ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE : Courses
Victor Valley College offers a wide variety of ESL classes from beginning to advanced levels. Please consult the Class Schedule for a description of these classes in English and Spanish, along with times and locations. After completing the Admissions Application, ESL Orientation, and ESL Assessment, we encourage you to make an appointment with a (bilingual) counselor to discuss your educational goals.
(Note: The list of courses below are the most common courses offered at Victor Valley College on a semester by semester basis.)
COURSES (NON-FEE, NON-CREDIT):
SPEAKING AND LISTENING:
- AENG 10.1: ESL Low Beginning Speaking and Listening 0.00 Units
This class is for people who do not speak or understand any English. It
will focus on oral skills required for managing everyday situations such
as apartment problems, transportation, shopping, and medical
emergencies. Frequent use of simulation and role play. Strong
emphasis on vocabulary development, plus basic grammar. - AENG 10.3: ESL High Beginning Speaking and Listening 0.00 Units
This class continues from AENG 10.1. It is for people who
speak and understand a little English. Students will continue to
learn new vocabulary and sentence patterns useful in everyday
situations.
READING AND WRITING:
- AENG 10.2: ESL Low Beginning Reading and Writing 0.00 Units
This class is for people who do not read or write any English. It will
focus on basic reading and writing skills. Students will learn to read
and fill out everyday forms, such as job applications. They will learn the
alphabet, basic vocabulary and spelling rules, and also basic grammar. - AENG 10.4: ESL High Beginning Reading and Writing 0.00 Units
This class continues from AENG 10.2. It is for people who read and
write a little English. Students will continue to develop reading and
writing skills useful for everyday situations, such as reading
advertisements and finding and using sources of information.
AENG = Adult Education English
COURSES (CREDIT):
SPEAKING AND LISTENING:
- ESL 25: Pre-Intermediate Listening and Speaking 3.0 Units
(formerly ESL 153)
This course focuses on fundamental speaking and listening skills for
ESL students who have a basic knowledge of common English words
and phrases. Students learn to understand short, spoken passages,
including questions and warnings. Speaking skills include describing
familiar situations and events and giving basic information on the
telephone. 48-54 hours lecture and 48-54 hours laboratory. This
course will not apply to the Associate Degree. (No prerequisite.
Pass/No Pass.) This course may be taken two times. - ESL 35A: Low Intermediate Listening and Speaking 3.0 Units
(formerly ESL 35)
This course focuses on speaking and listening skills for students at
intermediate level of English. Students practice telephone and face-to-face
conversations. They learn to express common courtesies such as
thanking and apologizing. They use strategies to listen to and
understand new words. 48-54. This course will not apply to the Associate
degree. (Noprerequisite. Pass/No Pass.) This course may be taken two times. - ESL 35B: High Intermediate Listening and Speaking 3.0 Units
(formerly ESL 36)
This course focuses on speaking and listening skills for students at
high intermediate level of English. Students practice a variety of
conversational and listening strategies and engage in discussions.
Through role play, and simulation exercises, students learn to express
opinions and reach agreement. 48-54 hours lecture and 48-54 hours
laboratory. This course will not apply to the Associate degree. (No
Prerequisite. Pass/No Pass.) This course may be taken two times.
PRONOUNCIATION:
- ESL 30A: Intermediate Pronunciation I 3.0 Units
This is the first of a two-part series of Intermediate Level
Pronunciation courses. It is designed for non-native speakers of
English who would like to improve their oral communication skills for
better employment opportunities; to increase self-confidence in
occupational, social, and academic settings. This class will focus on
introducing basic sounds, intonation, and rhythm of the English
language. Emphasis is on oral fluency and individual accuracy.
This course will not apply to the Associate Degree. 48-54 hours lecture.
(No Prerequisite. Recommended completion of ESL 12A is strongly
recommended. Pass/No Pass.) This course may be taken two times. - ESL 30B: Intermediate Pronunciation 3.0 Units
This is the second of a two-part series of Intermediate Level
Pronunciation courses. The course designed for low intermediate
students whose speech is causing communicative difficulties at work,
at school or in social situations. Students improve oral fluency for
better employment opportunities and increase self-confidence in
occupational, social, and academic settings. Students practice
listening, rhythm, intonation, and pronunciation. Emphasis is placed on
oral fluency and individual accuracy. 48-54 hours lecture. This course
will not apply to the Associate Degree. (Recommended completion of ESL 30A.
