ESL Course Requirements

Students with lower-range overall and/or writing sub-scores must enroll in English coursework as part of their academic program.

ESL Courses

ESL 3102: Grammar for Academic Purposes
  • 4 credits
  • Course content focuses on improving accuracy and range in English grammar. Topics that are especially relevant to academic writing, such as conciseness and smooth connections between sentences, are emphasized.
ESL 3202: Academic Reading and Composition
  • 5 credits
  • Course activities include reading material on a variety of topics from many sources, identifying main ideas and details, analyzing and critiquing support, and responding with your own ideas in writing and discussion.
ESL 3402: Research Writing for the American University
  • 4 credits
  • Course content includes developing the methods of citation, conventions of style and organization, and critical reading and thinking skills necessary for writing college-level research papers. Students will learn to use the library effectively and will learn about writing resources on campus such as Peer Research Consultants and Student Writing Support. 
ESL 3502: Academic Listening and Speaking
  • 5 credits
  • Course content includes understanding lectures, producing academic presentations and participating in discussions on subjects of general academic interest, as well as developing strategies for giving and defending opinions.