English as a Second Language

A short-term ESL multi-skills course offered to incoming and continuing students as preparation for full-term ESL courses and the placement process.

Systematic practice in American English sounds and speech for improved reading and oral communication, especially listening and pronunciation. Recommended for ESL 182 and 184 students.

Intensive work on academic skills and strategies in the areas of listening in mainstream classroom lectures, reading of a variety of text types in different academic content areas, and note-taking and test-taking.

Practice in interpreting documents, professional and academic applications and other written instructions, and composing a variety of writings, including those required to apply for admissions, scholarships, internships and employment opportunities, to take advantage of opportunities and funding, and to problem solve and engage effectively in civic life.

Improvement in standard American English pronunciation with emphasis on accent
reduction, by improving overall clarity, voice quality, and physical presentation.
Recommended for ESL 140, 150, 160 students with pronunciation problems.

Support for non-native speakers of English; intermediate grammar for texts which are lightly adapted for ESL and composition; editing/proofreading skills to improve quality and accuracy of written pre-college work at the intermediate level.

The first short support course in a series of three for non-native speakers of English. Intermediate grammar with a focus on sentence parts and basic sentence structures. Editing/proofreading skills to improve quality and accuracy of pre-college written work at an intermediate level.

The second short support course in a series of three for non-native speakers of English. Intermediate grammar with a focus on complexity in basic sentence structures. Editing/proofreading skills to improve quality and accuracy of pre-college written work at an intermediate level.

The third short support course in a series of three for non-native speakers of English. Intermediate grammar with a focus on connecting ideas in complex sentence structures. Editing/proofreading skills to improve quality and accuracy of pre-college written work at an intermediate level.

Practice in effective communication in academic situations through the use of individual and group presentations, oral reports and summaries, debates, and discussions, in conjunction with pronunciation practice.

Support for non-native speakers of English; advanced grammar for high level texts and composition; editing/proofreading skills to improve quality and accuracy of written pre-college work at the advanced level. Meets requirements for the Certificate of Accomplishment in Advanced Academic English as a Second Language.

The first short support course in a series of three for non-native speakers of English. Advanced English grammar with a focus on complexity and accuracy in verb structures. Editing/proofreading skills to improve quality and accuracy of pre-college written work at an advanced level.

The second short support course in a series three for non-native speakers of English. Advanced grammar with a focus on sentence complexity and connecting ideas. Editing/proofreading skills to improve quality and accuracy of pre-college written work at an advanced level.

The third short support courses for non-native speakers of English. Advanced grammar with a focus on sentence variety and complexity. Editing/proofreading skills to improve quality and accuracy of pre-college written work at an advanced level.

Support for non-native speakers of English. High-advanced grammar for college and other authentic texts and composition. Editing/proofreading skills to improve quality and accuracy of written college work at the advanced level.

The first of three short support courses for non-native speakers of English with a focus on the foundational elements of high advanced grammar, including noun and adjective phrases and clauses, working with the complex and often irregular grammar of authentic texts and composition. Editing and proofreading skills to improve quality and accuracy in written college level work.

The second of three short support courses for non-native speakers of English with a focus on the complex and often irregular English verb system found in authentic college level texts and composition. Editing and proofreading skills to improve quality and accuracy in written college level work.

The third of three short support courses for non-native speakers of English addressing grammar via the meaning and cultural conventions of the complex and often irregular English found in authentic college level texts and composition. Editing and proofreading skills to improve quality and accuracy in written college level work.

Pre-academic listening and speaking skills and strategies. Oral communication activities and oral presentations with vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to the low-intermediate level.

Intermediate academic listening and speaking skills and strategies. Oral communication activities and oral presentations with vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to the intermediate level.

High intermediate academic listening and speaking skills and strategies. Oral communication activities, oral presentations and listening competency with vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to the high-intermediate level.

Training and practice in intermediate reading and writing, with emphasis on language structure and vocabulary development for non-native speakers of English. Practice in reading passages from informational and literary texts to support written work. Practice in a variety of writing tasks. Intermediate language skills integrated on the basis of academic tasks and content.

