English As a Second Language (ESL)

ESL 091     College Reading and Writing 2     6 Units

Students will write a variety of advanced ESL level texts that exhibit depth, relevance, and complexity in idea development. Compositions will include a short problem-solution paper using outside sources and MLA format, and a technical report. Students will also apply literal, inferential, interpretive reading, and critical thinking skills, likewise, enhance skills in vocabulary comprehension and acquisition and the advanced level of language learning. Reading materials highlighting current issues and topics of interest across cultures will include articles, essays, a technical report, and literary works. This course is designed for non-native speakers of English one level below English 1A.


Lecture Hours: 5.5  Lab Hours: 1.5  Repeatable: No  Grading: K

Prerequisite: ESL 302 with P or placement based on assessment

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 099     Advanced Reading and Writing About American Culture     6 Units

Students will write a variety of texts that exhibit depth, relevance, and complexity in idea development. Students will also apply literal, inferential, interpretive reading, and critical thinking skills, likewise, enhance skills in vocabulary comprehension and acquisition and the advanced level of language learning. Reading materials will highlight the human condition and cultural representation, especially those of immigrant cultures within the United States, and will include literary works, articles, essays, and a technical report. This course is designed for non-native speakers of English in preparation for ENGL 1A-English Composition.


Lecture Hours: 5.5  Lab Hours: 1.5  Repeatable: No  Grading: O

Prerequisite: ESL 302; minimum grade P

Transfer Status: CSU/UC     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 302     Introduction to College Reading and Writing     6 Units

Students will focus on writing essays that exhibit the depth and complexity of low-advanced language level academic texts. They will study language elements used to present clear and effective thesis statements. They will evaluate a variety of texts that demonstrate the ways writers express ideas for a variety of purposes and intent. Students will also continue to improve skills in academic and extensive reading, critical thinking, and vocabulary acquisition. Reading materials will highlight current issues and topics of interest across cultures including articles, essays, and literary works. This course is designed for non-native speakers of English two levels below ENGL 001A.


Lecture Hours: 5.5  Lab Hours: 1.5  Repeatable: No  Grading: K

Prerequisite: ESL 312 and ESL 313, both with a P grade or placement based on assessment.

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NAA

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 312     Introduction to the Essay     5 Units

Students will read and write multiple-paragraph compositions with the depth and complexity of high-intermediate academic texts. They will expand their study of well-written paragraphs to include short essays on academic topics. They will acquire grammar, writing, revision, and editing skills for college-level academic work. Concurrent enrollment in ESL 312L is required for computer-assisted grammar and writing practice with lab assistance. ESL 312 is a high-intermediate writing course for non-native speakers of English three levels below ENGL 001A.


Lecture Hours: 5  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: K

Prerequisite: ESL 322 or ESL 522 and ESL 323 or ESL 523 and ESL 324 or ESL 524; Minimum grade P

Corequisite: ESL 312L

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NAA

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 312L     ESL Skills Development Lab     0.5 Units

This laboratory course is required learning assistance for students enrolled in ESL 312. Students will receive individualized instructional support and use educational software that expands their experience with writing short essays.


Lecture Hours: None  Lab Hours: 1.5  Repeatable: No  Grading: K

Corequisite: ESL 312

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NAA

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 313     Introduction to College Reading     3 Units

Students will acquire reading and vocabulary skills at a intermediate-high level of English proficiency. They will read and respond to introductory college-level texts, develop literal and critical comprehension, and expand vocabulary for academic purposes. Strongly recommended: concurrent enrollment ESL 312 or ESL 314 or ESL 208.


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: K

Prerequisite: ESL 322 and ESL 323 and ESL 324; all with CR or placement based on assessment.

Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 312 or ESL 314 or ESL 317

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NAA

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 314     High-Intermediate Listening and Speaking Skills     3 Units

Students will refine listening comprehension and speaking skills in academic, vocational, and social contexts at the intermediate-high level. Students will participate in class activities and use multimedia materials focused on improving aural comprehension, oral communication, and clear pronunciation in a variety of contexts. Strongly recommended: concurrent enrollment in ESL 312 or ESL 313 or ESL 508.


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: K

Prerequisite: ESL 324 or ESL 524 with CR or placement based on assessment.

Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 312 or ESL 314 or ESL 317

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NAA

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 317     English Pronunciation 3     3 Units

Students will develop skills to improve their pronunciation of American English. They will utilize the International Phonetic Alphabet to distinguish the sounds of English and produce comprehensible discourse. Students will participate in class activities and use multimedia materials focused on intonation differentiation, stress, and pitch patterns in order to signal shifts in sentence type and focus. They use contractions, reductions, and assimilation of sounds to produce patterns of connected speech.


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: K

Prerequisite: ESL 324 or ESL 524 or ESL 327 or ESL 527 or Placement based on assessment

Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 312 or ESL 313 or ESL 314 is highly recommended.

