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Course Syllabus

ESL 0431 Level 2 American Culture and Values for International Students

  • Division: Humanities
  • Department: English/Second Language
  • 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 2021
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2025
  • End Semester: Fall 2026
  • Optimum Class Size: 10
  • Maximum Class Size: 20

Course Description

This course will provide international students with an introduction to American culture and values. Students will read and discuss essays dealing with different aspects of American culture, values, and thought. Field trips to local businesses, ranches, museums, and schools also play a significant role in helping students gain firsthand experience.

Justification

The ESL Department at Snow College houses the intensive ESL program which is accredited through the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP).The four-level program provides instruction for students at Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 (elementary through exiting levels). This course is part of the core curriculum for Level 2.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Successful ESL 0431 students will understand the differences and similarities between the cultural values of their own countries and those of the United States. They will have increased English reading and writing abilities, and vocabulary through study of American culture and values.

Course Content

Through readings and discussions, this course will focus on a variety of cultural topics, such as food, family life, religion, advertising, leisure activities, sports, architecture, vacationing and recreation, politics, dating, and marriage customs that are found in the USA and compare with the students' home culture.