English as a Second Language (ESL)

The following courses are offered by the Faculty of Arts.

ESL 1000 Test de compétence en anglais langue seconde / Test of Proficiency in English as a Second Language (6 crédits / 6 units)

Le test est offert pendant les périodes d'inscription selon un calendrier déterminé par l'Institut des langues secondes. Dans tous les cas, les étudiants et étudiantes doivent prendre rendez-vous en s'adressant à l'Institut des langues secondes quelques jours avant la session de testing. Dans le cas où serait constaté un écart significatif entre les résultats d'un étudiant ou d'une étudiante au test de compétence et ses aptitudes réelles dans la langue seconde, l'Institut des langues secondes se réserve le droit d'exiger une évaluation additionnelle. / The test is offered during registration according to a schedule determined by the Second Language Institute. In all cases, students must make an appointment at the Second Language Institute a few days before the testing session.

Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture

L'Institut des langues secondes se réserve le droit d'exiger une évaluation additionnelle. / In the case of a significant discrepancy between students' observed second language performance and their results on the Proficiency Test, the Second Language Institute reserves the right to require additional evaluation.

ESL 0105 Pre-Academic Foundations in English as a Second Language

Introduction to the basic elements of reading and listening such as identification of topic, main ideas and details in short, simplified passages. In speaking and writing, coursework includes: simple conversations and short discussions, and simple and compound sentences.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: Basic literacy in English and satisfactory placement test score.

ESL 0110 Academic Entry for Second Language Learners

Development of listening and reading skills by introducing students to inferences and patterns of organization in more authentic passages. In speaking and writing, revision of various skills, and activities such as: dialogues and role-plays, construction of simple and compound sentences, and composition of short paragraphs.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 0105 or equivalent placement test score.

ESL 0111 Special Project

Supervised research/material development project to be evaluated for content and academic language use. The project may be based on some of the special language teaching resources in the University, e.g., Multimedia Laboratories (FA), Writing Centre (FA), Learning Resource Centre (FE), Second Language Resource Centre - Learning Section (SLI), Research and Evaluation Sector (SLI); or on programs in the region (e.g., immersion and immigrant education). The project may also involve issues relating to language teaching in the students home country.

Course Component: Lecture

Course reserved for students in the Advanced English and EFL Pedagogy Certificate program.

ESL 1111 Welcome to English: First Steps to Oral and Written Communication (3 units)

Development of basic language knowledge (pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar). Identification and understanding of topic, facts, and the main and supporting ideas of oral and written texts. Practice in simple oral exchanges. Introduction to written expression.

Course Component: Lecture

These credits exclude those of ESL 1211. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 1112 Beginning Steps to Improving Oral and Written Communication in English (3 units)

Development of oral and written comprehension. Relevant vocabulary and grammatical structures. Practice in simple conversation, basic writing skills and note-taking.

Course Component: Lecture

rerequisite: ESL 1111 or a language test. These units exclude those of ESL 1211. Auditors are not permitted

ESL 1113 What’s the Rule? Grammar at the Beginner Level (3 units)

Introduction to and practice with the fundamental elements of the English verb system, question formation, adjectives, and pronouns.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 1112 or a language test. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 0120 Academic Development in English as a Second Language

Building on previously acquired skills to help students understand longer listening and reading passages with different patterns of organization. In speaking and writing, classes introduce students to the academic requirements of: oral presentations, and paragraphs using various organizational patterns.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 0110 or equivalent placement test score.

ESL 1211 Steps Toward Improving English Oral and Written Communication - Beginner I and II (6 units)

Integration of ESL 1111 and ESL 1112 in one semester. See these two course descriptions for content.

Course Component: Lecture

These units exclude those of ESL 1111, ESL 1112. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 1251 Anglais oral et écrit (6 units)

Course Component: Lecture

Réservé aux étudiants et étudiantes du programme de bourses.

