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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language

Overview

American River College offers courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) that are designed exclusively to provide non-native speakers of English with a command of the language necessary to pursue career, transfer, and degree goals. Students whose native language is English but who need help with language fundamentals should seek courses offered in the English Department.

We offer over 75 sections at seven different levels, from novice to advanced. There are five different types of courses:

  • ESL (integrated Reading and Writing courses)
  • ESLG (Grammar courses)
  • ESLL (Listening and Speaking courses)
  • ESLLAB (ESL assistance and courses in the ESL Center)
  • ESLW (Writing)

Certificates Offered

  • Advanced Proficiency Certificate in English as a Second Language Certificate
  • Advanced-High Certificate in English as a Second Language Certificate
  • Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Business Technology Certificate
  • Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Computer Info Science Certificate
  • Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Early Childhood Education Certificate
  • Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Health Sciences Certificate
  • Intermediate-High Proficiency in English as a Second Language Certificate
  • Intermediate-Low Proficiency in English as a Second Language Certificate
  • Intermediate-Mid Proficiency in English as a Second Language Certificate

Certificates of Achievement

Advanced Proficiency Certificate in English as a Second Language Certificate

The Advanced Proficiency Program recognizes attainment of English language abilities at an advanced level of English in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar skills. It is suitable for use in academic classes at the community college level as well as in the workplace community.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLG 320 Advanced-Low Grammar 3
ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • write and edit clear, well-developed, and soundly structured essays on academic topics.
  • summarize, paraphrase, and quote readings to integrate outside sources into writing.
  • apply and adapt appropriate reading strategies in order to critique complex, college-length texts for reliability and credibility.
  • compile accurate notes while listening to lectures and presentations.
  • formulate and use a variety of interactive speaking strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies using clear and comprehensible pronunciation.
  • demonstrate mastery of verb tenses and modal auxiliary uses.
  • combine sentences, with emphasis on the ability to recognize, contrast, and analyze subordination and coordination.

Advanced-High Certificate in English as a Second Language Certificate

This certificate recognizes attainment of English language abilities to an advanced-high level of English in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar skills. It is suitable for use in academic classes at the community college level as well as in the workplace.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESLW 340 Advanced Composition 41
A minimum of 12 units from the following: 12
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing (6)
ESL 350 Critical Reading, Research and Writing Through Literature (4)
ESLG 320 Advanced-Low Grammar (3)
ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking (3)
Total Units: 16

1*ENGL C1000 may be substituted for ESLW 340

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate comprehension of written and spoken English at an advanced-high level.
  • produce written and spoken English at an advanced-high level.
  • appraise texts and use appropriate reading strategies and reading rate effectively across a full range of reading tasks.
  • comprehend a variety of complex fiction and nonfiction reading selections.
  • analyze fiction and nonfiction readings for structure, audience, author intent and bias, main ideas, and literary and rhetorical devices.
  • demonstrate advanced comprehension of fiction and nonfiction texts by composing written responses.
  • evaluate arguments in nonfiction expository and argumentative texts.
  • synthesize ideas from several complex readings, demonstrating critical thinking skills.
  • draft, revise, edit, and proofread a wide variety of essay types effectively, showing mastery of English writing style, grammar, vocabulary, and mechanics.
  • appraise and synthesize information on a variety of topics using library resources and credible Internet sources.
  • compose a fully documented research paper based on a variety of reference works.

Career Information

This certificate can be used in workplaces, community interactions, and for academic purposes. Students with this certificate have proficiency in English reading, writing, speaking and listening to produce clear, well structured texts on complex subjects, and express themselves fluently and spontaneously in their second language.

Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Business Technology Certificate

This Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Business Technology offers advanced reading and writing skills at a post secondary level for English learners combined with introductory business skills and a variety of computer and office technologies. The combination of these skills can be used along their pathways to degrees, certificates, or transfer, and for use in multilingual office environments.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 100 English for the Professional 3
BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning 1
BUSTEC 305 Introduction to Business Information Technology 3
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking 3
Total Units: 22

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • write and edit clear, well-developed essays on academic topics and effectively use English as applied in Business.
  • summarize, paraphrase, and quote readings to integrate outside sources into writing.
  • employ appropriate reading strategies to address a full range of reading tasks.
  • apply techniques of written communication, sentence structure, word usage, punctuation, spelling, business vocabulary, and business and employment document formatting.
  • analyze written communication and compose and organize paragraphs into effective business documents.
  • participate in in-depth discussions effectively, take clear notes, and give oral presentations in a business environment.
  • convey intended meaning, including accuracy in sound production, syllabification, and intonation.
  • formulate and use a variety of interactive strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies.
  • apply the proper use of keyboarding techniques.
  • define the terms associated with business information systems and technologies.

Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Computer Info Science Certificate

This Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Computer Information Science offers advanced reading and writing skills at a post secondary level for English learners combined with introductory computer information skills. The combination of these skills can be used along their pathways to degrees, certificates, or transfer, and for use in multilingual office environments.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
CISA 305 Beginning Word Processing (2)
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets (2)
CISA 320 Introduction to Database Management (1)
CISA 330 Desktop Publishing (2)
CISC 310 Introduction to Computer Information Science (3)
CISC 350 Introduction to Data Communications (1)
CISN 340 Cisco Networking Academy CCNA: Introduction to Networks (3.5)
CISN 341 CISCO Networking Academy (CCNA)tm:Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (3.5)
CISP 300 Algorithm Design/Problem Solving (3)
CISP 360 Introduction to Structured Programming (4)
CISS 300 Introduction to Information Systems Security (1)
CISS 310 Network Security Fundamentals (3)
CISW 300 Web Publishing (3)
Total Units: 21

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • write formal academic essays as well as apply techniques of written communication, sentence structure, word usage, punctuation, and spelling.
  • employ reading strategies, such as summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting and integrating outside sources into writing.
  • analyze written communication and compose and organize paragraphs into effective documents.
  • convey intended meaning, including accuracy in sound production, syllabification, and intonation.
  • formulate and use a variety of interactive strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies.
  • participate in in-depth discussions effectively, take clear notes, and give oral presentations in a business environment.
  • explain how a computer system works and differentiate between hardware and software components.
  • explain the basic operations of networks.
  • demonstrate the secure utilization of internet resources.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the development and use of information systems in business.
  • manipulate databases using database management software.
  • build software solutions to business problems using internet technology.

Career Information

This certificate supports course work in a variety of computer science professions, including in multilingual work environments.

Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Culinary Arts Certificate

This Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Culinary Arts offers advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills at a post secondary level for English learners combined with introductory hospitality management skills. The combination of these skills can be used along their pathways to degrees, certificates, or transfer, and for use in multilingual work environments.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking 3
HM 101 Introductory Culinary Skills 1.5
HM 300 Introduction to Hospitality - Becoming a Chef 3
Total Units: 19.5

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • write formal academic essays as well as apply techniques of written communication, sentence structure, word usage, punctuation, and spelling.
  • employ reading strategies, such as summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting and integrating outside sources into writing.
  • analyze written communication and compose and organize paragraphs into effective documents.
  • convey intended meaning, including accuracy in sound production, syllabification, and intonation.
  • formulate and use a variety of interactive strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies.
  • participate in in-depth discussions effectively, take clear notes, and give oral presentations in a business/work environment.
  • employ skills required for all entry-level food preparation courses.
  • demonstrate skills in equipment utilization, weights, measurements, knife cut identification, speed and accuracy, as well as kitchen product identification and utilization.
  • convey the history of the hospitality and culinary professions, explore the numerous avenues of opportunity, and study the advantages of continuing education in the field.
  • demonstrate background knowledge of and approaches of successful chefs and restaurateurs.

Career Information

This certificate supports course work in the hospitality management profession, including in multilingual work environments.

Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Early Childhood Education Certificate

This Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Early Childhood Education offers advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills at a post secondary level for English learners combined with introductory early childhood education skills. The combination of these skills can be used along their pathways to degrees, certificates, or transfer, and for use in multilingual work environments.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development 3
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking 3
Total Units: 21

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • write formal academic essays as well as apply techniques of written communication, sentence structure, word usage, punctuation, and spelling.
  • employ reading strategies, such as summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting and integrating outside sources into writing.
  • analyze written communication and compose and organize paragraphs into effective documents.
  • convey intended meaning, including accuracy in sound production, syllabification, and intonation.
  • formulate and use a variety of interactive strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies.
  • participate in in-depth discussions effectively, take clear notes, and give oral presentations in a business/work environment.
  • discuss the history of early childhood education, evolution of professional practices and ethics, educational principles that support child development from birth through the school-age years.
  • execute the teaching practices based on observation, documentation, and interpretation of children’s behavior.
  • discuss the growth and development of children from the prenatal stage through adolescence. For each stage of development, describe the physical, cognitive, linguistic, social-moral, and emotional aspects of development.
  • apply research methods and utilize data collection approaches as applied to early childhood education.
  • explain the influences of culture, family, and the interaction of maturational and environmental factors in early childhood education.
  • exhibit foundation knowledge for early child care and education, teaching, and parenting.

