The Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) offers three programs in English as a second language, each tailored to your needs, skill level, and communication goals: a basic minor, an advanced minor and a major.
Our programs are designed to improve and broaden your skills in your second language. Courses focus on the four essential language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and on more specialized areas, such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and culture.
You develop your English through a variety of learning activities using motivating instructional materials. Your learning is supported by innovative and traditional learning resources, such as multimedia materials and language labs, a resource centre, web-based activities and conversation groups.
This program is offered in English and only to non-Anglophone students.
The table below includes only the discipline-specific courses. Please refer to the Academic Regulations for information on the Honours bachelor's with double major and the Honours bachelor's with major and minor.
Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2023-2024 calendar for the previous requirements.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory courses | ||
| ESL 2100 | Learning to Learn: Strategies for Effective Language Learning | 3 Units |
| ESL 2121 | Creating Meaning: Reading to Improve Writing Skills | 3 Units |
| ESL 2122 | What did you Hear? Listening to Improve Speaking Skills | 3 Units |
| ESL 3373 | Building Your Word Bank: Vocabulary Enrichment in Context | 3 Units |
| ESL 4100 | Capstone Seminar: Reflection and Next Steps Toward Lifelong Language Learning | 3 Units |
| ESL 4375 | Understanding Culture through Language | 3 Units |
| ESL 4391 | Language Learning through Literature, Film and Digital Media | 3 Units |
| Optional courses | ||
| 6 course units from: | 6 Units | |
| Adjunct Language Course in ESL: Receptive Skills | ||
| Explore the English-Speaking World: Refine your Listening Skills | ||
| Reading Between the Lines: Reading Critically | ||
| Let’s Talk about it: Oral Communication in Academic Contexts | ||
| State your Position: Writing with a Purpose | ||
| Bending the Rule: Oral and Written Grammar at the Advanced Level | ||
| Did you say ‘can’ or ‘can’t’? Clarity in Speech and Pronunciation | ||
| Community-Based Language Learning | ||
| 9 course units from: | 9 Units | |
| Adjunct Language Course in ESL: Productive Skills | ||
| Speak Up and Speak Out: Oral Communication in Academic and Professional Contexts | ||
| Write to be Read: Writing Academic Papers | ||
| Getting to the Point: Writing in Business and Administrative Contexts | ||
| Sharpen your Skills: Grammar in Academic and Professional Contexts | ||
| 3 course units outside the program (Second Language Certification): | ||
| Second Language Certification Test | ||
| 3 optional course units in English (ENG) at the 2000 level | 3 Units | |
| 3 optional course units in English (ENG) | 3 Units | |
| Total: | 42 Units | |