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NAA

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 322     Paragraph Development     5 Units

Students will develop intermediate level writing proficiency. They will write paragraphs and journals on various topics to acquire grammar, writing, and lexical skills. Concurrent enrollment in ESL 322L is required for computer-assisted grammar and writing practice with lab assistance.Concurrent enrollment strongly recommended in ESL 323 or ESL 523 and/or ESL 324 or ESL 524.


Lecture Hours: 5  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: K

Prerequisite: ESL 532 with P or placement based on assessment.

Recommended: Concurrent enrollment strongly recommended in ESL 323 or ESL 523 and/or ESL 324 or ESL 524.

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NAA

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 322L     ESL Skills Development Lab     0.5 Units

This laboratory course is required learning assistance for students enrolled in ESL 322. Students will receive individualized instructional support and use educational software that expands their experience with paragraphing and sentence level grammar.


Lecture Hours: None  Lab Hours: 1.5  Repeatable: No  Grading: K

Corequisite: ESL 322

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NAA

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 323     Reading and Vocabulary Development     3 Units

Students will acquire reading and vocabulary skills at the intermediate level of proficiency in English. Students will develop reading comprehension and vocabulary development and engage in discussion and writing activities. Strongly recommended: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 322 or 522 and/or ESL 324 or ESL 524 and/or ESL 508.


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: K

Prerequisite: ESL 532 with a P or placement based on assessment.

Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 322 or ESL 522 and/or ESL 324 or ESL 524 and/or ESL 508.

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NAA

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 324     Listening and Speaking Skills Development     4 Units

Students will learn listening skills such as inferring speaker's point of view, intent, and tone, recognizing target vocabulary and idioms, identifying events in sequence, and applying note-taking skills. Students will also learn speaking skills at the intermediate level of proficiency such as using effective discussion techniques to exchange and verify information, request clarification, interrupt a conversation, express opinions, and prepare for, create, and deliver short oral presentations. Strongly recommended: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 322 or 522 and/or ESL 323 or 523 and/or ESL 508.


Lecture Hours: 4  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: K

Prerequisite: ESL 531 with P or placement based on assessment.

Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 322 or 522 and/or ESL 323 or 523 and/or ESL 508 is strongly recommended.

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NAA

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 327     English Pronunciation 2     3 Units

Students will further their study of the pronunciation, intonation, stress, and rhythm patterns of English. They are introduced to the phonetic alphabet and study the sound-spelling correlations of English. They also receive further instruction on the production of sounds in word-initial and word-final environments, intonation and stress patterns in multi-syllabic words, and native-like sentence stress, rhythm and intonation.


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: K

Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 322 or ESL 522 or ESL 323 or ESL 523 or ESL 324 or ESL 524 or ESL 508 is highly recommended.

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NAA

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 500     ESL in the Health Care Setting     0 Units

Students will study listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for a variety of tasks associated with health care. This course is designed as the part of the Medical Career Preparation CTE Program. Students acquire language, vocabulary, and cultural information necessary for communicating in English with patients and their families, health care providers, and health service co-workers.


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Recommended: Completion of higher level Adult Education ESL courses

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 508     ESL Skills Lab     0 Units

This open entry/open exit course provides individualized support for English Language Learners in need of English skills improvement. Students will use educational software and online formats that expand and enrich the learning experience beyond the classroom. This course provides supplemental support for English Language Learners enrolled in any SJCC course.


Lecture Hours: None  Lab Hours: 1.5  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 510     ESL for Computers and Computing     0 Units

Students will be introduced to the language used in operating and supporting the computer and computing processes. Students will gain knowledge of basic vocabulary related to computers and computing.


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Recommended: Completion of higher level Adult Education ESL courses

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 511A     Computer Skills: Learning Management Tools     0 Units

Students learn the basics of using Canvas, Zoom, and other ESL digital program tools to facilitate learning English in their ESL classes. Students will study the basic features of the programs to enable them to get information, do activities as instructed, and submit information for their classes through these digital learning tools.


Lecture Hours: 1  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Recommended: Low-intermediate English Skills or completed Level 4 or 5 ESL at an adult school.

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 511B     Computer Skills: Word Processing and Presentation     0 Units

Students will study the basics of using word processing programs like Microsoft Word and Google Docs for their ESL class tasks and assignments. Student will perform word processing skills of: creating and formatting documents, revising and editing content, tracking changes and comments, using tables and templates, inserting images, and using styles. In addition, students will learn class presentation tools like Powerpoint.


Lecture Hours: 1  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Recommended: Low-intermediate English Skills or completed Level 4 or 5 ESL at an adult school.

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 511C     Computer Skills: SJCC Services, Webpages, and Programs     0 Units

Students will be introduced to the digital systems of SJCC as an educational institution, e.g. MyWeb and instructions and information on the webpages of the offices and services of the San Jose City College website. Students will also study the various array of services that SJCC offers the students and generally, their educational options while at and after being at SJCC.


Lecture Hours: 1  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Recommended: Low-intermediate English Skills or completed Level 4 or 5 ESL at an adult school.

