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Course Syllabus

ESL 1130 Level 4 American Culture and History

  • Division: Humanities
  • Department: Languages & Linguistics
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1.5; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level 3 in the ESL Department or placement in ESL 1130 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: 12
  • Maximum Class Size: 20

Course Description

This course introduces English language learners to American culture and history. Students will compare and contrast culture and history in discussions and essays. Students will develop vocabulary knowledge in CEFR B2 and C1 levels. This course is cross-listed with CED 1130 (Level 4 American History – Continuing Education).

Justification

The ESL Department at Snow College provides advanced coursework designed to prepare English language learners for success in college-level studies. ESL 1130 American Culture and History guides students to analyze and evaluate American culture, values, and history, while comparing these with their own. Through lectures, readings, discussions, and writing assignments, this course develops the academic language and critical thinking skills necessary for effective participation in U.S. higher education.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Upon successful completion of ESL 1130, students will be able to analyze and evaluate readings by asking and answering questions about American culture and history.
  2. Students will be able to demonstrate their ability to write effectively about American culture and history through assessment assignments such as short essays, quizzes, and tests.
  3. Students will be able to demonstrate their ability to think critically by discussing, debating, and presenting about people and events in American culture and history.

Course Content

Instruction focuses on developing knowledge of US history, such as exploration, colonization, wars, and modern history through readings, group work, presentations, and class discussions. CEFR B2 and C1 level vocabulary is taught in context as students encounter and use them in readings and discussions. Students may demonstrate their understanding and learning of the course material through presentations, essays and/or exams.