Academics Curriculum 2008-09

English as a Second Language

The ESL program is designed to help students whose native language is not English make the transition to mainstream English and humanities classes at NMH. New international students are required to attend an academic orientation before classes begin at NMH, during which their competency in English is examined and their placement in English or ESL classes is finalized. Students enrolled in ESL courses do not take humanities courses concurrently.

ESL 111 Culture and Communication (Not offered 2008–09)
One credit. Prerequisite: Placement by examination. Open to new students only.
Culture and Communication is designed to help ESL students learn effective speaking and listening skills in a variety of academic and social settings. The course is organized around themes through which to view and study American society, while developing academic listening, note taking, and presentation skills.

ESL 211  Intermediate Reading and Writing (Not offered 2008–09)
Three credits. Prerequisite: Placement by department.
This course is designed to foster students’ comprehension and expression of written and spoken English. Materials include personal experiences, various short reading selections, unabridged novels, and a grammar text as the basis for daily discussions, presentations, and writing assignments.

ESL 311  Advanced Reading and Writing
Two credits. Prerequisite: Placement by department.
Using a thematic focus, this two-semester course trains students in close reading of both fiction and non fiction, discussion and presentation techniques, various types of personal and academic writing, and vocabulary building.

ESL 411  English for Special Purposes
Two credits. Prerequisite: Placement by department.
This two-semester course serves as a bridge between ESL and mainstream English classes. Using materials from the humanities curriculum (English, history, and religious studies), students hone their skills in critical reading and analytical writing, class discussion, and public speaking.