Career Information

This certificate supports course work in the early childhood education profession, including in multilingual work environments.

Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Health Sciences Certificate

The Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Health Sciences recognizes English as a Second Language students' milestones in completing both advanced academic ESL course work and introductory coursework in several health science fields. It incentivizes them to continue taking courses in this discipline after completing higher level ESL courses and to obtain a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate degree for use in a workplace.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLG 320 Advanced-Low Grammar (3) 3
   or ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking (3)
A minimum of 5 units from the following: 5
AH 112 Strategies for Student Success in Health Occupations (3)
AH 311 Medical Language for Health-Care Providers (3)
BIOL 304 Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology (4)
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CISC 300 Computer Familiarization (1)
COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
HCI 300 Introduction to Healthcare Interpreting (0.5)
NUTRI 300 Nutrition (3)
Total Units: 20

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze, compose, and organize oral and written communication into effective documents and/or academic compositions.
  • employ reading strategies.
  • participate in in-depth discussions effectively.
  • take clear notes.
  • give oral presentations in a business/work environment.
  • convey intended meaning and formulate and use a variety of interactive strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies.
  • research and critically evaluate information to create informed responses to issues and problems and design messages that adapt to target audiences in order to maximize communication effectiveness.
  • demonstrate basic knowledge of introductory healthcare or scientific terms.
  • employ effective communication in professional healthcare settings.

Career Information

Students who complete this Pathway to Health Sciences certificate will have gained knowledge in academic English and introductory skills in several health sciences fields, such as Healthcare Interpreting, Nutrition, and Allied Health.

Certificates

Intermediate-High Proficiency in English as a Second Language Certificate

This certificate recognizes attainment of English language abilities at an intermediate-high level in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLG 310 Intermediate-High Grammar 3
ESLL 310 Intermediate-High Listening and Speaking 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • identify the central message and key supporting details of intermediate-high listening passages.
  • apply oral skills to convey meaning clearly in brief oral presentations.
  • analyze a text closely and recognize patterns of organization.
  • outline, paraphrase, and summarize basic concepts from readings.
  • write soundly structured, unified essays in response to prompts.
  • demonstrate competency in using the 12 verb tenses.

Career Information

This certificate can be used to indicate knowledge of English and abilities in listening, speaking, reading and writing for multilingual use in a variety of workplaces and within a diverse range of environments in communities. In the classroom, students can read and write about a wide range of subjects and explain viewpoints on issues.

Intermediate-Low Proficiency in English as a Second Language Certificate

This certificate recognizes attainment of English language abilities at an intermediate-low level in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 47 Intermediate-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLG 41 Elements of English Sentences 3
ESLL 41 Listening, Speaking and Presentation Skills for College 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • communicate orally in basic English in common social and work situations.
  • demonstrate comprehension of written and spoken English in familiar contexts.
  • write basic, comprehensible English on familiar topics.

Career Information

This certificate can be used to indicate knowledge and abilities in English at a basic level with everyday topics. Students with this certificate can interact in familiar community events.

Intermediate-Mid Proficiency in English as a Second Language Certificate

This certificate recognizes attainment of English language abilities to an intermediate-mid level in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 55 Intermediate-Mid Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLG 51 Grammar for Intermediate ESL Writers 3
ESLL 51 Academic Communication, Notetaking, and College Success Skills 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • communicate orally in grammatical English in everyday social and work situations.
  • demonstrate comprehension of written and spoken English in work and social contexts.
  • write comprehensible, grammatical English on everyday topics.

Career Information

This certificate can be used to indicate knowledge of English and abilities for use at an intermediate level. Students with this certificate can interact in English in different workplaces and within a range of familiar community interactions.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses

ESL 37 Novice-High Integrated Reading and Writing

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLG 31, ESLL 31, and ESLLAB 30. Completion of 1 to 2 years of adult school courses or English language skills at the foundational level.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Students in this course learn academic reading and writing English skills at the novice-high level, with an emphasis on vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and the development of paragraphs. It covers the development of compositions with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This course is part of the reading and writing sequence which prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer. This course serves as a prerequisite to ESL 47.

