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Course Descriptions

Legend:

† – Approved for the TESL Certificate
‡ – Approved for the Bilingual Certificate
* – Approved for the TESL Master’s Program

 

EDFN 508 – Introduction to Research & Data-Based Decision Making *

A course which examines basic research design, library and computer search strategies, and certain statistical concepts.  Emphasis is on understanding and interpreting research studies.

 

ESLM  525 – Second Language Acquisition †‡*

An overview of some of the major themes and issues in second language acquisition and how this impacts learning in an academic setting. Consideration will be given to topics such as research methodology, the role of the native language, morpheme acquisition orders, differential success, the linguistic environment, theories of second language acquisition, etc.

 

ESLM  545 – English Structure & Proficiency Assessment †*

This course is designed to develop students’ competency in the applied linguistics with a good understanding of English structure and its application in L2 learning and acquisition.  It enables students to compare the structures of phonetics and grammar of English and L2 learners’ L1, to discover or identify the pitfalls and potential trouble spots in various areas of phonetics and grammar during L2 learners’ learning process, and design appropriate and effective strategies for L2 learning and instruction.  This course also provides students with language proficiency assessment standards, instruments, and strategies.

 

ESLM  577 – Sociolinguistics/Cultural Foundations of ESL †‡*

This course provides an overview of topics in sociolinguistics and cultural foundations of education as they relate to teaching English as a second language (ESL).  Special emphasis is given to the role and nature of culture in the educational context and the significance of cultural groups and cultural identity.  We focus on what it means to engage in culturally responsive teaching and learning in mainstream and ESL classrooms.  Among the topics that we explore are: speech communities, multilingualism, multiculturalism, language variation, race, gender, and cross-cultural communication.  We consider those topics from the perspective of teaching linguistically and culturally diverse learners.  The course also includes an introduction to Conversation Analysis (CA) and its connections to language pedagogy, pragmatics and foreign language acquisition.

 

ESLM  578 – Theory & Practice of Teaching ESL †‡*

Designed to develop competency in the theoretical foundations of second language acquisition, an understanding of the unique aspects of the process of second language teaching, and the necessary practical application of those theories as required in the ESL classroom.

 

ESLM  579 – Language and Literacy for ESL †*

This course provides an overview of issues in language and literacy as they relate to the teaching of English as a second language.  Theories and models of first and second language reading processes are discussed, which provide a basis upon which to consider reading and literacy skills development and acquisition in the second language context.  Among the topics that we address are: linguistic processing of text (i.e., phonological, morphological, syntactic, and semantic cueing in L1 and L2), strategies and metacognitive skills, content schema and background knowledge, vocabulary acquisition, reading and writing relationships, and theories and issues in second language reading.

 

ESLM  587 – Curriculum, Methods, &Assessments for ESL/Bilingual Education †‡*

This course is designed to develop competence in the application of the theoretical foundations of second language learning and acquisition and bilingual education in teaching multilingual populations.  It enables candidates to practice ESL and/or bilingual methodologies, to design and implement appropriate instructional strategies and activities, to develop curricula and select material, and to perform proper evaluation procedures for ESL and bilingual programs respectively.

 

ESLM  687 – Faculty/Student Research *

This course provides the opportunity for a small group of students to work together with a faculty member on a collaborative project, or a series of related projects, that are part of a faculty member’s ongoing research or scholarly program.

 

ESLM  688 – Practicum for Second Language Teachers †‡*

On-site experiences arranged for students in government and related institutions and agencies in the community.  Covers 14-week period arranged to fit the schedule of the participating student.

 

ESLM  700 – Comprehensive Examination †‡*

Every candidate for a graduate degree must take a comprehensive examination which requires the candidate to synthesize and apply knowledge acquired throughout the program.

 

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