specific tests.

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861-739. ESL Level 3 Workshop. (1 Credit)

Level 3 Workshop provides enrichment, remediation, and support in a self-paced instructional environment. Students use a variety of materials and media, including computers and learning packets designed to enhance the curriculum for the Level 3 Listening/Speaking, Reading, and Writing/Structure courses. Competencies developed correspond with and reinforce those in the classroom. The ESL Workshop is an integral component of the open-entry, multi-level program.

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861-740. ESL Level 3. (3 Credits)

Level III, Intermediate ESL, prepares students to function independently in a variety of communicative situations. Students increase skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and the expression of more complex ideas and opinions. The emphasis is on connection and relevance of language skills to life outside the classroom.

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861-742. English Literacy-Civics. (1 Credit)

This English as a Second Language course is designed to take students out of the classroom and into the community to become familiar with institutions and services. Learning through active civic involvement will prepare the students for life and work. The learning activities include experiences in banking and finance, health care, community safety, police and corrections, state and local government, mass media, and library services.

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861-746. ESL Level 4 Writing/Structure. (2 Credits)

Level 4 Writing/Structure incorporates the use of the previously introduced tenses: present, continuous, simple present, future, and simple past. Oral and written expression of past tense events increases with the introduction of past continuous tense. Simple modals of would, could and should are utilized in speaking and writing. Students use the writing process to compose short paragraphs, workplace reports, letters and notes. Technology instruction utilizes writing/grammer skills to generate original text.

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861-747. ESL Level 4 Listening/Speaking. (1 Credit)

Level 4 Listening/Speaking provides means and opportunities to identify elements of the workplace, legal and human rights, and main ideas of oral communication. It increases the range of employment language and the recognition of oral formal, informal and offensive language in a variety of social, school and workplace situations. Pronunciation strategies of stress, intonation and reductions are routinely used to enhance the comprehensibility of speech.

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861-748. ESL Level 4 Reading. (2 Credits)

Level 4 Reading provides a range of materials for which students must adjust their reading rate. Magazines, newspapers, memos, and job applications are part of the variety of print which students begin to read literally, inferentially, and critically. Vocabulary development includes the recognition of common idioms and offensive language as well as the appropriate use of formal and informal language. Study skills emphasize active participation in the learning process.

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861-749. ESL Level 4 Workshop. (1 Credit)

Level 4 Workshop provides enrichment, remediation, and support in a self-paced instructional environment. Students use a variety of materials and media, including computers and learning packets designed to enhance the curriculum for the Level 4 Listening/Speaking, Reading, and Writing/Structure courses. Competencies developed correspond with and reinforce those in the classroom. The ESL Workshop is an integral component of the open-entry, multi-level program.

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861-750. Workplace ESL-Level III. (3 Credits)

A worker with a rudimentary grasp of English communication skills on the job will develop higher order speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Using industry and company based materials, the student will develop the skills necessary to function independently and as a contributing member of a cell or team. This course will emphasize self-directed, small group or team based, and computer assisted instructional strategies to develop skills to: 1) follow directions provided on a printed job order, ticket or procedure form; 2) discuss job issues with a supervisor or work team; 3) complete standardized print or electronic forms; and 4) write a single page memo, business letter, or team report using a typewriter or word processor.

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861-750A. Workplace ESL- Level III. (1 Credit)

A worker with a rudimentary grasp of English communication skills on the job will develop higher order speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Using industry and company based materials, the student will develop the skills necessary to function independently and as a contributing member of a cell or team. This course will emphasize self-directed, small group or team based, and computer assisted instructional strategies to develop skills to: 1) follow directions provided on a printed job order, ticket or procedure form; 2) discuss job issues with a supervisor or work team; 3) complete standardized print or electronic forms; and 4) write a single page memo, business letter, or team report using a typewriter or word processor.

