Welcome to English Language Learning (ESL)!
Are you looking to improve your Academic English skills? Our English
Language Learning (ELL/ESL) courses are for you! At Harold Washington
College, a community of English Learners take college courses toward their
degree while improving their English Language skills. This is what makes CCC a
very special experience for English Learners. Our students are citizens,
new immigrants, and international students. Whether you are interested in
improving your English skills for a CCC program, a two-year transfer degree,
career development, or personal reasons, our English Language Learning faculty
are here for you!
Courses
ESL Reading, Writing, and Grammar – These courses
focus on the reading, writing and grammar skills needed to enter college-level
classes. Class time will be spent analyzing readings, strengthening
paragraph and essay writing skills, and building vocabulary. In addition,
students will use technology to help advance their skills. Teamwork in addition
to individual work, in which students are required to analyze texts and
coordinate with classmates, will help prepare them for advanced college courses
and the workplace environment.
ESL Speaking and Listening Classes – These courses focus on developing
communicative abilities to help the student engage fully in academic
situations. Activities include listening tasks, movie and video clip
viewing, note taking during lectures, guided conversations, group discussions,
class presentations, and pronunciation practice. Much of class time is
spent in small learning groups so that students can practice speaking and
listening as much as
possible.
ESL Reading – The reading courses focus on development of overall
reading comprehension in academics. This course covers essential
reading skills necessary for the college level, including;
reading strategies, speed, and note taking skills, as well as
academic vocabulary development. Reading courses may focus on a
special topic. Topics change each semester and may include
Chicago History, Sciences, Literature, or Anthropology. There is an
emphasis on group work and projects, and class discussions. Blogs,
writing, and presentations are also part of the course. This course is
offered at the Intermediate and High Intermediate level.
College Credit Courses
INTDSP 101 College Success: The Freshman Seminar – This course is designed to introduce
students to academic skills that will foster success in college and in the
workplace. Students will learn about CCC programs, Degrees,
transfer opportunities and scholarships. Through
critical reading students will explore the qualities of leadership on
campus. They will also gain expertise in critical thinking, reading, writing
as well as study skills, time management and stress management.
Students will also be introduced to the use of technology for communication and
research.
INTDSP 103 News and Media – This course considers the role of the News and Media in
society. Students, through reading and discussion, will participate
in critical evaluation of diverse news formats through the
application of information literacy and media literacy. Topics explored
in relation to the culture of civic engagement.
History 111 -- History 111 is a college credit American History course
from pre revolution to the Civil War 1865. Exploration of the
new world and its colonization; study of colonial life with emphasis on
cultural heritage and the American Revolution; emergence of American
nation traced through major trends and events in economic, political, cultural,
social and intellectual affairs; includes past and present American cultural
patterns. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part
of the course.
History 112 –
History 112 is good for students interested in post-Civil War and
20th Century US History. American history from the close of the Civil War
to the present; political and economic developments, and social, intellectual
and cultural changes.
Humanities 107 Pop Culture – ESL students enrolled in Pop Culture Class enhance
their academic language and their multi-media literacy skills through highly
interactive learning methods. They learn about how popular aspects of American
culture such as music, movies, TV, advertising, fashion or technology mirror
our emotions and opinions about identity, gender, race and many other aspects
of contemporary
life.
Speech 143 Pronunciation – This is a comprehensive pronunciation and speaking course
that focuses on helping intermediate students speak more clearly and
accurately. This course covers many aspects of pronunciation including
syllable recognition, sounds, stress, rhythm, and intonation. There is an
emphasis on pair and group work, discussions, and class presentations. We
will use many resources on the internet. Videotaping, audio taping, songs,
speeches, and interviews will also be part of the activities.
Art 103 Art Appreciation – In the ELL Art 103 class students learn through
interactive and collaborative activities about the importance of art in human
life. Through reading, blogging, multi-media projects, research
and fieldtrips, students learn to look at art in various contexts. They
explore local and cultural traditions, historical movements, visual language,
artistic processes, and global art concepts.
Social Science 101 – Students in this class will study a survey of subject
matter and concepts selected from the disciplines of anthropology, psychology,
and sociology.