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Course Syllabus

ESL 0270 Level 1 Oral Communication

  • Division: Humanities
  • Department: Languages & Linguistics
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 5; Lab: 0
  • Prerequisites: Placement in ESL 0270 through the department.
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2026
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2030
  • End Semester: Fall 2031
  • Optimum Class Size: 10
  • Maximum Class Size: 20

Course Description

This course is designed to develop novice ESL students' "Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills" and "Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency." The course focuses on functions and tasks, accuracy, context, content, and text. Students will be able to acquire CEFR Basic (A1-A2 level) vocabulary. This course is cross-listed with CED 0270 (Level 1 Oral Communication – Continuing Education).

Justification

The ESL Department at Snow College provides a four-level oral communication sequence designed to prepare non-native speakers of English for academic coursework. ESL 0270 serves as the foundation course in this sequence. The course develops both BICS and CALP focusing on vocabulary development and practice. It offers essential instruction in English speaking fluency and accuracy through discussions on everyday topics. Students are prepared to move towards academic skills development in the beginning high level of proficiency.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Upon successful completion of ESL 0270, students will be able to understand and discuss familiar everyday expressions and phrases.
  2. Students will be able to introduce him/herself and others. exchange greetings, give their identity and name familiar objects.
  3. Students will be able to ask and answer questions about themselves and others.
  4. Students will be able to interact and communicate using common words/phrases in a simple way and describe the present, environment, and matters of need.

Course Content

In this course, students will understand and use familiar everyday expressions, routines, and basic vocabulary. They will learn to introduce themselves and others, ask and answer basic questions, and discuss familiar topics such as family, home, and daily activities. Students will practice using present tense forms to describe habitual activities and personal information. Themes include everyday life, likes and dislikes, wants and needs, feelings, stories, health, weather, etc. Students will engage in simple conversations when others speak slowly and clearly.