ESL 0130 Academic Development in English as a Second Language

Refinement of previously learned reading and listening skills and improvement of critical thinking skills. In speaking and writing, learning self-correction strategies through coursework that includes: debates and extended oral presentations, unguided summaries, and academic essays using various organizational patterns.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 0120 or equivalent placement test score.

ESL 0140 Academic Bridging in English as a Second Language

Broad range of extended authentic written and oral passages with an emphasis on critical listening and reading. In speaking and writing, importance is placed on: fluent and accurate oral production in a variety of situations such as interviews and speeches, organization and synthesis of information from different sources, and expansion of formal writing skills to include research reports and expository essays in various organizational patterns.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 0130 or equivalent placement test score.

ESL 0150 English for Academic Purposes: Complementary Skills

Workshop on a selected topic such as receptive or productive skills, vocabulary, or grammar. Topic may vary from section to section.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: Permission from the department.

ESL 0160 Customized Program in English as a Second Language

Topic may vary from section to section.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: Permission from department.

ESL 2100 Learning to Learn: Strategies for Effective Language Learning (3 units)

Learning how to learn: development of strategies for effective and autonomous second language learning. Knowledge and optimal use of resources available to language learners. Introduction to and planning of a language learner portfolio.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2112 or a language test. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 2111 Interactions in English: Improving Oral and Written Proficiency - Intermediate I (3 units)

Comprehension of varied written and oral texts. Development of note-taking skills. Written expression at the sentence and paragraph levels. Oral communication through guided conversation and short presentations. Further development of grammatical knowledge.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 1113 or a language test. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 2112 Interactions in English: Improving Oral and Written Proficiency - Intermediate II (3 units)

Comprehension of general and academic written and oral texts. Written expression at the paragraph and text levels. Development of oral communication through discussions and presentations. Consolidation of grammatical knowledge.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2111 or a language test. These units exclude those of ESL 2211. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 2113 Honing the Rule: Grammar at the Intermediate Level (3 units)

Introduction to and practice with the English verb system, determiners, prepositions, pronouns and basic word order.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 1113 or a language test. May be taken concurrently with ESL 2111, ESL 2112, ESL 2121 or ESL 2211. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 2121 Creating Meaning: Reading to Improve Writing Skills (3 units)

Expansion of reading and writing skills for general and academic purposes. Reading a variety of text types as a basis for effective writing. Development of a variety of reading and writing strategies, and critical reading skills. Refinement of sentence structures and enrichment of vocabulary.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2112 or ESL 2113 or a language test. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 2122 What did you Hear? Listening to Improve Speaking Skills (3 units)

Development and refinement of general and academic listening and speaking skills. Development of critical listening skills and strategies through exposure to a variety of oral texts. Improvement of oral communication skills through theme-based discussions, debates, and short presentations.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2112 or a language test. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 2181 Adjunct Language Course in ESL: Receptive Skills (3 units)

Adjunct language course to a 3-unit discipline-specific course, taken in English by non-native speakers of English. Emphasis on development of comprehension skills (listening and reading) while acquiring knowledge and expertise in the discipline. Examination questions in the discipline-specific course may be answered in either English or French; however, all tests and assignments in the language class must be done in English.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2121, ESL2122 or a language test.

ESL 2211 Improving Oral and Written Communication in English - Intermediate Levels I and II (6 units)

Integration of ESL 2111 and ESL 2112 in one semester. See these two course descriptions for content.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 1112 or ESL 1211.These units exclude those of ESL 2111, ESL 2112. Auditors or not permitted.

ESL 2251 Anglais oral et écrit : 2e cours (6 units)

Course Component: Lecture

Réservé aux étudiants du programme de bourses.

ESL 2332 Explore the English-Speaking World: Refine your Listening Skills (3 units)

Refinement of listening skills to access academic and culturally-demanding oral texts. Focus on advanced listening strategies. Oral and written reports on live and pre-recorded events, critiques, and note-taking. Improvement of literal and affective comprehension. Formal and informal oral language.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisites: ESL 2122 or a language test.  Auditors are not permitted. Previously ESL 3331.