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 522     Paragraph Development     0 Units

This is a noncredit version of ESL 322. Students will develop intermediate level writing proficiency. They will write paragraphs and journals on various topics to acquire grammar, writing, and lexical skills. Concurrent enrollment in ESL 522L is required for computer-assisted grammar and writing practice with lab assistance. Concurrent enrollment strongly recommended in ESL 323 or ESL 523 and/or ESL 324 or ESL 524.


Lecture Hours: 5  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Prerequisite: ESL 532 with P grade

Recommended: Concurrent enrollment strongly recommended in ESL 323 or ESL 523 and/or ESL 324 or ESL 524.

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 522L     ESL Skills Development Lab     0 Units

This is the non-credit version of ESL 322L. This laboratory course is required learning assistance for students enrolled in ESL 522. Students will receive individualized instructional support and use educational software that expands their experience with paragraphing and sentence level grammar.


Lecture Hours: None  Lab Hours: 1.5  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Corequisite: ESL 522

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 523     Reading and Vocabulary Development     0 Units

This is a noncredit version of ESL 323. Students will acquire reading and vocabulary skills at the intermediate level of proficiency in English. Students will develop reading comprehension and vocabulary development and engage in discussion and writing activities. Strongly recommended:Concurrent enrollment in ESL 322 or 522 and/or ESL 324 or ESL 524 and/or ESL 508.


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Prerequisite: ESL 532

Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 322 or ESL 522 and/or ESL 324 or ESL 524 and/or ESL 508.

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 524     Intermediate Listening and Speaking Skills     0 Units

This is a noncredit version of ESL 324. Students will learn listening skills such as inferring speaker's point of view, intent, and tone, recognizing target vocabulary and idioms, identifying events in sequence, and applying note-taking skills. Students will also learn speaking skills at the intermediate level of proficiency such as using effective discussion techniques to exchange and verify information, request clarification, interrupt a conversation, express opinions, and prepare for, create, and deliver short oral presentations. Strongly recommended: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 322 or 522 and/or ESL 323 or 523 and/or ESL 508.


Lecture Hours: 4  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Prerequisite: ESL 531 with P grade

Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 322 or 522 and/or ESL 323 or 523 and/or ESL 508 is strongly recommended.

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 527     English Pronunciation 2     0 Units

Students will further their study of the pronunciation, intonation, stress, and rhythm patterns of English. They are introduced to the phonetic alphabet and study the sound-spelling correlations of English. They also receive further instruction on the production of sounds in word-initial and word-final environments, intonation and stress patterns in multi-syllabic words, and native-like sentence stress, rhythm and intonation. Multimedia and online resources supplement the course. This is a noncredit course.


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Prerequisite: ESL 531 or ESL 532 with P grade

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 531     Intermediate-Low Listening and Speaking     0 Units

Students will learn listening skills, such as distinguishing main ideas from details, and speaking skills, such as restating main ideas, asking questions, and exchanging information. This class is a non-credit academic intermediate-low listening and speaking skills course for non-native speakers of English.


Lecture Hours: 4  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Recommended: Completion of higher level Adult Education ESL courses

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 532     Intermediate-Low Reading and Writing     0 Units

Students will learn writing techniques and grammar for composing sentences and short paragraphs. Students also study reading and vocabulary skills and strategies for the literal and critical comprehension of intermediate level ESL texts. This class is a non-credit academic intermediate-low reading and writing skills course for non-native speakers of English.


Lecture Hours: 6  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Recommended: Completion of higher level Adult Education ESL courses

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 541     Grammar for Writers 1     0 Units

ESL students will study English grammar and syntactic structure at the intermediate level of language proficiency. Students will acquire skills in the use of grammar structures such as verb phrases, noun phrases, modification structures, and various sentence structures to make meaningful context and express meaning appropriately and accurately in oral and written discourse. Concurrent enrollment in ESL 322 or ESL 522 and ESL 508 is strongly recommended.


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Recommended: It is strongly recommended that the student has completed higher levels of Adult Education ESL courses or is at the low-intermediate level of proficiency in ESL.

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 542     Grammar for Writers 2     0 Units

Students will study English grammar and syntactic structure at the low-advanced level of proficiency. Students will explore the use of these structures in varying discourse contexts and for varied rhetorical purposes. Focus will be on expanding awareness and use of grammar and syntactic structures to express meaning accurately in oral and written discourse. Students will refine editing and revision skills.


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Recommended: It is strongly recommended that the student has completed ESL 541, or ESL 322, or has an ESL proficiency level of intermediate-high level.

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ESL 550     ESL for the Workplace     0 Units

Students will study listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for a variety of tasks associated with workplaces. Vocabulary used in this course may be specifically geared towards the particular workplace area this course is offered for.


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Recommended: Completion of higher level Adult Education ESL courses or ESL 532 or Low-intermediate English language proficiency.

Advisory Level: Read: None Write: None Math: None

Transfer Status: None     Degree Applicable: NC

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None