Program Overview
The ESL Program at Nobel University provides comprehensive English classes including grammar, listening, conversation, reading and writing in order for students to acquire fluency in English language for their personal, educational and business practice goals.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the ESL program, the student will be able to:
- 1 Demonstrate the confidence and listening and speaking skills necessary to participate successfully in spontaneous oral exchanges with native speakers of English in a variety of personal, professional, and academic settings.
- 2 Demonstrate reading comprehension of English texts intended for developmental (or higher level) English courses.
- 3 Respond appropriately to written or spoken English by writing paragraphs and short essays that communicate ideas clearly.
- 4 Demonstrate conversational speaking competence by using appropriate vocabulary when participating in informal dialogues, role plays, and class discussions.
- 5 Demonstrate cultural awareness by using effective English communication skills in business and social settings.
Program Structure
The ESL Program consists of a total of 675 clock hours (225 clock hours for each level) for 36 weeks. The ESL courses are divided into three (3) levels according to student proficiency. Each level consists of listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and pronunciation sections.
Completion Requirements
Successful completion of 675 clock hours with a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.00 is required to complete the English as a Second Language program.
Course Requirements
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS (675 HOURS) Level 1 (Basic) – 225 clock hours| NESL 011 | Listening & Pronunciation I | 45 hours |
| NESL 012 | Reading & Vocabulary I | 45 hours |
| NESL 013 | Writing & Grammar I | 45 hours |
| NESL 014 | Conversation & Idioms I | 45 hours |
| NESL 015 | Current Events in America | 45 hours |
| NESL 021 | Listening & Pronunciation II | 45 hours |
| NESL 022 | Reading & Vocabulary II | 45 hours |
| NESL 023 | Writing & Grammar II | 45 hours |
| NESL 024 | Conversation & Idioms II | 45 hours |
| NESL 025 | English in American Culture | 45 hours |
| NESL 031 | Listening & Pronunciation III | 45 hours |
| NESL 032 | Reading & Vocabulary III | 45 hours |
| NESL 033 | Writing & Grammar III | 45 hours |
| NESL 034 | Conversation & Idioms III | 45 hours |
| NESL 035 | Business English | 45 hours |
Course Descriptions
Level 1 (Basic)
This is an introductory course designed to enhance the listening and pronunciation of non-native English speakers. Emphasis is on pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns of American English. Oral communication, listening comprehension, and vocabulary development are stressed. Students build their skills through instruction and intensive practice. Students will also be able to actively listen to a conversation and grasp the main idea of the information they are hearing.
The Reading & Vocabulary course provides practice and instruction to help students develop basic level of English reading skills to improve comprehension and speed. Students will also begin to build a basic vocabulary.
This course will cover a variety of grammar topics with the goal of helping students develop a basic level of English grammar. Teaching methods may include teacher-led discussion, group or pair work, dictation, role-play, games, and written exercises.
This course will cover a variety of topics with the goal of helping students develop a basic level of conversation proficiency and ability to speak in public. Teaching methods may include teacher-led discussion, video presentations, group or pair work, dictation, games, and written exercises.
This course is designed to improve English language, reading, writing and critical thinking skills through a variety of genres and perspectives, such as poems, articles, film and primary sources. There will be discussions on current events regarding American pop culture, values, society, business and government. Students will reflect their own cultural background and experience to better understand current events in America.
Level 2 (Intermediate)
This class is designed to help students to develop an intermediate level of elements of pronunciation and speak clearly and effectively in academic, formal, and informal settings.
The Reading & Vocabulary course provides practice and instruction to help students develop an intermediate level of English reading skills to improve comprehension and speed. Students will also begin to build an intermediate level of vocabulary.
This course will cover a variety of grammar topics with the goal of helping students develop an intermediate level of English grammar. Teaching methods may include teacher-led discussion, group or pair work, dictation, role-play, games, and written exercises.
This course will cover a variety of topics with the goal of helping students develop an intermediate level of conversation proficiency and ability to speak in public. Teaching methods may include teacher-led discussion, video presentations, group or pair work, dictation, games, and written exercises.
This course will provide students with an introduction to American culture. Students will read and discuss essays dealing with different aspects of American culture, values, and thought. Field trips to local businesses and museums will help students gain firsthand experience.
Level 3 (Advanced)
This is an advanced course designed to enhance the listening and pronunciation of non-native English speakers. Emphasis is on pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns of American English. This includes oral communication, listening comprehension, and vocabulary development. Students will build their skills through classroom instruction and intensive practice.
The Reading & Vocabulary course provides practice and instruction to help students develop and master an advanced level of English reading skills to improve comprehension and speed. Students will also begin to build advanced level of vocabulary.
This course will cover a variety of grammar topics with the goal of helping students develop and master English grammar at an advanced level. Teaching methods may include teacher-led discussion, group or pair work, dictation, role-play, games, and written exercises.
This course will cover a variety of topics with the goal of mastering students’ conversation proficiency at an advanced level and ability to speak in public.
This course is designed to help students build upon their fundamental English language communication skills by using such professional and formal business tools as letters, reports, oral presentations, and group work in structured business environments.