Course Syllabus
Course: ESL 1000
Division: HumanitiesDepartment: English/Second Language
Title: International Student Orientation
Semester Approved: Spring 2021
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2026
End Semester: Fall 2026
Catalog Description: This course is required for incoming ESL students and will provide them with the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and awareness to adapt to college life at Snow College. The course is designed with multiple sections which will help orient students to college life and American culture. These learning sections will address the following issues: adjusting to American college culture, campus services, and US immigration law as it pertains to International students studying in the US.
Semesters Offered: TBA
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: .5; Lecture: .5; Lab: 0
Prerequisites: Students must have a current Foreign Student Visa (F-1) to attend this course.
Justification: The ESL Department at Snow College houses the intensive ESL program and sponsors international students. This course helps international students succeed through orientation in 3 areas: American college culture, campus resources and services, and US regulations for international students attending institutions of higher learning. Students will gain valuable knowledge, attitudes, skills and awareness to assist in their acclimation to American college life. International students will take this course during the first term they are enrolled at Snow College. This course can be repeated if students struggle adjusting to the culture, if they have broken the student code of conduct rules, or if they are in danger of being out-of-status with US immigration.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Successful international students will understand culture shock and adapting to new situations, time management and planning, American cultural norms of honesty and plagiarism, planning of academic goals and campus facilities. Students will be assessed by class participation, quizzes, group presentations and tests.
Content:
Successful international students will understand culture shock and adapting to new situations, time management and planning, diverse American cultural norms (including honesty and plagiarism, and self-reflection) and planning of academic goals. Guest speakers from campus services (advisement, bookstore, library, food services, IT services, Activity Center, etc.) will introduce their resources for all students from diverse backgrounds. The Snow College Designated School Officials for the Department of Homeland Security will discuss rules and regulations of US immigration law in regards to international students studying in the US.
Key Performance Indicators:
Percentages are approximate. At the instructor’s discretion the following will be used for the purpose of assessment:
Attendance and Participation 10 to 20%
Quizzes 20 to 30%
Group presentations 25 to 30%
Tests 30 to 40%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Teacher prepared materials will include a variety of articles, worksheets, essays, and topics for discussion.
Pedagogy Statement:
ESL courses consist of students representing diverse cultural, linguistic, and background knowledge which serves as a resource, strength, and benefit. All students are welcomed to share their unique backgrounds and experiences while giving presentations, working in small groups or pairs, or contributing to class discussions with personal insights. Moreover, various learning needs of all students, regardless of their age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, nationality, race, religion, sexuality, and socioeconomic status are acknowledged and accommodated through uses of various types of teaching methods, learning activities, and modes of evaluation.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Online
Hybrid
Maximum Class Size: 25
Optimum Class Size: 15