ESL Syllabus Templates
Updated: January 14, 2011
Prepared by the ESL Curriculum Committee (2009-2010): Yeghia Aslanian, Sharon
Avni, John Beaumont, Paulette Henderson, Christine Jacknick, Ken Levinson, Elisa
Pigeron Susan Price, Rosario Torres, Yong Wei, and Cynthia Wiseman
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Before using this template, save it to your personal computer or flash drive.
2. Fill in the details of your own course at the top section of the syllabus.
3. Do not change or add to the learning outcomes and assessments in this
syllabus. If you would like to add learning outcomes and assessments,
please outline them on a separate sheet and distribute them to students.
4. Note that the policies for attendance, etc. are college policies. If you alter
college policy in any way, check with the department chair or one of your
coordinators. Then state the change clearly in your syllabus.
1
V. 01/11
BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
City University of New York
Department of Developmental Skills
[SPRING 2010]
ESL 095-[nnn]
Hours: 6
Credits: 0
Days/Rooms: [nnn]
Time: [nnn]
ESL Lab Hours: [nnn]
Instructor [name]
Email:
Phone:
Office: [N---]
Office Hours:
Course Description
ESL 095 is an intensive writing course for ESL students. It focuses on basic components of effective writing,
including essay organization, paragraph development, sentence structure, word choice, and content. Students
read and respond to a variety of texts and use argumentation, narrative, and description as modes of developing
ideas in writing. To pass this course and continue on to English 101, students must receive a passing score on the
CUNY Assessment Test in Writing (CATW).
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Students register for ESL 095 as a result of their performance on a placement test or promotion from a lower level
ESL course. There are no prerequisites for ESL 095.
Evaluation & Requirements of Students
Grades will be based on students’ performance on the CATW. Students who achieve a passing score on the test will
receive a grade of S; those who have also passed the CUNY ACT/Compass reading test or those who are exempt
from it will be placed in ENG 101. Students who do not achieve a passing score on the CATW will receive a grade of
R. Note: Students will not be given letter grades (A, B, C, D, or F) in this course.
1
2
3
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will be able to identify, summarize, and
analyze main ideas in a text, and critically
respond to a key idea or ideas in an essay
demonstrating organization, development, and
English language proficiency.
Students will be able to compose, revise, and
edit a variety of kinds of writing.
General Ed Learning Outcome: Communication
Skills – Students will be able to write, read,
listen, and speak critically and effectively.
2
ASSESSMENTS
 Timed standardized writing assignment
scored with the CATW rubric








Department portfolio checklist
Instructor feedback (oral/written)
Instructor feedback checklists
Peer feedback checklists
Department portfolio checklist
Instructor feedback (oral/written)
Instructor feedback checklists
Peer feedback checklists
V. 01/11
Required Text & Readings
[Instructor: Add your list of required texts and/or readings]
Outline of Topics
[Instructor: Add your list of topics]
College Attendance Policy
At BMCC, the maximum number of absences is limited to one more hour than the number of hours a class meets
in one week. ESL 095 is a six-hour course. Therefore, you are allowed seven hours (not classes) of absence. In the
case of excessive absences, the instructor has the option to assign a grade of R or WU.
Note: To be eligible for exit testing (the final exam), a student must have met the college attendance
requirements. Students who fail to meet the college’s attendance policy may not be eligible for re-testing.
Academic Adjustments for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments for this course must
contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. BMCC is committed to providing equal access to all
programs and curricula to all students.
BMCC Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Statement
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words or artistic, scientific, or technical work as one’s own
creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible only when the original author is identified. Paraphrasing
and summarizing, as well as direct quotations, require citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be
intentional or unintentional. Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for
plagiarism.
Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to consult with their instructors.
The library has guides designed to help students to appropriately identify a cited work. The full policy can be found
on BMCC’s web site, www.bmcc.cuny.edu. For further information on integrity and behavior, please consult the
college bulletin (also available online).
