Watson School of Education
English as a Second Language Minor Proposal
Catalogue Course Descriptions
EDN 265. Culture, Advocacy and Policy for ESL Teachers (3) This course will introduce students to the field of
English as a second language, including cultural, social, and political contexts of linguistic diversity from historical and
critical perspectives. Topics include legal and administrative aspects of the field, including national and state
regulations. A 10 hour participatory observation experience is required.
ENG 320. Introduction to Linguistics (3) An introduction to the study of human language, including such topics as
the sounds, structure, and meaning of language; language and social interaction; the ways languages change; and
the ways children learn language.
EDN 316. Second Language Acquisition (3) Students will be introduced to the field of Second Language
Acquisition. Topics include basic concepts in first and second language acquisition and relationships between the
two, key research, theories, and principles in the field of English as a second language and how they relate to the
academic achievement of English language learners.
ENG 321. Structure of the English Language (3) Study of the grammatical structure of the English language and
the process by which we create and comprehend English sentences. Emphasis on recent syntactic models.
EDN 417. Second Language Methods and Assessment (3) Students will be introduced to the instructional cycle
used with English language learners. Topics include the design, implementation and assessment of instruction. The
course includes a 20 hour field experience component.
EDN 418. Reading and Writing in a Second Language (3) This course introduces students to concepts and
theories connected to reading and writing in a second language. Students will learn how to use a variety of
interventions to improve academic outcomes and increase the literacy skills of English language learners. The
course includes a 20 hour field experience component.