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Course Syllabus

Course: ESL 1130

Division: Humanities
Department: English/Second Language
Title: Level 4 American Culture and History

Semester Approved: Spring 2021
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2025
End Semester: Fall 2026

Catalog Description: This course will provide international students with an introduction to American culture and history through reading and discussing essays. Students will research various topics regarding US government, history and culture, and report their findings to the class.

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1.5; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level 3 in the ESL Department or placement in ESL 1130 through the department

Justification: The ESL Department at Snow College houses the intensive ESL program which is accredited through the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP). The four-level program provides instruction for students at Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 (elementary through exiting levels). This course is part of the core curriculum for Level 4.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will have a basic understanding and appreciation of US culture, government structure, history and geography.  Students will demonstrate the mastery of the above skills through class participation, homework assignments, class discussions, quizzes, and tests.


Content:
In this course, students will study American history, US government and geography to more fully understand American history, and thus be prepared to take American institutions classes for the General Education requirement. Students will make comparisons with their own diverse political and historical backgrounds.

Key Performance Indicators:
The following ranges will be used for the purpose of assessment. In order to pass the course, students must demonstrate a B mastery of course materials. Students who earn a grade below B (85%) will be required to repeat the course.

Attendance and Particpation 10 to 15%

Homework 15 to 20%

Class discussions 20 to 25%

Quizzes 10 to 15%

Tests 25 to 30%


Representative Text and/or Supplies:
American History Made Easy: for ESL learners, by Kathleen Gripman, Step Up Success, current edition


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 feedback to peers’ work, working in small groups or pairs, contributing to class discussions, or writing short responses 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: 20
Optimum Class Size: 12