3
V. 01/11
BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
City University of New York
Department of Developmental Skills
[SPRING 2010]
ESL 094-[nnn]
Hours: 6
Credits: 0
Days/Rooms: [nnn]
Time: [nnn]
ESL Lab Hours: [nnn]
Instructor [name]
Email:
Phone:
Office: [N---]
Office Hours:
Course Description
ESL 094 is an advanced ESL course that emphasizes writing and reading skills; however, oral skills are developed as
well. In writing, students focus on introducing, developing, supporting, and organizing their ideas in exposition as
well as in descriptive writing.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Students register for ESL 094 as a result of their performance on a placement test or promotion from a lower level
ESL course. There are no prerequisites for ESL 094.
Evaluation & Requirements of Students
Grades will be based upon class work, homework, exams, and attendance. Students passing to a higher level will
receive a grade of S; students who must repeat the level will receive a grade of R. Students who do not fulfill the
requirements of the class may be given an Inc.
Note: Students will not be given letter grades (A-F) in this course.
[Instructor: If you are teaching ESL 094 as a portfolio class, delete 1a. Otherwise, delete 1b.]
1a
1b
2
3
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will be able to take a position on an issue
and present it in an essay demonstrating
organization, development, and language
proficiency.
In portfolio classes students will be able to produce a
variety of kinds of writing, including persuasive
essays and responses to readings. This writing will
demonstrate organization, development, and English
language proficiency.
Students will be able to compose, revise and edit a
variety of kinds of writing.
General Ed Learning Outcome: Communication
Skills – Students will be able to write, read, listen,
and speak critically and effectively.
4
ASSESSMENTS
 Timed expository essay scored using the
department rubric (“Holistic Scoring Scale: Criteria
for Grading ESL Papers”)
 Department portfolio checklist
 Guidelines for the “Essay Based on Reading”(see
portfolio handbook).








Department portfolio checklist
Instructor feedback (oral/written)
Instructor feedback checklists
Peer feedback checklists
Department portfolio checklist
Instructor feedback (oral/written)
Instructor feedback checklists
Peer feedback checklists
V. 01/11
Required Text & Readings
[Instructor: Add as needed. Instructors are free to choose a text from a list recommended by the ESL Curriculum
Committee, select another that is appropriate for the level, or design their own materials to meet the level
objectives.]
Other Resources
[Instructor: Add as needed.]
Use of Technology (if applicable)
[Instructor: Add information as needed]
Outline of Topics
[Instructor: Add your own list.]
College Attendance Policy
At BMCC, the maximum number of absences is limited to one more hour than the number of hours a class meets
in one week. For example, ESL 094 is a six-hour class, so you are allowed seven hours of absence (not 7 days). If
students are excessively absent or late, the instructor has the option to assign a grade of R or WU.
Academic Adjustments for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments for this course must
contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. BMCC is committed to providing equal access to all
programs and curricula to all students.
BMCC Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Statement
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words or artistic, scientific, or technical work as one’s own
creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible only when the original author is identified. Paraphrasing
and summarizing, as well as direct quotations, require citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be
intentional or unintentional. Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for
plagiarism.
Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to consult with their instructors.
The library has guides designed to help students to appropriately identify a cited work. The full policy can be found
on BMCC’s web site, www.bmcc.cuny.edu. For further information on integrity and behavior, please consult the
college bulletin (also available online).
5
V. 01/11
BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
City University of New York
Department of Developmental Skills
[SPRING 2010]
ESL 062-[nnn]
Hours: 6
Credits: 0
Days/Rooms: [nnn]
Time: [nnn]
ESL Lab Hours: [nnn]
Instructor [name]
Email:
Phone:
Office: [N---]
Office Hours:
Course Description
ESL 062 is an advanced ESL course that emphasizes writing and reading skills; however, oral skills are developed as
well. In writing, students focus on introducing, developing, supporting, and organizing their ideas in exposition as
well as in descriptive writing.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Students register for ESL 062 as a result of their performance on a placement test or promotion from a lower level
ESL course. There are no prerequisites for ESL 062.
Evaluation & Requirements of Students
Grades will be based upon class work, homework, exams, and attendance. Students passing to a higher level will
receive a grade of S; students who must repeat the level will receive a grade of R. Students who do not fulfill the
requirements of the class may be given an Inc. Note: Students will not be given letter grades (A-F) in this course.
[Instructor: If you are teaching ESL 062 as a portfolio class, delete 1a. Otherwise, delete 1b.]
1a
1b
2
3
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will be able to take a position on an issue
and present it in an essay demonstrating
organization, development, and language
proficiency.