Training and practice in high intermediate reading and writing, with emphasis on language structure and vocabulary development for non-native speakers of English. Practice in reading passages from a variety of academic genres used to support written work. Practice in a variety of writing tasks at the high intermediate level. High intermediate language skills integrated on the basis of academic tasks and content.

Training and practice in advanced academic reading and writing, with emphasis on language structure and vocabulary development for non-native speakers of English. Practice in reading multiple academic texts, synthesizing ideas, and developing and revising text-based assignments at the pre-collegiate level. Advanced language skills integrated on the basis of academic tasks and content.

Pre-collegiate training and practice in critical reading and analytical writing, with emphasis on language structure and vocabulary development for non-native speakers of English. Research, synthesis, and documentation skills. High-advanced language skills integrated on the basis of academic tasks and content.

This course takes place in the Center for Language and Academic Development (CLAD), trains and supports students in identifying and choosing appropriate skill building activities, and offers direct instruction on the oral production, aural comprehension, pronunciation, reading, and writing of academic English.

Preparation for credit ESL courses. Training and practice in beginning academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with emphasis on language structure and vocabulary development for non-native speakers of English. Practice in reading informational and literary texts, and writing paragraphs and summaries. Language skills integrated on the basis of academic tasks and content.

Introduction to computers for intermediate level ESL students. Overview of English terminology used in computer and digital applications: word processing software, the Internet, email, spreadsheets, presentations, and digital platforms. ESL reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are developed through a variety of projects and interactive work.

Reinforcement of beginning low English language skills through introduction to computer keyboarding with materials and lessons adapted for ESL students. Development of keyboarding skills for speed and accuracy.

A brief introduction to computers for intermediate level ESL students. Overview of English terminology used in common computer software and applications. Word processing software and digital platforms to explore the Internet, email, spreadsheets, and presentations. ESL reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are developed through projects and interactive work.

Reinforcement of English language skills through introduction to computer keyboarding with materials and lessons especially adapted for ESL students. Development of keyboarding skills for speed and accuracy.

Preparation for the U.S. Citizenship test for low beginning English students. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills are taught to prepare for the test questions on U.S. history, government, and the Constitution given by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

Preparation for the U.S. Citizenship test given by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Beginning speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills for Beginning English 1-4 level students to prepare for citizenship test questions on U.S. history, U.S. government, and the Constitution.

Preparation for the U.S. Citizenship test given by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service or ESL Levels 1-4 students. Accurate responses to test questions, both oral and simple written responses are emphasized for Beginning ESL level students.

Readings from a variety of sources on current events and issues followed by discussions to increase awareness of local, state, national and international issues. Development of reading, vocabulary, listening and speaking skills. Emphasis on evaluation and interpretation of materials.

Intermediate level ESL listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are expanded and developed through communicative activities and individual or group computer projects. Instruction includes computer terminology and development and application of computer skills to a variety of projects.

Development of speaking, listening, reading, writing, and basic computer skills through the use of language learning software and online ESL resources. Designed to meet the needs of ESL students at various levels.

Low beginning reading skills development. Comprehension of simple print materials on familiar topics. Beginning vocabulary development.

Low beginning writing skills development. Basic sentence construction and form completion. Basic written communication for use in everyday life.

Basic pronunciation skills through understanding of English sounds. Rhythm, stress, and intonation are introduced.

High beginning reading skills development. Comprehension of adapted written materials on familiar topics. Beginning vocabulary and word analysis skills.

High beginning writing skill development. Paragraphs on familiar topics and basic personal and practical correspondence. Basic editing skills.

Low intermediate reading skill development. Comprehension and analysis of a variety of adapted and authentic written English materials. Expansion of word analysis skills.

Low intermediate writing skill development. Strategies for writing clear, structured multi-paragraph texts and correspondence addressing a variety of purposes.

Pronunciation skills for improved oral communication. Review of formation and production of English sounds. Rhythm, stress, and intonation in intermediate level conversations.

High intermediate reading skill development. Comprehension and response to authentic written informational and narrative texts. Vocabulary skills development.

High intermediate writing focus course. Strategies for writing clear, complex multi-paragraph texts and correspondence addressing a variety of purposes.

