CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE
COURSE OUTLINE
ESL 114
High-intermediate English Communication
18 Weeks
2 Lecture Hours
2 Units
Advisory: Appropriate score on ESL Placement Test
Course Description: This course provides practice in oral and written communication for highintermediate level ESL students.
Course Objectives: At the completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Conduct extended conversations about career/workplace topics and social/current events.
2. Demonstrate an ability to understand readings at a high-intermediate level about
career/workplace topics and social/current events.
3. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of: statements/questions in present perfect and past
progressive and subordination.
Course Content:
1. 50% -- Dialogs and other oral activities for development of both fluency and accuracy
2. 30% -- Reading and writing activities to develop fluency and vocabulary
3. 20% -- Explicit grammar instruction with a focus on accuracy
Methods of instruction:
1. Guided activities incorporating audiovisual materials and readings
2. Pair and small group work
3. Lecture
Required Texts and Materials:
1. Textbook: Excellent English, Book 3, M. A. Maynard, McGraw-Hill
2. Instructor-prepared handouts
Course Expectations:
A minimum of four hours per week of preparation, which will include the following:
1. Reading of text material and completion of exercises:
2 hours/week
2. Listening exercises associated with audiovisual materials: 2 hour/week
Student Assessment:
1. Performance based assessment (short writings, role plays, short presentations) – 50%
2. Homework – 30%
3. Quizzes (including reading, grammar and listening) – 20%
Grading Policy:
A letter grade will be assigned based on the following categories:
90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, below 60% = F.
Students who choose the credit/no credit option will receive CR for an average of 70% and
above, or NC for an average below 70%.
DSPS Statement (approved by the Academic Senate November 19, 2001)
"The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, requires Contra Costa College to make all
programs accessible to qualified individuals with learning, physical, or psychological
disabilities. Students who would like to receive accommodations for their learning, physical, or
psychological disabilities should contact the Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS)
office (H-19) and schedule an appointment. (510) 235-7800 ext. 7220."
Prepared by A. Borhan, G. Segade, E. Smith, L. Statan, and E. Xiezopolski, Fall 2011