Credit and Non-Credit Course Information

The first four levels of reading, writing, and grammar courses are offered as both credit (ESL) and noncredit (ESLNC) courses. For example, ESL 55 and ESL 855NC will be offered at the same time, in the same location, and have the same instructor. Students in ESL 55 and students in ESLNC 855 will study the same material. 

The main differences are: 

  • ESLNC classes are FREE, regular attendance is not required, and completion of homework, tests, and assignments are optional.

  • ESL classes are for grades and degree-seeking students. Regular attendance is required and completion of homework, tests, and assignments is required. Registration in these classes may also assist in earning credits for other services at the college, such as financial aid. 

Don't know what class to take? Use the self-guided placement tool to choose your level.

Course Descriptions

Reading, Writing, and Grammar Courses

ESL 55 / ESLNC 855
Level 1

  • Students will study basic English reading, writing, and grammar skills.
  • Students will read short articles and texts.
  • Students will write short paragraphs using simple and compound sentences in English.

ESL 65 / ESLNC 865
Level 2

  • Students will learn to write simple paragraphs. 
  • Students will use present, past, and future tenses.
  • Students will write simple, compound, and complex sentences. 
  • Students will learn to revise and edit their writing and improve reading skills.

ESL 75 / ESLNC 875
Level 3

  • Students will read full-length works of fiction and/or nonfiction.
  • Students will expand their reading comprehension.
  • Students will review all simple and progressive verb tenses and increase their ability to construct compound and complex sentences. 
  • Students will expand their writing skills and begin learning essay structures.

ESL 85 / ESLNC 885
Level 4

  • Students will write, revise, and edit paragraphs and short essays.
  • Students will summarize, paraphrase, and respond to selected readings. 
  • Students will improve their ability to identify and correct common errors in grammar.  
  • Students will demonstrate ability to read and comprehend a variety of vocabulary and concepts from several reading materials, including full-length works of fiction and nonfiction, and textbook selections. 

ESL 108
College Composition and Reading

  • Students will compose a 500-600 word unified, coherent, well-supported, and grammatically correct essay that has an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion and is reasonably free from errors.
  • Students will formulate an effective thesis, as well as convincing arguments to support the thesis.
  • Students will think, read, and write critically in English.
  • Students will demonstrate ability to summarize, paraphrase, and critically read a variety of advanced-level texts, including full-length works of fiction and nonfiction, and textbook selections. 

Academic ESL Communication Courses

ESLNC 862
Oral Communication 1

  • Students will r​ecognize and identify main ideas and supporting details in spoken English at an intermediate level in a variety of contexts.
  • Students will recognize and use low-intermediate sentence structures and word choice in short conversations, interviews, speeches, and oral communication.
  • Students will produce spoken English with developing accuracy in grammar, fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

ESLNC 884
Oral Communication 2

  • Students will demonstrate comprehension of central ideas and supporting details and apply note-taking strategies from academic spoken English at a high-intermediate level in a variety of contexts.
  • Students will recognize and use high-intermediate sentence structures and word choice in discussions, extended conversations, speeches, and oral communication.
  • Students will produce spoken English with increasing accuracy in grammar, fluency, tone, register, word choice, and pronunciation.

ESL 106
Oral Communication 3

  • Students will demonstrate comprehension and active listening skills at an advanced level, including effective note-taking strategies
  • Students will communicate effectively in a variety of situations, including one-on-one conversations, class discussions, and when making oral presentations
  • Students will recognize and apply an expanding range of vocabulary, language functions, sentence structures, word choice, and pronunciation skills, including appropriate tone and register at the advanced level.

Note: Oral Communication 1 and Oral Communication 2 are only offered as noncredit courses. 

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