ESL 2341 Reading Between the Lines: Reading Critically (3 units)

Refinement of effective and critical reading skills and expansion of vocabulary through reading a variety of texts from different media. Development of strategies such as identifying contextual clues, scanning for specific information, lexical inferencing, distinguishing facts from opinions, and evaluating arguments.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2121 or a language test. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 2351 Let’s Talk about it: Oral Communication in Academic Contexts (3 units)

Development of skills for fluent and accurate oral language use in academic, professional and social contexts. Interactive activities leading to completion of tasks such as speaking logs, interviews, debates and presentations. Development of conversation management and self-correction skills to encourage learner autonomy.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2122 or a language test. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 2361 State your Position: Writing with a Purpose (3 units)

Development of effective, appropriate and accurate academic writing skills, through the use of models and domain-specific text genres. Consideration of subject, audience, and purpose. Individualized feedback and reflective portfolio

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2121 or a language test. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 2371 Bending the Rule: Oral and Written Grammar at the Advanced Level (3 units)

Review and deeper understanding of the English verb system and advanced grammatical structures in context, with a focus on practical applications in both oral and written expression.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2121 or a language test. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 2372 Did you say ‘can’ or ‘can’t’? Clarity in Speech and Pronunciation (3 units)

Improvement of pronunciation and intelligibility by focusing on the articulation of sounds, stress, intonation and rhythm through contextualized practice and tasks. Development of self-monitoring and correction strategies. Individualized feedback.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2112 or a language test. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 2391 Community-Based Language Learning (3 units)

Community engagement through volunteer work in an English-speaking environment. Placements arranged for and supervised by the ESL professor in partnership with the Centre for Global and Community Engagement. Classroom reinforcement and evaluation through oral and written critical reflection activities.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisites: (ESL 2121, ESL 2122) or a language test. Auditors are not permitted. Previously ESL 4351.

ESL 3100 Second Language Certification Test (3 units)

ESL3100 is intended for students who have a high-intermediate or advanced level of English proficiency and who seek an official certificate which states their current level of proficiency. To this end, students must pass the Second Language Certification Test. Students who complete all components of the Second Language Certification Test with a minimum level 2 in each test component will receive the University of Ottawa Second Language Certificate. In preparation for this test, online resources and self-directed exercises as well as a practice test are available. The units associated with ESL 3100 are not recognized in the elective courses of any program, with the exception of the Bachelor of Commerce program. ESL3100 is also a program requirement for Major in English as a second language (ESL) but does not count as program units.

Course Component: Certification Test

ESL 3165 Advanced English for EFL/ESL Teaching Theory (3 units)

Development of specialized language skills for the study of EFL/ESL methodology and curriculum design. Introduction of theoretical concepts, principles and terminology. Analysis of language conventions related to the teaching of listening and reading skills and grammatical concepts.

Course Component: Lecture

Reserved for students in the Advanced English and EFL Pedagogy Certificate Program.

ESL 3166 Advanced English for EFL/ESL Teaching Theory (3 units)

Development of specialized language skills for EFL/ESL teaching practice. Analysis and practice of language conventions related to classroom management and teaching methodology with an emphasis on speaking and writing instruction. Observation and analysis of language use by experienced teachers in ESL classrooms. Development of a Special Project (ESL 0111).

Course Component: Lecture

Reserved for students in the Advanced English and EFL Pedagogy Certificate Program.

ESL 3181 Adjunct Language Course in ESL: Productive Skills (3 units)

Adjunct language course to a 3-unit discipline-specific course taken in English by non-native speakers of English. Development of proficiency and confidence in written and oral communication skills while acquiring knowledge and expertise in the discipline. Examination questions in the discipline-specific course may be answered in either English or French; however, all tests and assignments in the language class must be done in English.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2181 and (ESL2351 or ESL2361); or a language test.

