Catalog 2016-2017 - Online and On-ground 8-week Program Catalog 
    
    Dec 04, 2024  
Catalog 2016-2017 - Online and On-ground 8-week Program Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Certificate in English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL)


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The School of Education TESOL department offers a comprehensive English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program for non-native speakers of English who intend to obtain an academic degree at Alliant. The ESOL program is housed in the International Language Education Center (ILEC) on the San Diego campus.

Goals and Objectives


The objective of the ESOL program is to help students reach their academic and professional goals through the development of English competency. Students develop the English ability that is necessary for the successful completion of university undergraduate and graduate course work. The courses in the ESOL program have been designed to develop academic English language skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking,

The length of study in the program varies according to the student’s entrance level, with most students completing the English program within one year. Each competency level requires two consecutive 8-week terms of intensive study. 

Specialized Admissions Requirements


All students in the Alliant ESOL program take the International English Proficiency Test (IEPT) prior to the start of their ESOL classes.

The English Proficiency Test (EPT)


The IEPT is an admissions requirement for all international students who do not meet the TOEFL, IELTS, or other accepted standardized English exam requirement listed for their specific academic program. The IEPT exam is taken prior to first-time registration and is offered on the San Diego campus during the orientation period each semester. The International English Proficiency Test measures a student’s abilities in reading, grammar, writing, listening and speaking skills. Each skill is evaluated separately; overall proficiency is also determined.

Based on IEPT results, students will be

  1. assigned to the appropriate  ESL courses, or
  2. assigned to the highest level of ESL courses in conjunction with degree work, or
  3. allowed to begin their degree program immediately with no English study required. Please refer to the international admissions requirements for further information on the English proficiency policy.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements


The ESOL curriculum consists of courses at three proficiency levels. A full-time ESOL course load is 12 units per 8-week terms. A student at the highest proficiency level may take a combination of ESL and academic classes as part of the Alliant Pathways program. ESL course units do not apply toward a student’s academic degree requirements. However, ESOL course units satisfy visa requirements and are listed on student transcript.

Each proficiency level of ESOL courses are two consecutive 8-week terms in length. Students must pass the final exam of the “B” section in order to advance to the next level.

Curriculum Plan


Courses are 1.5 units unless otherwise indicated.

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