English as a Second Language

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The ESL program provides instruction for international or resident non-native speakers of English. The objectives of the EBP are to provide English language skills, academic study skills, and familiarity with U.S. culture to ensure student success at the university level. Following on-site placement testing, students in the EBP are enrolled in up to 16 ESL credit hours for a total of 1-3 semesters. (Please see the list below.) All advanced level courses count toward SUNY degree requirements. In addition to ESL courses, many students take one or more general education courses or courses in their major. Special reserve sections of some general education courses, including CMM 101 and MAT 161, are available for non-native speakers.

Intermediate Level

• ESL 90 - Writing: Developing Paragraphs (3 cr.)
• ESL 94 - Listening Comprehension for Speakers (3 cr.)
• ESL 96 - Conversational English for Speakers of Other Languages (3 to 4 cr.)
• ESL 98 - Reading English for Speakers of Other Languages (3 cr.)

Advanced Level

• ENG 100 - College Writing I (4 cr.)
• ENG 101 - College Writing II (3 cr.)
• ENG 130 - Topics in English (1 cr.)
• ESL 104 - Advanced Listening (3 cr.)
• ESL 106 - Advanced Conversational English (3 cr.)
• ESL 107 - Advanced Pronunciation (1 cr.)
• ESL 108 - Advanced Reading (3 cr.)
• ESL 109 - Advanced Vocabulary Skills (1 cr.)
• ESL 110 - Critical Reading (3 cr.)
• INT 107 - Cross-Cultural Conversation (1 cr.)
• INT 204 - Academic Communication I (1 cr.)

Note:

The ESL Program coordinates with other programs to offer students additional services. Students are referred to the Learning Center for tutoring for their ESL classes. They are referred to Student Support Services for extended-time testing and help with lecture notes. The Speech and Hearing Clinic offers group and individual instruction in pronunciation and conversation for students enrolled in ESL conversation classes. Literacy Volunteers in Hawkins Hall also provide tutoring or conversation practice for ESL students. The ESL Program and the English Department coordinate ESL sections of ENG 100 and ENG 101. In particular, students in the ESL sections of ENG 101 are encouraged to take ESL 110 a critical reading course. Some departments offer courses structured for ESL or international students. For example, the Communication Department offers ESL sections of CMM 101, Introduction to Public Speaking.

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