ESL 47 Intermediate-Low Integrated Reading and Writing

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 37 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESLG 41, ESLL 41, and ESLLAB 40
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course offers academic reading and writing English skills at the intermediate-low level with an emphasis on vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and the development of writing using the writing process. It provides skills in pre-writing, structuring paragraphs and multiple-paragraph compositions, and constructing a variety of sentence types. This course is part of the reading and writing sequence which prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer. This course serves as a prerequisite to ESL 55.

ESL 55 Intermediate-Mid Integrated Reading and Writing

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 47 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is an intermediate-mid level skills course in reading and writing for non-native speakers of English. This course introduces academic reading skills through analyzing readings from a number of rhetorical styles as well as techniques and processes essential to reading comprehension and essay writing. Language instruction focuses on strengthening individual proofreading and editing skills. Completion of this course is equivalent to completion of both ESLR 50 and ESLW 50 and serves as a prerequisite to ESL 315. This course is not open to students who have completed both ESLR 50 and ESLW 50.

ESL 299 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

ESL 311 College ESL Newsletter Production

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course offers experience in developing and producing newsletters featuring ESL student writing, interviews of students, staff, and faculty, various advice and information columns, and language tips that include grammar, vocabulary development, and pronunciation for basic language skills acquisition (four to six times a semester).

ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 55 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is an intermediate-high level integrated reading and writing course for non-native speakers of English. This course introduces academic reading skills through analyzing readings from a number of rhetorical styles as well as techniques and processes essential to reading comprehension and academic writing. Language instruction focuses on strengthening individual proofreading and editing skills. Completion of this course is equivalent to completion of both ESLR 310 and ESLW 310 and serves as a prerequisite to ESL 325. This course is not open to students who have completed both ESLR 310 and ESLW 310.

ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 315 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This advanced-low integrated-skills course for non-native speakers of English builds on academic reading and writing skills, while also introducing basic research steps. Emphasis is placed on developing critical reading and writing skills to evaluate a variety of college-level texts and use them to inform and support students’ own compositions. Instruction targets the needs of multilingual writers by addressing specific linguistic and cultural content to promote academic success. The goal of this course is to prepare students for transfer-level composition.

ESL 350 Critical Reading, Research and Writing Through Literature

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:A grade of "C" or better in ESLW 340 OR a grade of "C" or better in ENGL C1000.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L1B; Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 1B; Cal-GETC Area 3B
  • C-ID:C-ID ENGL 110; C-ID ENGL 120
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers reading and written analysis of culturally and internationally diverse complex literary works in all major genres, including poetry, drama, and fiction. Students develop analytical, integrative, and research skills while exploring multicultural perspectives. A variety of cultural and social perspectives are explored through the comparison of different ethnic groups within the U.S., focusing on the influence of non-European and non-Western cultures on the content or style of various texts. Formal writing assignments total at least 5000 words. In-person or virtual attendance at readings, plays, and/or films may be required. This course is designed for multicultural and multilingual students.

ESL 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language - Grammar (ESLG) Courses

ESLG 31 Basic English Grammar

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLW 20 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in other ESL courses at the appropriate level.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a course for English language learners at the novice-high level, which provides an introduction to the basics of English grammar including parts of speech, word form, word order, and the fundamental verb tenses necessary for spoken and written discourse. It is part of the grammar sequence that prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer.

ESLG 41 Elements of English Sentences

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 31 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in other ESL courses at the appropriate level.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on learning academic grammar skills at the intermediate-low level, with an emphasis on fundamental grammatical structures in conversation, writing, and reading. It is part of the grammar sequence that prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, or transfer.

ESLG 51 Grammar for Intermediate ESL Writers

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in an ESL Listening and Speaking and/or Integrated Reading and Writing course at the student's assessed level(s).
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a course for English language learners at the intermediate-mid level, which focuses on the fundamental grammatical structures of English necessary for spoken and written discourse. It reviews the form and use of the simple and continuous tenses in the present, past and future as well as introduces the present perfect and present perfect continuous. It also provides instruction in other intermediate-level grammar topics such as gerunds and infinitives, articles, and nouns. This course is part of the grammar sequence that prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, or transfer.

