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Course Syllabus

ESL 0431 Level 2 American Culture and Values

  • Division: Humanities
  • Department: Languages & Linguistics
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1.5; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Prerequisites: Placement in ESL 0431 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 introduces English language learners to key aspects of American culture, traditions, and social values. Students will read, discuss, and write about topics related to American history, education, community life, and cultural diversity. Through classroom discussions, media materials, and field trips to local businesses, museums, and schools, students will gain firsthand experience and a deeper understanding of American society. The course emphasizes cultural awareness, critical thinking, and communication skills in academic and real-world contexts. Students will develop vocabulary knowledge in CEFR A2 and B1 levels. This course is cross-listed with CED 0431 (Level 2 American Culture and Values – Continuing Education).

Justification

The ESL Department at Snow College offers a series of Level 2 courses designed to develop students’ linguistic and cultural competence. ESL 0431 American Culture and Value complements the Level 2 sequence by helping English language learners understand the cultural values, social norms, and customs associated with American life and culture. Through this course, students gain the cultural awareness necessary to interact effectively in U.S. academic and social contexts, supporting their overall language development beyond vocabulary and grammar.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Upon successful completion of ESL 0431, students will be able to remember and understand the differences and similarities between American culture and values and their own countries' cultures and values.
  2. Upon successful completion of ESL 0431, students will be able to demonstrate the knowledge of vocabulary and expressions related to American culture, values, and thought through completing homework assignments, class activities, presentations, and exams.
  3. Upon successful completion of ESL 0431, student will be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of topics including American culture, values, and history by participating in in-class discussions.

Course Content

Instruction focuses on developing knowledge about a number of topics, which may include: food, family life, holidays, religion, advertising, leisure activities, sports, architecture, vacationing, recreation, politics, dating, marriage, and customs. Students will learn to demonstrate their understanding of this knowledge through essay readings, presentations, discussions, quizzes, reports, and tests. Students will learn and use CEFR A2-B1 level vocabulary.