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861-751. English Language Learning Wksp. (2 Credits)

ELL workshop provides self-paced, multimedia instruction to individuals and small groups in the English Language Learning Laboratory. The varied instructional materials, which include books, tapes, CDs, learning packets, computer assisted learning programs, and internet language programs, are organized to provide basic instruction, remediation and enrichment to the ELL curriculum. Topics addressed in workshop include: writing, grammar, pronunciation, reading, oral comprehension and oral expression. Additionally, ELL workshop provides instruction in introductory computer skills for the many students with limited or no computer experience. The workshop curriculum parallels the regular ELL curriculum at each level and is an integral component of the open-entry, multi-level classroom program.

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861-755. ESL Level 5 Writing/Structure. (2 Credits)

Level 5 Writing/Structure introduces the language patterns used in present perfect tense, passive voice, reported speech and real conditional. Study skills include note-taking, use of graphic organizers, and a variety of test-taking strategies. The writing process becomes more self-directed with the writing of cover letters, resumes and business letters in addition to essays, summaries and process directions.

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861-757. ESL Level 5 Listening/Speaking. (2 Credits)

Level 5 Listening/Speaking emphasizes the development of active listening strategies used to respond to imperatives, identify main idea and supporting details of spoken language, and paraphrase in a variety of communication situations. Study skills include brainstorming and participating actively in the management of the individual learning process. Pronunciation patterns that students can self-monitor and improve are developed through consistent use of stress and intonation.

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861-758. ESL Level 5 Reading. (2 Credits)

Level 5 Reading offers a variety of reading opportunities for students to develop fluency and comprehension strategies that they can begin to use independently. Students compare and contrast, draw conclusions, and distinguish fact from opinion in such materials as technical writings, graphs, instructional manuals, and literature. Learning skills strategies include previewing texts, using written feedback on returned materials, and implementing mnemonic devices.

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861-759. ESL Level 5 Workshop. (1 Credit)

Level 5 Workshop provides enrichment, remediation, and support in a self-paced instructional environment. Students use a variety of materials and media, including computers and learning packets designed to enhance the curriculum for the Level 5 Listening/Speaking, Reading, and Writing/Structure courses. Competencies developed correspond with and reinforce those in the classroom. The ESL Workshop is an integral component of the open-entry, multi-level program.

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861-761. ESL Computer Basics. (1 Credit)

The basic skills that are taught in this computer course are: how to turn a computer on and off, what the different parts of a computer are called: "monitor", "keyboard", "mouse", etc..., how to use a mouse, how to log on to internet, how to search in Google, what email is and how to use it, how to open word, how to save and print in word, how to close word. This class empowers the student with these, and other basic skills to enable them to participate and take advantage of all the ESL lab has to offer, communicate with teachers and classmates via email, complete coursework and homework assignments more effectively and enhance their ESL skills via computer.

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861-766. ESL Level 6 Writing/Structure. (2 Credits)

Level 6 Writing/Structure incorporates all the present, past, and future tenses into a wide range of spoken and written expression. Past modals, advanced two-word verbs, gerunds and infinitives, and transition words are added to the learned structures. Study skills emphasize strategies for independent language use beyond the classroom. Students monitor and evaluate their own progress in the learning/writing process.

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861-767. ESL Level 6 Listening/Speaking. (2 Credits)

Level 6 Listening/Speaking offers a wide range of authentic experiences that promote using sustained speech to participate in group presentations, give clear, multi-step process and place directions, and participate in interviews and other face-to-face encounters. In pronunciation, the elements of vowel clarification, consonant discrimination/blends, and reductions are incorporated into everyday language to enable students to speak effectively both in and beyond the classroom.

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861-768. ESL Level 6 Reading. (2 Credits)

Level 6 Reading expands reading opportunities to a wide range of authentic materials related to life roles. Students utilize a variety of resources-library, electronic databases and indexes. They apply test-taking strategies, evaluate their study habits, and self-monitor their learning. Vocabulary development includes goal-specific language for personal, academic and career purposes. Emphasis is on developing reading skills for use beyond the classroom.