Pass/No Pass.) - ESL 40A: Low Advanced Pronounciation 3.0 Units
This course is the first in a series of two classes for non-native speakers
of English wanting to improve their pronunciation skills in English. Students
will learn to effectively improve pronunciation for clear and effective
communication in social, academic, or job settings. Through structured
activities, direct instruction, and lab work, students will be able to improve
their skills in those areas that comprise pronunciation, rhythm patterns,
and stress. This course will not apply to the Associate Degree. 48-54 hours
lecture. (No prerequisite. Recommended preparation: ESL 30B highly
recommended. Some internet skills advised. Grade Option.)
READING AND VOCABULARY:
- ESL 23: Pre-Intermediate Reading and Vocabulary 3.0 Units
(formerly ESL 154)
This course focuses on development and practice of fundamental
reading and vocabulary skills to prepare students who plan to continue
their post-secondary education. Reading skills include understanding
new vocabulary in context and scanning for specific information.
Students read simplified texts on academic and vocational subjects.
48-54 hours lecture. This course will not apply to the Associate
Degree. (No prerequisite. Pass/No Pass.) This course may be taken
two times. - ESL 33: Low Intermediate Reading and Vocabulary 3.0 Units
(formerly ESL 103)
A reading course for low intermediate ESL students emphasizing main
ideas, outlining, and vocabulary in context. This course will not apply to the
Associate Degree. 32-36 hours lecture and 48-54 hours laboratory.
(No prerequisite. It is recommendation that students should already
have basic skills in decoding information and understanding at a literal
level. They should be able to read and understand short, authentic
texts such as letters and instructions. Pass/No Pass.) - ESL 33B: High Intermediate Reading and Vocabulary 4.0 Units
This course is designed for non-native speakers of English who wish
to strengthen business communication skills. Course focus is on
cultural differences, social etiquette, business idioms, and some business
writing. Emphasis on developing fluency and comprehension. This course
will not apply to the Associate Degree. 64-72 hours lecture.
(No prerequisite. Recommended preparation: ESL 33. Pass/No Pass.) - ESL 43: Low Advanced Reading and Vocabulary 3.0 Units
This is the first of two courses designed for non native speakers of
English who are approaching advanced level of proficiency in reading
English. Emphasis is on further developing reading and vocabulary
skills. Students are introduced to a variety of reading genres, word
structure, vocabulary, and reading strategies. This course will not apply
to the Associate Degree. 48-54 hours lecture. (No prerequisite.
Pass/No Pass.) This course may be taken two times. - ESL 43B: High Advanced Reading and Vocabulary 4.0 Units
This course is designed for non-native speakers of English. Skills include
developing essays form longer reading passages. Students will respond
to reading passages, reinforce vocabulary building and comprehension.
This couse will not apply to the Associate Degree. 64-72 hours lecture.
(No prerequisite. Grade option.) This course may be taken two times.
WRITING AND GRAMMAR:
- ESL27A: Pre-Intermediate Writing and Grammar 3.0 Units
This course is designed for non-native speakers of English. Course focus is
on fundamental writing and grammar skills for ESL students who have a
basic knowledge of common English words,phrases, and structure. Students
write at the sentence and paragraph level, learn to organize ideas and edit
for grammar, spelling, and punctuation. 48-54 hours lecture. This course will
not apply to the Associate Degree. (No prerequisite. Pass/No Pass.) This course
may be taken two times. - ESL27B: Pre-Intermediate Writing and Grammar 3.0 Units
This class is the second of a two-part series of pre-intermediate grammar
and writing classes. This course is designed for non-native speakers of
English who want to develop grammar and writing skills. The focus is on
reviewing verb tenses and introducing modals, adjectives, count and
non-count articles, adverbs and adjectives. Students will practice writing
and editing simple paragraphs. 48-54 hours lecture.This course will not apply
to the Associate Degree. (No prerequisite. Pass/No Pass.) This course
may be taken two times. - ESL 37: Intermediate Grammar 3.0 Units
Students at this level learn and apply rules of English grammar and structure
for use in oral and written communication. This course provides practice in
areas such as common verb tenses, question forms, and expressions of
ability, permission and advice. This course will not apply to the Associates
Degree. 48-54 hours lecture. (No prerequisite. Grade option.) - ESL 37A: Low Intermediate Writing and Grammar 3.0 Units
This course helps students at low intermediate level develop writing
and grammar skills appropriate for educational and personal success.
