ESOL Offered Courses

ESOL 090 - English Communicative Skills I (Fall only) 
2 credits

This course is designed for non-native speakers of English who have some foundational knowledge of English. The course aims to help improve daily communication in English and build familiarity with English semantics, structures, and new vocabulary. The content of the course focuses on foundational grammar skills with an in-class review of short reading passages, short writing assignments, and verbal communicative practice.

ESOL 092 - English Communicative Skills II (Spring only) 
2 credits 

This course builds on the English language skills explored in English Communicative Skills I (090) and is designed for non-native English speakers with developing knowledge of English. The course aims to help improve daily communication in English and expand familiarity with English semantics, structures, and new vocabulary. The content of the course focuses on foundational grammar skills with an in-class review of short reading passages, short writing assignments, and verbal communicative practice.

ESOL 104 - Music and Academic Vocabulary I (Fall only) 
2 credits

This course is designed for non-native speakers of English  looking to enhance and practice  music and academic vocabulary. The course focuses on reading and discussion skills of  vocabulary from music theory, musicology, and academic language. The course also explores  the morphology of academic vocabulary and Greek and Latin roots. 

ESOL 105 - Music and Academic Vocabulary II (Spring only) 
2 credits 

This course is the second part in a sequence for non-native speakers of English looking to advance their command and usage of music and academic vocabulary. The course focuses on listening and academic discussion of vocabulary from music theory, musicology, and academic language. The course also explores morphology of academic vocabulary, and  Greek and Latin roots. Prerequisite(s): None.

ESOL 110 - English for Speakers of Other Languages Level 1: Reading, Writing, and Grammar
4 credits

This course is designed for new students who are non-native speakers of English and whose experience with academic English is limited. The course focuses on fundamental reading skills, essential aspects  of multi-paragraph writing, and English semantics and grammatical structures. Enrollment is based on scores from a verified English Proficiency Exam.  A letter grade of C- or better is required to pass the course. Prerequisite(s): None. Corequisite: ESOL 115.

ESOL 115 - English for Speakers of Other Languages: Speaking, Listening, and Culture
4 credits 

This course is designed to be taken concurrently with other levels of ESOL. The course focuses on scaffolded academic discussion, public speaking practice, and listening and note-taking skills.
Prerequisite(s): None. Corequisite: ESOL 110 or ESOL 120 or ESOL 130.

ESOL 120 - English for Speakers of Other Languages Level 2
4 credits

This course is designed to build upon skills developed in ESOL 110. The course focuses on fundamental academic writing genres, academic reading and discussion skills, listening and note-taking in the academic classroom, and complex semantics and grammar structures. Placement is based on scores from a verified English Proficiency Examination or successful completion of ESOL 110. A letter grade of C- or better is required to pass the course. Prerequisite(s): ESOL 110.

ESOL 130 - English for Speakers of Other Languages Level 3
4 credits 

This  course is designed to build upon skills developed in ESOL 120. The course focuses on complex academic writing genres, enhanced academic reading and discussion skills, enhanced listening and note-taking in the academic classroom, and advanced semantics and grammar structures. Placement is based on scores from a verified English Proficiency Examination or successful completion of ESOL 120. A letter grade of C- or better is required to pass the course. Prerequisite(s): ESOL 120.

ESOL 140 - Expository Writing for English Speakers of Other Languages
4 credits 

This course is designed for students who had limited exposure to academic English prior to enrolling at Oberlin College and Conservatory. The course focuses on exploring American academic conventions by learning to observe the influence of rhetorical structures, reading critically, constructing and supporting an argument, and exploring and developing research skills. Assignments are designed to involve academic reading, writing, and research that will serve students during their education at Oberlin College and Conservatory and in their professional lives. This class will meet as a writing community in which students read and discuss their work and the work of classmates. Placement based on scores from a verified English Proficiency Examination,successful completion of ESOL 130, or instructor’s consent. Prerequisite(s): ESOL 130.

ESOL 190 - Advanced Academic English (Fall only) 
2 credits

This first-module course is designed specifically for Arts and Sciences students with an advanced command of English (suggested TOEFL 100+) who have not used English in academic contexts or have not used English in an academic environment for some time. The course will focus on supporting academic listening and note-taking, public speaking, academic discussion, and reading and research skills.

ESOL 401 - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
2 credits

This course is designed to prepare participants for lesson design and instructional support for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) with a focus on English for Special Purposes (ESP), including Music, Academics, and STEAM. This course is for individuals looking to learn more about TESOL and to prepare for teaching assistantships or experiences to teach abroad. It is not designed for teacher endorsement or licensure.