Low beginning level English as a Second Language (ESL) listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are developed through computer-assisted ESL language learning activities in a computer lab. Introduction to basic computer vocabulary and technologies for ESL learning.

High beginning level English as a Second Language (ESL) listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are developed in an interactive computer lab. Introduction to basic computer terminology and visual and digital media tools and technologies for ESL learning. Includes short in-class project.

Intermediate level English as a Second Language (ESL) listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are developed in an interactive computer lab. Introduction to basic computer terminology and visual and digital media tools and technologies for ESL learning. Short in-class group projects.

Low beginning speaking and listening skills. Participation in short conversations in routine social situations to communicate basic needs.

High beginning speaking and listening skills. Participation in simple conversations about common topics in routine social situations.

Low intermediate speaking and listening skills. Participation in conversations and discussions on familiar and some unfamiliar topics.

High intermediate speaking and listening skills. Participation in discussions and extended conversations on a variety of current topics.

Intermediate level English as a Second Language (ESL) listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are expanded through group interactive computer lab projects in an abridged course. Exposure to computer vocabulary and skills.

Short conversations about familiar topics in familiar contexts focusing on low beginning speaking and listening.

High beginning speaking and listening focus course. Comprehension of important points and details in spoken English. Basic conversations on a variety of topics.

Low intermediate speaking and listening focus course. Comprehension of main ideas and details of spoken English in familiar and some unfamiliar contexts. Participation in conversations and discussions. Introduction to oral presentations.

High intermediate speaking and listening focus course. Comprehension of essential points and details of spoken English. Extended conversations and discussions on a variety of topics. Oral presentation skills.

Orientation to the classroom and development of ESL literacy skills. Emphasis on oral English for survival and development of pre-reading and pre-writing skills.

Orientation to classroom procedures, and development of ESL literacy listening and speaking skills and pre-reading and pre-writing skills.

Beginning Low 1 language skills. Language for daily life and limited participation in basic social exchanges. Aural, oral, and reading readiness are stressed. Basic writing skills are introduced.

Low beginning 1 language skills. A short course of speaking, listening, reading, and writing English in limited familiar contexts.

Beginning low language skills. Language for daily needs and participation in basic social conversations. Aural, oral, and reading skills development are emphasized. Simple writing is introduced.

Beginning level English skills for students with varying English language proficiencies for school, work and basic needs. Development of listening, speaking and reading skills. Production of sentences and brief paragraphs.

Low beginning accelerated course. Basic language skills, including frequently used vocabulary and low beginning grammar. Introductory listening comprehension, oral communication, reading, and writing skills.

Beginning Low 2 language skills. Language for daily needs and participation in basic common social conversations. Aural, oral, and reading development are emphasized. Simple writing is introduced.

Low beginning 2 language skills. A short course of speaking, listening, reading, and writing English in familiar contexts.

Beginning High 3 language skills. Comprehension of spoken English in familiar contexts. Communication about basic needs and routine activities in basic conversations in common social situations. Comprehension of simplified reading texts. Sentence writing and introduction to short, simple paragraphs.

High beginning 3 language skills. A short course of speaking, listening, reading, and writing English in familiar contexts.

High beginning level English skills for school, work and basic needs. Development of listening, speaking and reading skills. Production of sentences and brief paragraphs.

High beginning accelerated course. High beginning language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, listening comprehension, oral communication, reading, and writing skills in familiar contexts.

Beginning High 4 language skills. Spoken English in familiar contexts, communication about basic needs and common activities, and conversations in routine social situations. Comprehension of simplified reading texts. Sentence development to write loosely organized paragraphs.

High beginning 4 English language skills. A short course of speaking, listening, reading, and writing English in a variety of familiar contexts.

Intermediate low 5 language skills. Participation in extended conversations on familiar topics. Comprehension of authentic or adapted narratives and descriptive passages. Development of short, clearly organized paragraphs.

Low intermediate accelerated course. Intermediate language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, listening comprehension, oral communication, reading, and writing skills in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

Low intermediate language skills. Extended conversations on familiar and new topics. Development of reading and word analysis skills. Production of organized paragraphs.