Students write short compositions on familiar topics. They learn to
apply principles of grammar as they write. 32-36 hours lecture and 48-
54 hours laboratory. This course will not apply to the Associate
Degree. (No prerequisite. Pass/No Pass.) This course may be taken
two times. - ESL 37B: High Intermediate Writing and Grammar 3.0 Units
This course helps students at high intermediate level develop writing
and grammar skills appropriate for educational and personal success.
Students write short compositions on a variety of topics. They learn to
apply principles of grammar as they write. This course will not apply to the
Associate Degree. 32-36 hours lecture and 48-54 hours laboratory.
(No prerequisite. Pass/No Pass.) This course may be taken two times. - ESL 38: High Intermediate Grammar 3.0 Units
Students at high intermediate level learn and apply rules of English
grammar and structure for use in oral and written communication.
This course provides practice in areas such as description using
adjectives and adverbs, use of gerund and infinitive forms of verbs,
certain models, and nouns and articles. This course will not apply to the
Associate Degree. 48-54 hours lecture. (No prerequisite. Grade option.) - ESL 47: Advanced Grammar 3.0 Units
(formerly ESL 113)
Students at advanced level learn and apply rules of English grammar
and structure for use in oral and written communication. This course
provides review practice and expanded study of verb tenses, gerunds
and infinitives, modals, and tag questions. This course will not apply to
the Associate Degree. 48-54 hours lecture. (No prerequisite. Grade
Option) This course may be taken two times. - ESL 48: High Advanced Grammar 3.0 Units
(formerly ESL 114)
Students at high advanced level learn and apply rules of English
grammar and structure for use in oral and written communication. This
course provides review practice and expanded study of phrasal verbs
and introduces passive forms, conditional statements, adjective
clauses, and indirect speech. This course will not apply to the
Associate Degree. 48-54 hours lecture. (No prerequisite. Grade
Option) This course may be taken two times.
WORKPLACE/CULTURAL/PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS:
- ESL 34: High Intermediate English Skills at the Workplace 3.0 Units
This course is designed for non-native speakers of English who
wish to strengthen business commun-ication skills. Course focus
is on cultural differences, social etiquette, business idioms,
and some business writing. Emphasis on developing fluency
and comprehension. This course will not apply to the Assocaite Degree.
48-54 lecture hours. (No prerequisite. Pass/No Pass.) - ESL 45: Public Speaking for ESL 3.0 Units
This class is for non-native speakers of English at the advanced level
of listening and speaking who wish to develop practical public
speaking skills. The class is designed to help build confidence in
speaking. Students will learn to use visual and audio aids to enhance
presentation skills and to listen critically and objectively. Students
will recite, develop, present, and evaluate speeches for a variety of situations.
This course will not apply to the Associate Degree. 48-54 lecture hours.
(No prerequisite. Grade option.) - ESL 45A: Cross Cultural Communication Skills 3.0 Units
This course is designed for non-native speakers of English who
wish to understand cultural differences of North American society.
Course focus is on broadening intercultural understanding for students
living and working in the USA. Topics focus on different aspects of
mainstream North American cultures encountered in a work or social
setting. This course will not apply to the Associate Degree. 48-54
lecture hours. (No prerequisite. Grade option.)
COMPUTER LITERACY:
- ESL 12A: Basic Computer Literacy 3.0 Units
This is a two-part course in ESL Computer Literary for non-native
speakers of English. The focus of the course is to develop language
skills related to computer usage. Students will learn computer uses for
ESL courses and education purposes. 48-54 hours lecture. This
course will not apply to the Associate Degree. (No prerequisite.
Pass/No Pass.) This course may be taken two times. - ESL 12B: Basic Computer Literacy 3.0 Units
This is the second in a series of ESL Computer Literary for beginners.
The focus of the course is to expand on basic computer knowledge for
ESL educational purposes. 48-54 hours lecture. This course will not
apply to the Associate Degree. (No prerequisite. Recommended preparation:
ESL 12A. Pass/No Pass.) This course may be taken three times.
ESL = English as a Second Language