English As A Second Language

(ESL) Program

FACULTY

Elizabeth Tricomi, Director

This program is designed both for international students and for students who have graduated from American high schools. Its goal is to help students improve their ability to use English in an academic context so that they may achieve their academic potential. Students register for an ESL course after taking a placement test given during International Student Orientation or by special arrangement with the director of the program. Undergraduate students receive credit for ESL courses. Graduate students receive hours which count toward the number of hours they need to be full-time students, but no course credit. Although the ESL classes are primarily for full-time, matriculated students, there are limited spaces available for spouses of students and community members.

COURSE OFFERINGS

NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all undergraduate courses carry 4 credits and are usually offered every year.

ESL 110/710. INTERMEDIATE ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
Provides instruction and practice in all language skills: speaking, listening, reading, writing, and grammar. Emphasis placed on developing greater fluency in spoken English.

ESL 205/715. ADVANCED SPEAKING AND LISTENING COMPREHENSION
Instruction and practice in understanding both informal conversation and classroom lectures and discussions. Work also in improving pronunciation and the ability to express complex ideas in classroom discussion and formal oral presentations.

ESL 210/720. ADVANCED ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
Emphasizes writing, but also provides opportunities for practice in reading, speaking, and listening.

ESL 491: PRACTICUM IN COLLEGE TEACHING
2 credits
Participation in assigned ESL classes as native-speaker models and informants in order to gain practical and theoretical exposure to ESL teaching. Pass/fail grading option only. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

ESL 725: ORAL COMMUNICATION IN COLLEGE TEACHING
Designed for international teaching assistants. Instruction and practice in pronunciation and presentation skills. Information about classroom expectations and teaching practices in American universities as well as specific characteristics of Binghamton University and its students.