Office of International Services
English as a Second Language
Program Director: Timothy Bonner
Credit Instruction: English as a Second Language (ESL) credit courses are offered to both undergraduates and graduates who wish to increase English proficiency in the areas of writing, reading, speaking, and presentation skills. All credit courses are at an advanced level of English study. For undergraduates, English 3 and 5 are designed to supplement English department required courses, English 1 and 2. Undergraduates can also take English 15 for credit (see description below). Graduate students should contact their departments regarding acceptance of credit towards residency requirements. ESL credit courses are open to regularly enrolled students or General College Division students with placement or permission by ESL Director.
StepUp Intensive English Program. A non-credit intensive ESL program called StepUp is offered to intermediate to advanced ESL students who wish to study university/academic English in a challenging environment. This program is open to the general public. Contact the ESL program for information and a brochure or refer to our website, www.lehigh.edu/~inesl.
International English Language Center (IELC). For ESL students who want to improve their ability to use and comprehend English on-campus and off-campus in formal and informal settings.
The ESL International English Language Center provides private English language tutoring for undergraduate and graduate international students and their spouses wanting to improve their speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar, and test preparation for the SPEAK, TOPSS, TOEFL, GRE and GMAT.
The ESL Language Center is located in the ESL Department Office in Coxe Hall, Room 205. Contact the ESL office for more information: (610) 758-6099 or email inesl@lehigh.edu. Also, please visit our website for online English assistance and information www.lehigh.edu/~inesl
English Testing for Teaching Assistants. New Teaching Assistants must take the SPEAK test (or new TOPSS) prior to the beginning of their teaching semester (A TSE score of 55-60 is acceptable; however, please note that the TSE was discontinued as of March 31, 2010. TSE scores are valid for two years from the test date). Students who do not pass the SPEAK/TOPSS are not eligible for a TA position. Contact the ESL Office for an appointment upon arrival to campus. Refer to our website for additional information.
The Freshman Composition Requirement. The courses English 3 and English 5 (Composition and Literature for International Writers I and II,) may be applied towards the composition requirement for undergraduates. See the English department course listings for additional information.
ESL Teacher Training. In conjunction with the English Department, ESL offers English 310 (Introduction to Theories and Methods of ESL Instruction) and English 314 (ESL Teaching Practicum). See the Department course listings for descriptions. (These teaching courses can also be taken for graduate credit as part of the TESOL certificate in the College of Education.) For more information about English as a Second Language at Lehigh, refer to our web site at www.lehigh.edu/~inesl.
ESLP 1 ESL Academic Writing and Grammar (1)
Instruction in understanding and using advanced English sentence structures in writing. Advanced academic vocabulary and grammar development to improve writing sophistication and accuracy. Required for graduate students who do not achieve a sufficient score on the Lehigh ESL Writing Sample and/or for students needing additional writing proficiency. 4 hours per week.
Courses:
ESLP 1 ESL Academic Writing and Grammar (1)
This class focuses on the use of advanced academic English vocabulary and grammatical structures within graduate academic writing in order to improve graduate students’ written sophistication and accuracy. The class also uses guided reading instruction of field-specific articles to improve graduate students’ written analysis and critique of academic writing. Required for graduate students who do not achieve a sufficient score on the iBT TOEFL writing and/or reading sections, or for students needing to improve their general writing, reading, and grammar proficiency for writing in their academic programs. 4 hours per week.
ESLP 2 ESL Academic Writing and Reading (1)
Equivalent course to ESLP 1 - See ESLP 1 course description above. 4 hours per week.
ESLP 3 ESL Clear Speech and Conversation (1)
This class focuses on conversational English, colloquial language and idioms, pronunciation, and general accent reduction for graduate students. Students will engage in daily class discussions and vocabulary learning, as these skills pertain to the improvement of intercultural communication in formal and informal academic settings. The class includes daily instruction in the rules of speaking with an American accent and some practice in listening skills for academic settings. Required for graduate students who do not achieve a sufficient score on the iBT TOEFL speaking and/or listening sections, or for graduate students needing general speaking and listening improvement for everyday life at Lehigh. 4 hours per week.
ESLP 4 ESL Academic Speaking (1)
This course for international graduate students focuses on conversational English, colloquial language and idioms, academic speaking, and listening skills as they pertain to the types of communication that are required for academic discussions and general conversations inside and outside of the classroom. The class includes daily instruction in the rules of speaking with an American accent and some practice in listening skills and presentation skills for academic settings. Required for graduate students who do not achieve a sufficient score on the iBT TOEFL speaking and/or listening sections, or for graduate students needing general speaking and listening improvement for everyday life at Lehigh. 4 hours per week.
ESLP 11 ESL Technical Writing and Composition (1)
Formal composition and technical writing including general technical vocabulary, technical sentence structure, and research skills for the advanced ESL student. Prerequisite: successful completion of ESLP 1 or 2 (ESL Academic Writing and Reading) or ENGL 5, or with permission of ESL Director. 4 hours per week.
ESLP 12 ESL Advanced Speech and Presentation Skills (1)
Development of advanced speaking skills and presentation techniques through a study of formal spoken rhetoric, accent improvement, and presentation skills. For the undergraduate or graduate student seeking formal speech skills and/or for teaching assistants. Prerequisite: successful completion of ESLP 3 or 4, or SPEAK score 200+, or permission of ESL Director. 4 hours per week.
