Academic Calendar 2024/25

English as a Second Language


English language proficiency requirements

Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the English language entrance proficiency requirements. Students in ELS or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the University Foundations program with lower levels of language proficiency.

Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.

ESL CB50

3 credits

Basic Computer Concepts and Use

Prerequisite(s): ESL S46 and (ESL RV48 or ESL R40)

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

A basic introduction to computer use, terminology and concepts, including keyboarding, Windows, word processing, the Internet, e-mail and other forms of online communications for ESL students who have little or no experience with computers. This course is designed for ESL students who need computer basics for further language training through ESL online courses or ESL courses which incorporate computer-aided instruction.

ESL CMS

3 credits

Computer-Mediated Multiskill Course

Prerequisite(s): Placement by interview test showing that a student has a basic grasp of the English alphabet, phonics, and sentence structure.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course is for students of all ESL levels, from beginning to advanced. Each student will be placed on an individualized study program based on a needs assessment done through testing and consultation with the instructor. Students will develop their English language skills through a variety of methods including computer based activities, interactive classroom activities, and individual study. It is not necessary for students to be familiar with computers prior to taking this course; however, as course work will include computer activities, students who are not familiar with computer use will be taught the basic computer functions they will need to know to complete course activities.

ESL IB29

15 credits

Intensive Beginner II

Prerequisite(s): ESL IB19 or equivalent, or placement by ESL assessment

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course is intended for students who have completed ESL IB19 or who have the equivalent competence in using English. This intensive course is designed to build on students’ previous learning of basic level English. As much as possible the content focuses on the functions for which English is used in everyday life. The skill areas of listening and speaking are emphasized, but reading and writing play a supportive role. The emphasis is on comprehension and recognition. Successful completion of this course will allow students to take the 30-level ESL courses.

ESL L87

3 credits

ESL Listening Bridge I

Prerequisite(s): ESL S76, or placement by ESL assessment

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Students in this course will be taught the note-taking skills needed to succeed in college and university courses that have listening/lecture components. The course will expose students to a variety of academic listening situations, both simulated and authentic, and will develop their ability to understand complex language regardless of speed or speaking style. By the end of the course, students will have developed personal, effective note-taking strategies applicable to a variety of academic situations.

ESL MSC

3 credits

Multi-skill Class for ESL Students

Prerequisite(s): Placement by an interview test showing that the student has a basic grasp of the English alphabet, phonics, and sentence structure.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

This course is intended for ESL students at all levels of proficiency who are unable to take courses in the ESL core program or who wish to supplement their ESL studies. Students will develop their English speaking, grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing skills through a combination of whole class instruction and guided, self-paced activities.

ESL P45

3 credits

ESL Pronunciation I

Prerequisite(s): ESL WG34, RV38 (or R30 and V33), and S36 or higher, or placement by ESL assessment

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course is intended for ESL students who would like to improve their English listening, speaking, and pronunciation skills. Students will participate in a variety of activities to become more aware of their own pronunciation, how sounds are made, and sound/spelling relationships. Through active participation, students will work towards improved intelligibility as they focus on vowel sounds, consonant sounds, and consonant clusters in the context of the stress and rhythm of English. Students are strongly encouraged to complete this course prior to taking ESL S46, or at any time during their ESL studies if they are having difficulty with basic English sound production.

ESL P55

3 credits

ESL Phonics/Spelling

Prerequisite(s): ESL WG44, RV48 (or R40 AND V43), and S46

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course is intended for students who still find it difficult to understand the relationship between English spelling and sound systems. The course will survey the English sounds represented by a given spelling as well as all the possible spellings for a given sound. It will also familiarize students with how word and phrase stress, rhythm, intonation, and reductions in rapid speech cause differences between spoken and written English. Students will also learn how to use dictionary pronunciation keys.

ESL P65

3 credits

ESL Pronunciation II

Prerequisite(s): ESL P45, or all of ESL WG44, RV48 and S46.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course is intended for those who learned English as an additional language, but who would like to improve their English listening and speaking skills in order to communicate with more confidence. Students will practice syllable recognition, word stress, reductions, rhythm, and intonation, all of which are essential for clear communication. Students will also have an opportunity to work on individual sounds that are problematic for them personally. Pronunciation issues will be addressed from a variety of perspectives. ESL students with pronunciation difficulties are strongly encouraged to complete this course prior to taking ESL S56, S66, or S76.

ESL RV38

6 credits

ESL Reading and Vocabulary Pre-intermediate

Prerequisite(s): Placement by ESL assessment

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course is designed for students to learn and practice the skills and vocabulary necessary for increasing basic reading comprehension and speed.

ESL RV48

6 credits

ESL Reading and Vocabulary Intermediate I

Prerequisite(s): ESL I39, or both ESL R30 and ESL V33, or ESL RV38, or placement by ESL assessment

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course will focus on reading to recognize main ideas and some details in simplified 2-3 paragraph texts. Students will develop a solid base of general, high-frequency vocabulary.

ESL S36

3 credits

ESL Listening and Speaking- Pre-Intermediate

Prerequisite(s): Placement by ESL assessment

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course is designed to provide students with the basic oral grammar functional phrasing, and pronunciation skills they need to become more confident speakers and listeners in basic, day to day social situations.

ESL S46

3 credits

ESL Listening and Speaking- Intermediate I

Prerequisite(s): ESL S36, or I 39, or placement by the ESL assessment

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course will help students build the listening and speaking skills necessary for social interactions in a variety of daily and academic situations. Listening comprehension, fluency, and accuracy appropriate to this level will be emphasized in order to communicate in a way that does not impede understanding.

ESL V83

3 credits

ESL Vocabulary - Bridge

Prerequisite(s): ESL V73, or placement by ESL assessment

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course is intended for students with a strong general vocabulary base. It familiarizes students with the vocabulary that they can expect to encounter in university and college courses. It also includes studies in independent vocabulary development.

ESL WG34

6 credits

ESL Writing and Grammar Pre-Intermediate

Prerequisite(s): Placement by ESL assessment

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course is designed to develop students’ skills at basic written English and prepare them for intermediate academic ESL writing and grammar classes. The course focus is on the basic English grammar used in writing simple sentences. Some reading, vocabulary study, and speaking/listening will be included in the course.

ESL WG44

6 credits

ESL Writing and Grammar - Intermediate I

Prerequisite(s): ESL I39, WG34, or placement by ESL assessment.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course reviews basic grammar and simple sentences. It introduce student to compound and basic complex sentence as well as to basic paragraph and forms of development. Students will begin to use a wider variety of editing strategies. Some reading, vocabulary study, and speaking/listening will be included in the course.

Last updated: May 14, 2024

Current Students

s