ESL 107 - Advanced Academic ESL Reading

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: General

This course addresses academic needs of advanced non-native English language students by exposing them to engaging traditional and multicultural literary works to further immerse them in a scholarly environment. Through appreciation and interpretation of a culturally diverse range of fiction, poetry, and drama students relate their immigrant experiences to the literary world while working at an advanced level of academic English.
Prerequisite: 81 or above on the Reading ESL ACCUPLACER test.
Competencies

Establish a fundamental literary vocabulary.
1. Apply effective strategies to clarify, analyze and learn the meaning of new words.
2. Use important literary terms appropriate to specific literary contexts.
3. Identify examples of idiomatic, colloquial and vernacular language.
Identify fundamental features of literary texts.
1. Recognize elements of fictional plot, narration, character, setting, symbol and theme.
2. Recognize elements of poetical tone, rhythm, metaphor and simile.
3. Recognize elements of theatrical staging, scene, production, tragedy and comedy.
Evaluate the importance of literature in cultural contexts.
1. Compare and contrast texts of various world cultures including North American, South American/Caribbean, European, Middle Eastern, Asian, African.
2. Distinguish cultural nuances and historical contexts of literary texts.
3. Explore post-colonial dilemmas in the literary canon.
4. Apply literary interpretation strategies to a broad range of cultural dynamics.
5. Identify the relationship between literature in the academic arena and surrounding social environments.
Write critical analyses of literary texts.
1. Demonstrate critical reading and interpretation skills through reflective journals.
2. Summarize fictional plot and theme, discuss poetic form imagery and tone, and comment on dramatic staging and production.
3. Practice content schemata necessary for literary comprehension.
Apply English language skills to literary oral discussion.
1. Participate in group discussions to compare and contrast themes and literary techniques.
2. Use an expansive literary vocabulary to compare meaning, structure and style of readings in oral reports.
3. Draw from prior knowledge and immigrant experience in creating class presentations (reader response criticism models).
4. Engage in peer feedback to analyze texts.
Evaluate research skills.
1. Select library sources from both the shelves and data bases.
2. Analyze credible academic sources.
3. Incorporate findings into written and oral projects.