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861-770. ESL Level 4. (3 Credits)

The Level 4 English Language Learner will read, write, listen, and speak to develop low-intermediate English skills. Instruction will incorporate numeracy, civics, technology, workplace skills, and academic language to prepare students for ELL Level Five.

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861-772. ESL Acad Pre-College Writing. (1 Credit)

Students who do not have the grammar skills to take the College ESL Writing/Grammar Review course improve their abilities to write effective sentences, paragraphs and short essays. They begin to use the writing process and word processing to format, plan, draft, revise, and edit their written work. Punctuation and grammar points are reviewed as needed. Language assessment is required.

Prerequisites: (861-766 with a minimum grade of S or COMPASS/ESL - Grammar with a score of 65 and COMPASS/ESL - Listening with a score of 75 and COMPASS/ESL - Reading with a score of 75 or Accuplacer ESL Language Use61 and Accuplacer ESL Sentence Mean61)

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861-780. ESL Level 5. (3 Credits)

The Level 5 English Language Learner will read, write, listen, and speak to develop high-intermediate English skills. Instruction will incorporate numeracy, civics, technology, workplace skills, and academic language to prepare students for ELL Level Six.

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861-782. College ESL: Read/Study Skills. (1 Credit)

Students focus on expanding vocabulary, understanding textbooks, and developing the study skills needed in college level courses. This course is appropriate for non-native speakers of English at the advanced level who are preparing for classes at WCTC or are already enrolled in credit courses or programs. Language assessment is required.

Prerequisites: (861-772 with a minimum grade of S or 861-768 with a minimum grade of S or Accuplacer ESL Reading82) or (COMPASS/ESL - Reading with a score of 75 and COMPASS/ESL - Listening with a score of 75 and COMPASS/ESL - Grammar with a score of 65)

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861-783. College ESL: Writing/Grammar. (1 Credit)

Students participate in class activities and complete assignments designed to develop the skills needed to write effective English sentences, paragraphs, short essays, and reports. A review of English grammar and punctuation is included. This course is appropriate for non-native speakers of English at the advanced level who are preparing for classes at WCTC or are already enrolled in credit courses or programs. Language assessment is required.

Prerequisites: (COMPASS/ESL - Grammar with a score of 75 and COMPASS/ESL - Reading with a score of 75 and COMPASS/ESL - Listening with a score of 75 or Accuplacer ESL Language Use82 and Accuplacer ESL Sentence Mean82 or 861-772 with a minimum grade of S or 861-766 with a minimum grade of S)

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861-784B. College ESL-Speaking/Listening. (1 Credit)

Students participate in activities and complete assignments designed to build listening comprehension, improve pronunciation, and develop the discussion techniques and presentation skills needed for effective communication at work or in an academic environment. This course is appropriate for non-native speakers of English at the advanced level who are preparing for classes at WCTC or are already enrolled in credit courses or programs. Language assessment is required.

Prerequisites: (861-772 with a minimum grade of S or 861-767 with a minimum grade of S or Accuplacer ESL Listening82) or (COMPASS/ESL - Reading with a score of 75 and COMPASS/ESL - Listening with a score of 75 and COMPASS/ESL - Grammar with a score of 65)

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861-785. College ESL Center. (1 Credit)

This College ESLCenter is designed to help student English language learners develop the reading, writing, and oral communication skills needed to succeed in college-level courses. The class is individually paced, using computer-assisted instruction to improve listening, pronunciation, grammar, and reading skills. Students must meet with the instructor to develop a learning plan. Center hours vary. See website for more information.

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861-790. ESL Level 6. (3 Credits)

As a Level 6 English Language Learner, you will read, write, listen and speak to develop advanced English skills. Explore numeracy, civics, technology, workplace skills and academic language to prepare for college-level coursework.

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