In portfolio classes students will be able to produce a
variety of kinds of writing, including persuasive
essays and responses to readings. This writing will
demonstrate organization, development, and English
language proficiency.
Students will be able to compose, revise and edit a
variety of kinds of writing.
General Ed Learning Outcome: Communication
Skills – Students will be able to write, read, listen,
and speak critically and effectively.
6
ASSESSMENTS
 Timed expository essay scored using the
department rubric (“Holistic Scoring Scale: Criteria
for Grading ESL Papers”)
 Portfolio evaluation scored using the department
portfolio checklist.
 Guidelines for the “Essay Based on Reading” (See
Department Portfolio Handbook).








Department portfolio checklist
Instructor feedback (oral/written)
Instructor feedback checklists
Peer feedback checklists
Department portfolio checklist
Instructor feedback (oral/written)
Instructor feedback checklists
Peer feedback checklists
V. 01/11
Required Text & Readings
[Add as needed. Instructors are free to choose a text from a list recommended by the ESL Curriculum Committee,
select another that is appropriate for the level, or design their own materials to meet the level objectives.]
Other Resources
[Instructor: Add as needed.]
Use of Technology (if applicable)
[Instructor: Add information as needed]
Outline of Topics
[Instructor: Add your own list.]
College Attendance Policy
At BMCC, the maximum number of absences is limited to one more hour than the number of hours a class meets
in one week. For example, ESL 062 is a six-hour class so you are allowed 7 hours of absence (not 7 days). If students
are excessively absent or late, the instructor has the option to assign a grade of R or WU.
Academic Adjustments for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments for this course must
contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. BMCC is committed to providing equal access to all
programs and curricula to all students.
BMCC Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Statement
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words or artistic, scientific, or technical work as one’s own
creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible only when the original author is identified. Paraphrasing
and summarizing, as well as direct quotations, require citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be
intentional or unintentional. Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for
plagiarism.
Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to consult with their instructors.
The library has guides designed to help students to appropriately identify a cited work. The full policy can be found
on BMCC’s web site, www.bmcc.cuny.edu. For further information on integrity and behavior, please consult the
college bulletin (also available online).
7
V. 01/11
BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
City University of New York
Department of Developmental Skills
[SPRING 2010]
ESL 054-[nnn]
Hours: 6
Credits: 0
Days/Rooms: [nnn]
Time: [nnn]
ESL Lab Hours: [nnn]
Instructor [name]
Email:
Phone:
Office: [N---]
Office Hours:
Course Description
This course is designed to improve the reading/writing skills of beginning and low-intermediate level students. It is
obligatory for one semester for all incoming ESL students whose placement examinations show a need for
instruction at this level.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
This course must be taken concurrently with ESL 049. There are no prerequisites for ESL 054.
Evaluation & Requirements of Students
[Instructor: Adapt as needed.]
Students passing to a higher level will receive a grade of S; students who must repeat the level will receive a grade
of R. Note: Students will not be given letter grades (A, B, C, D, or F) in this course. The ESL 054 and 049 instructors
will consult with each other on the assignment of grades.
[Instructor: If you are teaching ESL 054 as a portfolio class, delete 1a. Otherwise, delete 1b.]
1a
1b
2
3
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will be able to write a composition of
several paragraphs on a narrative or expository
topic.
In portfolio classes students will be able to produce
a variety of kinds of writing. The drafts of these
writings will demonstrate organization,
development, and language proficiency.
Students will follow a process when writing:
brainstorming, organizing ideas, writing, revising,
and editing.
General Ed Learning Outcome: Communication
Skills – Students will be able to write, read, listen,
and speak critically and effectively.
8
ASSESSMENTS
 Timed expository essay scored using the
department rubric (“Holistic Scoring Scale:
Criteria for Grading ESL Papers”)
 Portfolio evaluation scored using the
department portfolio checklist.
 Guidelines for the “Essay Based on Reading”
(See Department Portfolio Handbook).
 Department portfolio checklist
 Instructor feedback (oral/written)
 Instructor feedback checklists
 Peer feedback checklists
 Department portfolio checklist
 Instructor feedback (oral/written)
 Instructor feedback checklists
 Peer feedback checklists
V. 01/11
Required Text & Readings
[Instructor: Add as needed.]