ESL 3351 Speak Up and Speak Out: Oral Communication in Academic and Professional Contexts (3 units)

Development of skills and strategies for effective oral communication in academic and professional contexts, through the delivery and analysis of formal presentations, mini lessons, participation in debates, and interviews. Course content draws on students' fields of study. Teacher and peer feedback.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2122 or a language test.  Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 3361 Write to be Read: Writing Academic Papers (3 units)

Practice in general academic and domain-specific writing. Preparation of essays, research papers, and reports with a focus on academic audiences. Effective use of sources, with refinement of citation and referencing. Development of peer-editing and self-editing skills.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2121 or a language test.  Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 3363 Getting to the Point: Writing in Business and Administrative Contexts (3 units)

Contextualized practice in business and administrative writing: emails, memos, letters, and informal reports. Development of awareness of appropriate content and style for the target audience and purpose. Effective use of sources. Development of peer-editing and self-editing skills.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2121 or a language test.  Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 3371 Sharpen your Skills: Grammar in Academic and Professional Contexts (3 units)

Grammatical characteristics of formal and informal English in speech and writing. Review of grammatical concepts. Sentence combining, summarizing, and paraphrasing. Paragraph writing. Recognition of errors in style and structure.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisite: ESL 2121 or a language test. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 3373 Building Your Word Bank: Vocabulary Enrichment in Context (3 units)

Systematic expansion of general and academic vocabulary through contextualized thematic practice and analysis of word formation rules, word origins, parts of speech, and lexical grouping. Development of vocabulary through lexical inferencing, learning synonyms and antonyms, paraphrasing, thematic presentations, and appropriate use of vocabulary in oral and written language in formal and informal contexts.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisites: (ESL 2121, ESL 2122) or a language test. Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 4100 Capstone Seminar: Reflection and Next Steps Toward Lifelong Language Learning (3 units)

Synthesis course. Projects focused on consolidation of knowledge and reflection on language development throughout the program. Goal setting for lifelong language learning. Creation and presentation of a summative portfolio to document personal linguistic development and showcase accomplishments.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisites: 12 course units in English as a Second Language (ESL), including ESL 2121 and ESL 2122.

ESL 4181 Adjunct Language Course in ESL: Oral Communication (3 units)

Adjunct English for academic purposes course for non-native speakers of English taken concurrently with two 3 units 3000-or 4000-level discipline-specific courses (different from those taken in conjunction with ESL 4381). Oral presentations, round table discussions and debates related to the two discipline-specific courses (from same or different disciplines). Focus on linguistic accuracy. Refinement of linguistic competence through the study of relevant models of academic speech and debate. Assignments for the discipline-specific courses may not be used for units in the language courses and vice-versa.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisites: ESL 2351, ESL 3181 or a language test. Auditors are not permitted. See Department for details.

ESL 4375 Understanding Culture through Language (3 units)

Language development through the study of Canadian English cultural norms and their present and past manifestations. Focus on language expressions and their cultural contexts.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisites: (ESL 2121, ESL 2122) or a language test.  Auditors are not permitted.

ESL 4381 Adjunct Language Course in ESL: Written Communication (3 units)

Adjunct English for academic purposes course for non-native speakers of English taken concurrently with two 3000-or 4000-level discipline-specific courses (different than those taken in conjunction with ESL 4181). Writing of research reports and academic articles related to the two discipline-specific courses (from same or different disciplines). Focus on linguistic accuracy. Refinement of linguistic competence through the study of relevant models of written academic texts. Assignments for the discipline-based courses may not be submitted for units in the language course and vice-versa.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisites: (ESL 2361, ESL 3181) or a language test. Auditors are not permitted. See Department for details.

ESL 4391 Language Learning through Literature, Film and Digital Media (3 units)

Development of language skills for understanding English literature, film and digital media. Introduction to literary analysis of various genres using short selections from a variety of sources. Discussions, reviews and oral presentations. Writing of critiques and reflections.

Course Component: Lecture

Prerequisites: (ESL 2121, ESL 2122) or a language test. Auditors are not permitted.

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