ENGL 3. Composition and Literature I for International Writers (3) fall
Students improve both their advanced academic written English and academic writing style through a process of reading fiction and non-fiction and by writing well-organized, coherent essays for academics. Author citation, style, and written fluency and accuracy are addressed within students’ writing. Enrollment is limited to nonnative speakers; prior academic writing history, English placement testing, and/or ESL director’s recommendation determines placement.
ENGL 5. Composition and Literature II for International Writers (3) spring
Continuation of English 3. Students practice more advanced methods and modes of writing for academics, including writing and reading for their specific field of study. Students continue to work on advanced written fluency and accuracy of idiomatic language and expression and are taught advanced methods of author citation and source integration. Pre-requisite: ENGL 003
ENGL 15. Speech Communication for Intl. Speakers (1) fall, spring
Spoken English improvement through practice of American English in “real contexts.” This course is for first or second year undergrads who have advanced English skills, but who need to improve their advanced communication and idiomatic language skills for the advanced speaking contexts of the American university classroom and campus. Advanced Spoken English accent improvement and academic presentations skills are also practiced as needed.
ENGL 310. Principles and Practices of Teaching English as a Second Language (4)
An introduction to teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) including the theory and principles of second language acquisition, ESL approaches/methods, materials, and assessment. With sufficient effort, students will learn to plan and teach an ESL/EFL class in the four areas of Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening, choose appropriate materials for varying age and proficiency levels, and most importantly, have a concrete approach to teaching ESL/EFL. Required meetings with at least one English Language Learner (ELL) and ESL classroom observation hours that can be completed at Lehigh or in the local public school ESL classes. Course restricted to upperclass and graduate students. (HU)
ENGL 314. Teaching English as a Second Language: A Practicum (3)
Companion course to English 310 (Principles and Approaches of English as a Second Language). This course will include class meetings that focus on guided discussions of the practical application of principles and practices of ESL pedagogy in a real-world environment. Supervised ESL classroom student teaching required. Prerequisite: English 310. Course restricted to upperclass and graduate students. (HU). (Can also be taken during China Teach Abroad Program).
English as a Second Language
Timothy Bonner, Director
205 Coxe Hall (32 Sayre Drive)
Bethlehem, PA, 18015, (610) 758-6099
The English as a Second Language Program (ESL) offers academic semester and summer courses for undergraduate and graduate students and their families. In addition, academic support is provided for ESL students through the IELC Language Center, conversation groups, and language enrichment courses.
English Department Credit Courses. After reviewing placement test results, undergraduates may be required to take English 3 and English 5 (Composition and Literature for International Writers I and II) in substitution for required English 1 and 2 or English 15 (Speech Communication for Intl. Speakers). Native English speaking or near native-speaking upperclass and graduate students who are interested in the ESL field as a career can get an introduction to teaching ESL/EFL in English 310 and English 314. (Refer to the English department course offerings.)
ESL Program Credit Courses. Both undergraduate and graduate students may select from a variety of supplemental ESL credit courses in conversation, listening, accent reduction, reading, and writing offered throughout the year. (Refer to the English as a Second Language course offerings.)
StepUp Intensive English Non-credit Program. The StepUp Program provides an intensive academic English experience for both enrolled Lehigh students and for other students preparing to enter a U.S. university or who need professional English skills for the workplace. StepUp enhances English skills in academic reading and writing and formal academic language, and provides an orientation to American university culture. For more information, view our website at www.lehigh.edu/~inesl/StepUp
International English Language Center (IELC). The Language Center offers English language study through the use of interactive ESL software and private tutoring. Call the ESL Office or view the IELC program on our website.
Freshman Courses
ENGL 3. Composition and Literature I for International Writers (3) fall
Students improve both their advanced academic written English and academic writing style through a process of reading fiction and non-fiction and by writing well-organized, coherent essays for academics. Author citation, style, and written fluency and accuracy are addressed within students’ writing. Enrollment is limited to nonnative speakers; prior academic writing history, English placement testing, and/or ESL director’s recommendation determines placement.
ENGL 5. Composition and Literature II for International Writers (3) spring
Continuation of English 3. Students practice more advanced methods and modes of writing for academics, including writing and reading for their specific field of study. Students continue to work on advanced written fluency and accuracy of idiomatic language and expression and are taught advanced methods of author citation and source integration. Pre-requisite: ENGL 003
ENGL 015. Speech Communication for Intl. Speakers (1) fall, spring
Spoken English improvement through practice of American English in “real contexts.” This course is for first or second year undergrads who have advanced English skills, but who need to improve their advanced communication and idiomatic language skills for the advanced speaking contexts of the American university classroom and campus. Advanced Spoken English accent improvement and academic presentations skills are also practiced as needed.
Undergraduate Courses
ENGL 310. Principles and Practices of Teaching English as a Second Language (4)
An introduction to teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) including the theory and principles of second language acquisition, ESL approaches/methods, materials, and assessment. With sufficient effort, students will learn to plan and teach an ESL/EFL class in the four areas of Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening, choose appropriate materials for varying age and proficiency levels, and most importantly, have a concrete approach to teaching ESL/EFL. Required meetings with at least one English Language Learner (ELL) and ESL classroom observation hours that can be completed at Lehigh or in the local public school ESL classes. Course restricted to upperclass and graduate students. (HU)
ENGL 314. Teaching English as a Second Language: A Practicum (3)
Companion course to English 310 (Principles and Approaches of English as a Second Language). This course will include class meetings that focus on guided discussions of the practical application of principles and practices of ESL pedagogy in a real-world environment. Supervised ESL classroom student teaching required. Prerequisite: English 310. Course restricted to upperclass and graduate students. (HU). (Can also be taken during China Teach Abroad Program).