Course Offerings : ESL

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program offers special classes for the
students at Marymount College for whom English is not the first language. Since
the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is not required for admission
to the College, courses are available from beginning to advanced levels and
students are enrolled in classes that are appropriate for their individual language
abilities. Initial placement is determined by the student’s performance on a
comprehensive language test.

Classes are small, averaging 15 students or less, and are led by teachers
trained in the instruction of English as a Second Language. Small classes are
conducive to individualized instruction, an important part of language
development. In addition to classroom instruction, special assistance is available
from the Learning Center, ESL instructors and academic advisors.

The ESL program is offered on a semester basis with classes beginning in
August and January of each academic year. Courses are also offered during the
Summer Session. Course work includes instruction in grammar, expository
writing, reading, and conversational English, totaling 13 to 25 hours per week.

Note: Students who do not make a grade of C or better in an ESL 100, 101, or 102 course shall repeat the course. No student may repeat an ESL course more than once. Only 12 units of ESL credit may be counted toward graduation requirements.

ESL 100A – Elementary Grammar (1), ESL 100B – Elementary Writing (1), ESL 100C – Elementary Reading (1), ESL 100D – Elementary Speaking (1)
Prerequisite: Placement Exam. Designed for those students who need intensive
work in the fundamentals of English structure and usage. The coursework
includes a study of basic grammar patterns and vocabulary that are essential for
living and studying in the U.S.A. Students practice listening comprehension and
pronunciation with opportunity to converse with native speakers of English in
their spoken English class. Written work proceeds from writing simple sentences
to writing more fully developed ideas organized in paragraph form. Reading
comprehension and vocabulary development are integral parts of the
coursework.

ESL 101A – Intermediate Grammar (1), ESL 101B – Intermediate Writing (1), ESL 101C – Intermediate Reading (1), ESL 101D – Intermediate Speaking (1)
Prerequisite: Placement Exam or completion of ESL 100 with a grade of C or
better. Centers on more difficult grammar and vocabulary. Readings become
progressively more complex as do writing assignments. Students have
opportunity to develop conversation skills in their spoken English class by
conversing with native speakers. Listening comprehension, pronunciation, and a
variety of study skills are integrated into the coursework. Study of the paragraph
is broadened to include the essay. Students begin to monitor their own writing for
errors.

ESL 102A – Advanced Grammar (1), ESL 102B – Advanced Writing (2),
ESL 102C – Advanced Reading (1), ESL 102D-Advanced Listening, Note taking, and Discussion. Prerequisite: Placement exam or completion of ESL 101 with a grade of C or better. Advanced composition and the development of grammar focusing on alternate ways of expressing the same concept. Students practice various types of writing in preparation for more advanced courses. Summaries, book reviews, essay exams, and notetaking from lectures are included in the coursework. Grammar study emphasizes sentence-combining techniques
essential for essay writing. Listening, note taking and discussion skills are
developed using videos on topics such as family, business and educational issues
discussed cross-culturally. A student who completes ESL 102 fulfills all / ESL
requirements at the College.

ESL 150 – Intensive Workshop in English as a Second Language (1-4)
Prerequisite: Placement exam and consent of the instructor. A workshop in all of
the basic communication skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Instruction is individualized to the extent possible. If taken for less than four
units, this course may be repeated for credit; however, the total number of credit
units given may not exceed four. This course may also be audited without academic credit.

ESL 150T – Intensive Workshop in ESL: TOEFL Preparation (2) Prerequisite: Completion of ESL 100 courses or equivalent. Intensive practice in listening comprehension, structure and written expression, vocabulary and reading
comprehension, and in the TOEFL Test of Written English (TWE).
Note: This course will not count towards Marymount graduation requirements.

ESL 160 – English for Special Purposes: Science and Technology (3)
Prerequisite: Intermediate proficiency in English as determined by placement
exam or completion of ESL 100 with a grade of C or better. Designed for students
with intermediate proficiency in English and whose major interest is in the
biological, physical, or applied sciences. Also for the student who wants some
background in science before taking the general education science requirement.
Coursework consists of reading of scientific writing, and contrasting scientific
writing from literary writing.

ESL 161 – English for Special Purposes: Business and Commerce (3)
Prerequisite: Intermediate proficiency in English as determined by placement
exam or completion of ESL 100 with a grade of C or better. Designed for students
with intermediate proficiency in English whose major interests are the areas of
business and commerce. Includes readings and practical demonstrations
designed to give the student a working knowledge of the vocabulary of the
English-speaking business world and an overview of the areas covered by the
general Business curriculum.

Note: Either ESL 160 or ESL 161 (not both) may be taken for credit to apply to
graduation requirements. Only 12 units of ESL will be counted toward graduation requirements.