Minor in English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language
Contact Us

About

In the English as a Second Language minor, you’ll study language acquisition and teaching methods. You’ll also choose from several education electives.

For more information, contact Renee Kenney at reneek@ewu.edu

Curriculum & Requirements

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

English as a Second Language Minor

This minor satisfies the endorsement for preschool to grade 12.

The Teaching of English as a Second Language (TESL) program prepares students to teach those who are learning English as a second or foreign language in a variety of contexts including preschool through 12th grade, adult education and overseas situations. Students are prepared through the exploration of linguistics, second language acquisition, literacy and culture. An understanding of methods and assessment is built upon this theoretical basis. The program includes academic service learning opportunities with Spokane-area English language programs, including a series of practicum experiences which build throughout the coursework. The program can be completed in one academic year or can be taken over multiple years with scheduling guidance from the coordinator.

The minor meets the requirements for the Washington State English language learner (ELL) endorsement to add to a P–12 teaching certificate. Students seeking this minor endorsement should take ESLG 471, which prepares students to teach ELLs in the content areas. Those preparing to teach in other contexts should take ESLG 472, which prepares students to teach English for occupations.

Required Foundational–complete the following (may be taken in any order)
ENGL 360LANGUAGE STRUCTURE AND USE5
ESLG 480SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION4
ESLG 481METHODS AND MATERIALS IN ENGLISH AS A SECOND OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE4
ESLG 488SECOND LANGUAGE PRINT LITERACY THEORIES3
ESLG 489CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY IN THE CLASSROOM4
ESLG 492SECOND LANGUAGE LITERACY PLACEMENT AND ASSESSMENT3
Required Elective–choose one of the following
Note: EDUC majors seeking a State of Washington ESOL Endorsement should choose ESLG 471.
ESLG 471TEACHING ENGLISH ACROSS THE DISCIPLINES3
or ESLG 472 TEACHING ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES
Required Practicum6
Note: the 1–3 variable credit practicum must be repeated for three quarters (1, 2, 3 credits) for a total of 6 credits.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PRACTICUM
Total Credits32

Sample Courses

ESLG 480. SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION. 4 Credits.

Pre-requisites: ENGL 360 or permission of instructor.
This course briefly reviews the various linguistic systems and their importance in language learning. Acquisition theories are introduced. The developmental process of interlanguage and the factors that impact effective language learning are covered. This course includes practical understanding of how SLA theories relate to instructional choices.

Catalog Listing

ESLG 481. METHODS AND MATERIALS IN ENGLISH AS A SECOND OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE. 4 Credits.

Pre-requisites: ESLG 480 or permission of the instructor.
This course provides an overview of the current major concepts shaping the choice of language teaching methods. This course covers the following elements: teaching language within content areas such as math, science and social studies; developing individual language skills as well as integrating them; and, choosing, developing and using materials effectively to support the language learning process.

Catalog Listing

ESLG 489. CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY IN THE CLASSROOM. 4 Credits.

This course provides an introduction to the various cultural and linguistic backgrounds in the region. It covers the impact of background cultures on the interactions that occur and expectations that exist in school environments. It also provides an understanding of the role of culture in developing theories about what it means 'to read'.

Catalog Listing

ESLG 471. TEACHING ENGLISH ACROSS THE DISCIPLINES. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: junior standing.
This course prepares students to teach English Language Learners in U.S. P-12 classrooms with the theory, tools and strategies needed to plan and implement effective instruction that takes into account the language of the discipline area. Students will focus on two areas (Language Arts, Social Studies, Sciences, and Math) exploring with educational linguistics.

Catalog Listing