Intermediate level English skills for students with varying English language proficiencies for education, employment and social settings. Expansion of listening, speaking, and reading skills. Production of organized paragraphs and multi-paragraph texts.

Intermediate Low 6 language skills. Participation in extended conversations on some unfamiliar topics. Comprehension of short reading passages and vocabulary development. Development of clearly organized paragraphs.

High Intermediate 7 language skills. Extended conversations, and discussions and/or lectures. Comprehension of authentic reading material including main ideas, simple inferences and vocabulary from context. Development of organized and connected written paragraphs.

Intermediate-high language skills. Conversations, discussions, lectures and readings of increasing length and complexity. Increased fluency and grammatical accuracy in both speaking and writing. Analysis of main ideas, inference, and vocabulary in authentic written and spoken texts. Practice to increase fluency and grammatical accuracy in speaking and writing paragraphs and short compositions.

High Intermediate 8 language skills. Extended conversations, discussions, and lectures in special fields of interest. Comprehension of authentic reading material on a variety of topics including main ideas, inferences, vocabulary from context, and conclusions. Development of unified and cohesive written compositions.

Advanced low 9 language skills. Extended conversations and discussions on a variety of topics based on authentic listening and reading material. Development of sentence-combining skills and unified, cohesive written texts.

Short literacy course. Development of ESL literacy listening and speaking skills for basic needs and introduction to pre-reading and pre-writing skills.

Intermediate English to develop communication strategies and cultural knowledge for successful interaction in the workplace.

Communicative language required for general clerical work. Terminology related to office procedures, forms, filing, and telephone training is emphasized. Language for job search and job retention is included.

Development of high beginning ESL written and oral communication skills for employment in the restaurant industry. English terminology for cooking utensils, supplies, common tasks, and safety in restaurants.

Development of intermediate ESL conversational strategies for appropriate interactions at work and in a variety of social situations in the United States. Discussions about U.S. workplace culture.

Development of written and oral English skills that support a successful job search for non-native English speaking students. Emphasis is on the language required to use online job search tools, create resumes and cover letters, and interview.

Development of high beginning ESL oral communication skills and vocabulary for seeking employment in the U.S. workplace.

Development of high beginning ESL written and oral communication skills for seeking employment in the U.S. workplace.

High beginning ESL to develop communication strategies for successful interaction in the hospitality industry.

Communicative language skills, computer vocabulary and terminology used in the automated office environment. Computer applications for documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Additional focus will be on language development necessary for following procedures, problem-solving, and responding to computer messages.

Development of high intermediate English language skills necessary for healthcare workers. Study of and pronunciation of basic medical terms. Social and cultural skills necessary for successful interaction in healthcare surroundings.

Development of high beginning ESL oral communication skills for employment in the construction industry. English terminology for job duties and responsibilities, tools, equipment, materials, measurement, and safety.

Development of beginning level ESL communication skills for employment in the customer service industry.

Designed for health care professionals with high intermediate English language proficiency. Integrated language skills for career options and requirements in health care, patient-centered communication techniques, interaction patterns among health co-workers, assertive communication, and health care systems and traditions. Prepares students for CCSF health care programs.

Designed for health care professionals with high intermediate English language proficiency. Integrated language skills for job search documents and interviews, interaction patterns on health care teams, discussion of treatment options with patients and alternative health perspectives, and communication strategies among culturally diverse patients and health workers. Prepares students for CCSF health care programs.

Designed for health care professionals with high intermediate English language proficiency. Develop integrated language skills for professional communication including reporting safety issues, communicating with special-needs patients, resolving conflict with co-workers, understanding legal and ethical issues, and researching racial and cultural health disparities in health care settings. Prepares students for CCSF health care programs.

Development of high beginning ESL oral communication skills for employment in the custodial industry. English terminology for job duties and responsibilities, tools, equipment, measurement, chemicals, and safety. Job search skills are included.

High beginning English to develop communication strategies for successful interaction in the workplace.

Beginning level English to develop basic workplace skills and become a successful employee, including U.S. culture, health and safety, basic rights, and effective communication.