ESLG 310 Intermediate-High Grammar

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 51 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Enrollment in an ESL Listening and Speaking, Reading, and/or Writing course at the student's assessed level(s).
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on further practice of the forms, meanings, and usage of grammatical structures of English at the intermediate-high level. New focal points include adjective and adverb clauses as well as new verb tense and modal auxiliary verb use. Written and oral practice reinforces the structures studied.

ESLG 320 Advanced-Low Grammar

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 310 with a grade of "C" or better; or, for those not previously enrolled in an ESL grammar course within the Los Rios district, placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Enrollment in an ESL Listening and Speaking, Reading, and/or Writing course at the student's assessed level(s).
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on practice in the forms and meanings of major structures used in English conversation and writing with an emphasis on clause structure at the advanced level. Oral practice reinforces the structures studied. Assignments emphasize sentence structure in the context of longer written work.

ESLG 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Grammar

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language - Listening (ESLL) Courses

ESLL 20 Novice Listening and Speaking

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Verified completion of the ESL assessment test.
  • Advisory:One year of adult school and concurrent enrollment in ESL Reading and Writing courses at the student's assessed levels are highly recommended.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course, intended for non-native speakers of English, focuses on understanding and producing appropriate language, and utilizing learned phrases and expressions required for everyday communication. Basic clarification strategies are demonstrated and practiced. English sounds and intonation patterns are introduced.

ESLL 31 Listening and Speaking for College Readiness

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 20 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is part of the listening and speaking sequence that prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer. It focuses on learning vocabulary, participating in a variety of listening activities, and discussing a wide variety of topics. It helps students to recognize and produce the sounds, stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns of American English.

ESLL 41 Listening, Speaking and Presentation Skills for College

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 31 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is part of the listening and speaking sequence that prepares students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer. It covers developing tactics to communicate their ideas in academic situations, and practice in the pronunciation of English.

ESLL 51 Academic Communication, Notetaking, and College Success Skills

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This intermediate mid-level course, intended for non-native speakers of English, helps students understand and be understood in both familiar and unfamiliar situations. Activities include academic listening and speaking activities and a continuation of pronunciation skills.

ESLL 299 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Listening

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

ESLL 310 Intermediate-High Listening and Speaking

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 51 with a grade of "C" or better; or, for those not previously enrolled in an ESL listening course within the Los Rios district, placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in an ESL Reading and Writing course, and/or Grammar course at the student's assessed level(s).
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This intermediate-high-level course, intended for non-native speakers of English, develops listening and speaking for academic purposes, including comprehension of lectures, note-taking, and discussion. It includes a review of American English sounds with emphasis on understanding and producing stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns to communicate effectively.

ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 310 with a grade of "C" or better; or, for those not previously enrolled in an ESL listening course within the Los Rios district, placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESL Reading and Writing courses at the student's assessed level.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides intensive practice in listening and active participation strategies for U.S. college courses. Activities include listening to extended lectures from various subject areas, refining note-taking skills, participating in in-depth discussions, and giving oral presentations. Practice of pronunciation skills is also covered.

ESLL 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Listening

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language - Pronunciation (ESLP) Courses

English as a Second Language - Reading (ESLR) Courses

ESLR 20 Novice Reading

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:One year of adult school and concurrent enrollment in ESL Writing and Listening/Speaking courses at the student's assessed levels are highly recommended.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course, intended for non-native speakers of English, focuses on literal understanding of basic vocabulary and readings at the Novice level. There is a focus on expanding basic vocabulary through readings, word parts, and word-form activities. The concepts of using context and giving personal reactions to readings are introduced.

ESLR 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Reading

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language - Writing (ESLW) Courses

ESLW 20 Novice Writing

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:One year of adult school and concurrent enrollment in ESL Reading and Listening/Speaking courses at the student's assessed levels are highly recommended.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course for non-native speakers of English focuses on the structure of English sentences, including parts of speech and word order. Emphasis is on producing clear, basic written sentences at the novice level using everyday vocabulary. Question formation is also demonstrated and practiced.

ESLW 340 Advanced Composition

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 325 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: ENGL C1000, ENGL C1000H and ESLW 340 combined: maximum credit, 3 units)
  • General Education:Local GE L1A; Cal-GETC Area 1A
  • C-ID:C-ID ENGL 100
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This college composition course emphasizes writing, reading, critical thinking skills and research skills essential for completion of a college degree. It focuses on the needs of multilingual writers by addressing specific language and cultural content required for academic success at the college level. Writing assignments include expository and argumentative essays (5,000 words minimum in total) using MLA documentation and format. Writing assignments are based on reading of transfer-level texts that include diverse perspectives.