Other Resources
[Instructor: Add as needed.]
Use of Technology (if applicable)
[Instructor: Add as needed.]
Outline of Topics
[Instructor: Add as needed – e.g., Paragraph development, Narrative writing, Free writing, Film criticism, Reading
responses, Grammar topics (tenses, agreement, possessive pronouns), Editing strategies, Revision strategies]
College Attendance Policy
At BMCC, the maximum number of absences is limited to one more hour than the number of hours a class meets
in one week. ESL 054 is a nine-hour class. Therefore, you are allowed 10 hours (not classes) of absence. In the case
of excessive absences, the instructor has the option to assign a grade of R or WU.
Academic Adjustments for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments for this course must
contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. BMCC is committed to providing equal access to all
programs and curricula to all students.
BMCC Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Statement
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words or artistic, scientific, or technical work as one’s own
creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible only when the original author is identified. Paraphrasing
and summarizing, as well as direct quotations, require citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be
intentional or unintentional. Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for
plagiarism.
Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to consult with their instructors.
The library has guides designed to help students to appropriately identify a cited work. The full policy can be found
on BMCC’s web site, www.bmcc.cuny.edu. For further information on integrity and behavior, please consult the
college bulletin (also available online).
9
V. 01/11
BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
City University of New York
Department of Developmental Skills
[SPRING 2010]
ESL 049-[nnn]
Hours: 6
Credits: 0
Days/Rooms: [nnn]
Time: [nnn]
ESL Lab Hours: [nnn]
Instructor [name]
Email:
Phone:
Office: [N---]
Office Hours:
Course Description
This course is designed to improve the aural/oral skills of the beginning and low-intermediate student. It is
obligatory for one semester for all incoming ESL students whose placement examinations show a need for
instruction at this level.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
This course must be taken concurrently with ESL 054. There are no prerequisites for ESL 049.
Evaluation & Requirements of Students
Grades will be based upon participation in class work, homework, exams, and attendance. Students passing to a
higher level will receive a grade of S. Students who must repeat the level will receive a grade of R. Note: Students
will not be given letter grades (A, B, C, D, or F) in this course.
Evaluation & Requirements of Students
[Instructor: Add as needed.]
Students who successfully complete this course will receive a grade of S. Students who must repeat the level will
receive a grade of R. Note: Students will not be given letter grades in this course. The ESL 054 and 049 instructors
will consult with each other on the assignment of grades.
1
2
3
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will be able to follow direction, repeat
or restate an idea, and listen for the main point
of a discussion.
Students will be able to interview each other by
asking yes/no questions and share that
information orally or in writing.
General Ed Learning Outcome: Communication
Skills – Students will be able to write, read,
listen, and speak critically and effectively.
10
ASSESSMENTS




Department portfolio checklist
Instructor feedback (oral/written)
Instructor feedback checklists
Peer feedback checklists
V. 01/11
Required Text & Readings
[Instructor: Add as needed.]
Other Resources
[Instructor: Add as needed.]
Use of Technology (if applicable)
[Instructor: Add as needed.]
Outline of Topics
[Instructor: Add as needed – e.g., Paragraph development, Narrative writing, Free writing, Film criticism, Reading
responses, Grammar topics (tenses, agreement, possessive pronouns), Editing strategies, Revision strategies]
College Attendance Policy
At BMCC, the maximum number of absences is limited to one more hour than the number of hours a class meets
in one week. ESL 049 is a three-hour course. Therefore, students are allowed four hours (not 4 classes) of absence.
For example, you may be enrolled in a three-hour class. In the case of excessive absences, the instructor has the
option to lower the grade or assign an R or WU grade.
Academic Adjustments for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments for this course must
contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. BMCC is committed to providing equal access to all
programs and curricula to all students.
BMCC Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Statement
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words or artistic, scientific, or technical work as one’s own
creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible only when the original author is identified. Paraphrasing
and summarizing, as well as direct quotations, require citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be
intentional or unintentional. Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for
plagiarism.
Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to consult with their instructors.
The library has guides designed to help students to appropriately identify a cited work. The full policy can be found
on BMCC’s web site, www.bmcc.cuny.edu. For further information on integrity and behavior, please consult the
college bulletin (also available online).
11
V. 01/11