ESLW 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Writing

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language Accelerated (ESLA) Courses

ESLA 299 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language Accelerated

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

ESLA 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language Accelerated

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language Lab (ESLLAB) Courses

ESLLAB 30 ESL Center: Novice-High Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 20, ESLR 20, and ESLW 20 with grades of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESL 37.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This lab course offers students practice in reading, formatting/mechanics, writing, and/or grammar skills at the novice-high level. Students confer with a lab instructor to design a study plan to refine basic English language skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction for students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 37. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5 unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

ESLLAB 31 Novice-High Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 20, ESLR 20, or ESLW 20 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESLG 31 and ESLL 31
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This lab course offers students practice in listening, speaking, pronunciation, oral grammar, and other language skills at the novice-high level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine basic English oral skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLG 31 and/or ESLL 31. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

ESLLAB 40 ESL Center: Intermediate-Low Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 37, ESLG 31, or ESLL 31 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESL 47
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This lab course offers students practice in reading, formatting/mechanics, writing, and/or grammar skills at the intermediate-low level. Students confer with a lab instructor to design a study plan to refine intermediate English language skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction for students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 47. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

ESLLAB 41 ESL Center: Intermediate-Low Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 37, ESLG 31, or ESLL 31 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESLG 41 or ESLL 41
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This lab course offers students practice in listening, speaking, pronunciation, oral grammar, and other language skills at the intermediate-low level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine intermediate English oral skills. This course provides individualized and small group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLG 41 and/or ESLL 41. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

ESLLAB 50 ESL Center: Intermediate-Mid Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 47, ESLG 41, or ESLL 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESL 55
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This lab course offers students practice in reading, formatting/mechanics, writing, and/or grammar skills at the intermediate-mid level. Students confer with a lab instructor to design a study plan to refine expanding intermediate English language skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction for students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 55. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

ESLLAB 51 ESL Center: Intermediate-Mid Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 47, ESLG 41, or ESLL 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESL 55, ESLG 51, and ESLL 51
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This lab course offers students practice in listening, speaking, pronunciation, oral grammar, and other language skills at the intermediate-mid level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine expanding intermediate English oral skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLG 51 and/or ESLL 51. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

ESLLAB 60 ESL Center: Intermediate-High Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 55 or ESLG 51 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESL 315
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This lab course offers students practice in reading, formatting/mechanics, writing, and/or grammar skills at the intermediate-high level. Students confer with a lab instructor to design a study plan to refine intermediate-high English language skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction for students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 315. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

ESLLAB 61 ESL Center: Intermediate-High Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 51 or ESLL 51 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESLG 310 and ESLL 310
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This lab course offers students practice in listening, speaking, pronunciation, oral grammar, and other language skills at the intermediate-high level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine English oral skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLG 310 and/or ESLL 310. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

ESLLAB 70 ESL Center: Advanced-Low Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 315, ESLG 310, or ESLL 310 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESL 325
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This lab course offers students practice in reading, formatting/mechanics, writing, and/or grammar skills at the advanced-low level. Students confer with a lab instructor to design a study plan to refine advanced-low English language skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction for students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESL 325. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

ESLLAB 71 ESL Center: Advanced-Low Support in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 315, ESLG 310, or ESLL 310 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This lab course offers students practice in listening, speaking, pronunciation, oral grammar, and other language skills at the advanced-low level. Students confer with the lab instructor to design a study plan to refine advanced-low English oral skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction to students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLG 320 and/or ESLL 320. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

ESLLAB 80 ESL Center: Advanced Skills in ESL

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:ESL 325, ESLG 320, or ESLL 320 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:ESL 350 or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This lab course offers students practice in reading, formatting/mechanics, writing, and/or grammar skills at the advanced skills level. Students confer with a lab instructor to design a study plan to refine advanced English language skills. This course provides individualized and small-group instruction for students. This course is most beneficial when taken concurrently with ESLW 340 or ESL 350. Students may enroll in the course at any time during the first nine weeks of the semester. Students receive a grade of Pass and 0.5 units of credit for accumulating 27 lab hours and completing assigned work. Students may take this course in .5-unit increments over the course of three semesters, split the units over two semesters, or take 1.5 units in one semester using different modules.

ESLLAB 299 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language Lab

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

ESLLAB 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language Lab

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog