
Contact Information

- Division
- Liberal Arts
- Dean
- Patrick Marasso
- Associate Deans
- Soni Verma, Maria Villasenor

- Division Office
- W 107, Rocklin Campus
Overview
Multi-lingual and cultural students can study five levels of English in the ESL program from Beginning to Advanced. At each level, students will learn English to be successful at their jobs, in their community, and for college while practicing writing, reading, listening, speaking, grammar, pronunciation, and technology skills. It is best if students study one year of adult education before entering level 1. When students finish level 5, they complete the program with an advanced certificate and can continue towards a professional certificate, degree, or courses to transfer to a university. Class schedules offer hybrid (mixed online and in person) or fully in person options. Students can take credit or tuition-free, noncredit classes.
Faculty
Marcia L. Brock
Professor, English as a Second Language
B.A., Eastern Kentucky University
M.A., Eastern Kentucky University
M.A., California State University, Sacramento
Julie Casperson Schultz
Assistant Professor, English as a Second Language
B.S., California State University, Chico
M.A., California State University, Sacramento
Sonia Delgadillo
Professor, English as a Second Language
B.A., San Francisco State University
M.A., San Francisco State University
Jessica M. Mayer
Professor, English as a Second Language
B.A., California State University, Chico
M.A., California State University, Sacramento
Robin S. Persiani
Professor, English as a Second Language
B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara
M.A., Northern Arizona University
Degrees/Certificates
Skills Certificate
ACE - Advanced Certificate for ESL
Noncredit Certificates ACE - Advanced Certificate for ESL ESL Intermediate-High Oral Skills
ESL Intermediate-High Writing and Reading Skills
ACE - Advanced Certificate for ESL
(Formerly ESL Academic Preparedness)
Skills Certificate
The ACE - Advanced Preparedness Skills Certificate recognizes advanced-low level proficiency in English language writing, reading, listening/speaking and grammar skills. This skills certificate may be used to demonstrate academic preparedness for college courses as well as workplace-ready language skills. This skills certificate is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ESL 0025G | Academic Grammar and Editing | 3 |
ESL 0025L | Academic Listening and Speaking | 3 |
ESL 0025C | Advanced Reading and Writing | 5-6 |
or ESL 0030C | ||
Total Units | 11-12 |
ACE - Advanced Certificate for ESL Noncredit
Noncredit Certificate of Competency
The ACE - Advanced Preparedness Certificate is a non-credit mirrored certificate that recognizes advanced level proficiency in English language writing, reading, listening/speaking and grammar skills. This skills certificate may be used to demonstrate academic preparedness for college courses as well as workplace-ready language skills. This noncredit certificate is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses:
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ESL 0840C | Advanced Reading and Writing | 0 |
ESL 0840L | Academic Listening and Speaking | 0 |
ESL 0842G | Academic Grammar and Editing | 0 |
Total Units | 0 |
English as a Second Language Intermediate-High Oral Skills
Noncredit Certificate of Competency
The ESL Noncredit Intermediate-High Certificate of Oral Skills is designed to meet the needs of students whose first language is other than English. This certificate provides essential language skills for students to be able to communicate effectively in their community and career. It also provides the listening, speaking, and student skills to be successful in further career training or credit college programs.
Required Courses:
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ESL 0830O | Intermediate-High Integrated Listening, Speaking, and Vocabulary | 0 |
ESL 0832G | Intermediate-High Grammar | 0 |
Optional Recommended Electives: | ||
Introduction to College ESL | ||
Novice-High Integrated Listening, Speaking and Vocabulary | ||
Basic Grammar | ||
Intermediate Integrated Listening, Speaking and Vocabulary | ||
Intermediate Grammar | ||
Total Units | 0 |
English as a Second Language Intermediate-High Writing and Reading Skills
Noncredit Certificate of Competency
The ESL Noncredit Intermediate-High Certificate of Writing and Reading Skills is designed to meet the needs of students whose first language is other than English. This certificate provides essential language skills for students to use written communication effectively in their community and career. It also provides the writing, reading, and student skills to be successful in further career training or credit college programs.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ESL 0830C | Intermediate-High Integrated Writing and Reading | 0 |
ESL 0830S | 0 | |
Optional Recommended Electives: | ||
Introduction to College ESL | ||
Novice-High Integrated Writing and Reading | ||
ESL 0810S | ||
Intermediate Integrated Writing and Reading | ||
ESL 0820S | ||
Total Units | 0 |
Courses
Understanding course descriptions
ESL 0024P. Accent Reduction and Pronunciation for ESL Students
Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process at or above the ESL 530 level or completion of ESL 520O with grade of "C" or better or placement at or above the ESL 830 level or completion of ESL 820O with grade of “Pass”
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 530O or ESL 830O and/or ESL 25L or ESL 840L
Hours: 18 lecture
Focuses on accent reduction for non-native speakers of English. Offers intensive practice and refinement of pronunciation skills that enable students to sound more like native-speakers of English. (not transferable)
ESL 0025C. Advanced Reading and Writing
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process at or above the ESL 25C level or completion of ESL 530C with grade of "C" or better or placement at or above the 840 level or completion of ESL 830C with grade of “Pass”
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 25G or ESL 842G and ESL 25L or ESL 840L
Hours: 108 lecture
Language acquisition of college-level vocabulary, reading, writing, and research for advanced English language learners. Students engage in academic coursework with critical expository composition and literary analysis of cultural perspectives including contributions and social experiences of under-represented ethnic or racial groups. (CSU, UC)
ESL 0025G. Academic Grammar and Editing
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 530C or ESL 532G with grade of “C” or better or completion of ESL 830C or ESL 832G with grade of “Pass”
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 25C or ESL 840C and ESL 25L or ESL 840L
Hours: 54 lecture
Multi-skill course emphasizing academic grammar and editing skills for non-native speakers. Focus on verb tense usage and sequence, clauses, passive voice for academic writing, conditionals, editing strategies, and application of grammar appropriate to writing purpose. Open to students eligible for ESL 25 level. (CSU)
ESL 0025L. Academic Listening and Speaking
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 530O with grade of "C" or better or completion of ESL 830O with grade of “Pass”
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 25C or ESL 840C and ESL 25G or ESL 842G
Hours: 54 lecture
Language acquisition of college-level listening, speaking, vocabulary, and research for advanced-level English language learners. Students engage in academic coursework with small-group discussion, presentations, lectures, videos, and podcasts, including an analysis of cultural perspectives and contributions and social experiences of under-represented ethnic or racial groups. (CSU)
ESL 0510C. Novice-High Integrated Writing and Reading
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 800 with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 510O or ESL 810O and ESL 512G or ESL 812G
Hours: 108 lecture
Novice-High integrated skills course for non-native speakers of English focusing on written production for college, vocational and community success. Emphasis on comprehension and analysis of level-appropriate authentic materials and written responses using focused paragraphs and level-appropriate vocabulary, grammar and success strategies. (not degree applicable)
ESL 0510O. Novice-High Integrated Listening, Speaking and Vocabulary
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 800 with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 510C or 810C and ESL 522G or ESL 822G
Hours: 54 lecture
Novice-high course for non-native speakers. Course topics for college, community, and career may include authentic academic lectures, videos and podcasts to develop oral language production and listening comprehension using level-appropriate vocabulary and grammar. (not degree applicable)
ESL 0512G. Basic Grammar
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 800 with grade of "Pass"
Hours: 54 lecture
Basic grammar skills for non-native English speakers with focus on sentence-level usage. (not degree applicable)
ESL 0512P. Basic Pronunciation for ESL Students
Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 800 with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 510 or 810 level courses
Hours: 18 lecture
Focuses on the learning of basic pronunciation skills for non-native speakers of English. It offers intensive practice of commonly occurring vowel and consonant sounds and combinations of sounds with an introduction to intonation and stress using novice-high and low-intermediate vocabulary level. (not degree applicable)
ESL 0512T. ESL through Basic Computer Technology
Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ESL 510 or 520 levels
Hours: 27 (9 lecture, 18 activity)
Introduction for non-native speakers of English to basic computer vocabulary, keyboarding, mySierra basics, Learning Management System (LMS) basics, Microsoft Word basics and use of ESL software and internet sites. Supports coursework at the ESL 510 and 520 levels. (not degree applicable)
ESL 0520C. Intermediate Integrated Writing and Reading
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 510C with grade of "C" or better or completion of ESL 810C with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 520O or ESL 820O and ESL 522G or ESL 822G
Hours: 108 lecture
Intermediate level integrated skills course for non-native speakers of English focusing on written production for college, vocational, and community success. Emphasis on comprehension and analysis of level-appropriate authentic materials and written responses using focused multi-paragraph writing and level-appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and success strategies. (not degree applicable)
ESL 0520O. Intermediate Integrated Listening, Speaking and Vocabulary
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 510O with grade of "C" or better or completion of ESL 810O with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 520C or 820C and ESL 522G or ESL 822G
Hours: 54 lecture
Intermediate course for non-native speakers. Course topics for college, community, and career may include authentic academic lectures, videos and podcasts to develop oral language production and listening comprehension using level-appropriate vocabulary and grammar. (not degree applicable)
ESL 0522F. Intermediate ESL through Film
Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ESL 520 or 530 levels
Hours: 27 (9 lecture, 18 activity)
Intermediate speaking and listening skills for non-native speakers of English through film. Popular American films enhance cultural competency and build fluency in the exchange of ideas in small groups. Includes viewing of films and film excerpts, lectures, group discussions, oral presentations, and reading and writing summaries and reviews. (not degree applicable)
ESL 0522G. Intermediate Grammar
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 512G with grade of "C" or better or ESL 812G with grade of "Pass" or completion of ESL 510C with grade of "C" or better or ESL 810C with grade of "Pass"
Hours: 54 lecture
Intermediate grammar skills for non-native English speakers with focus on verbs, modifiers, word order, and sentence structure. (not degree applicable)
ESL 0522T. Intermediate ESL through Computer Technology
Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ESL 520 or 530 levels
Advisory: Completion of ESL 512T with grade of "C" or better recommended
Hours: 27 (9 lecture, 18 activity)
Introduction for non-native speakers of English to basic computer vocabulary, keyboarding, mySierra basics, Learning Management System (LMS) basics, Microsoft Word basics and use of ESL software and internet sites. Supports coursework at the ESL 520 and 530 levels. (not degree applicable)
ESL 0530C. Intermediate-High Integrated Writing and Reading
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 520C with grade of "C" or better or completion of ESL 820C with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 530O or ESL 830O and ESL 532G or ESL 832G
Hours: 108 lecture
Intermediate-high level integrated skills course for non-native speakers of English focusing on written production for college and career. Emphasis on comprehension and analysis of level-appropriate authentic materials with genre-based and essay style writing, vocabulary, grammar, and success strategies. (not degree applicable)
ESL 0530O. Intermediate-High Integrated Listening, Speaking and Vocabulary
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 520O with grade of "C" or better or completion of ESL 820O with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 530C or 830C and ESL 522G or 822G
Hours: 54 lecture
Intermediate-high course for non-native speakers of English focusing on oral production. Course topics for college, community, and career may include authentic academic lectures, videos and podcasts to develop oral language production and listening comprehension using level-appropriate vocabulary and grammar. (not degree applicable)
ESL 0532G. Intermediate-High Grammar
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 520C or 522G with grade of "C" or better or ESL 820C or 822G with grade of "Pass"
Hours: 54 lecture
Intermediate-high grammar skills for non-native English speakers with focus on error correction, verbs, clauses, and complex sentence structure. (not degree applicable)
ESL 0800. Introduction to College ESL
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process
Hours: 108 lecture
Novice level course of integrated listening, speaking, reading, vocabulary, grammar and writing skills to prepare students for novice-high, credit ESL courses. Emphasis on common situations and functions of college, vocation, and community. Activities include introduction to college resources and basic use of computers. Consistent attendance is required. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0810C. Novice-High Integrated Writing and Reading
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 800 with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 510O or ESL 810O and ESL 512G or ESL 812G
Hours: 108 lecture
Novice-High integrated skills course for non-native speakers of English focusing on written production for college, vocational and community success. Emphasis on comprehension and analysis of level-appropriate authentic materials and written responses using focused paragraphs and level-appropriate vocabulary and grammar and success strategies. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0810O. Novice-High Integrated Listening, Speaking and Vocabulary
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 800 with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 510C or 810C and ESL 522G or ESL 822G
Hours: 54 lecture
Novice-high course for non-native speakers. Course topics for college, community, and career may include authentic academic lectures, videos and podcasts to develop oral language production and listening comprehension using level-appropriate vocabulary and grammar. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0812G. Basic Grammar
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 800 with grade of "Pass"
Hours: 54 lecture
Basic grammar skills for non-native English speakers with focus on sentence-level usage. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0812P. Basic Pronunciation for ESL Students
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 800 with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 810 or 510 level courses
Hours: 18 lecture
Focuses on the learning of basic pronunciation skills for non-native speakers of English. It offers intensive practice of commonly occurring vowel and consonant sounds and combinations of sounds with an introduction to intonation and stress using novice-high and low-intermediate vocabulary level. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0812T. ESL Through Basic Computer Technology
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ESL 810 or 820 levels
Hours: 27 (9 lecture, 18 activity)
Introduction for non-native speakers of English to basic computer vocabulary, keyboarding, mySierra basics, Learning Management System (LMS) basics, Microsoft Word basics and use of ESL software and internet sites. Supports coursework at the ESL 810 and 820 levels. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0812V. Vocational ESL for Construction and Trades
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ESL 810 or ESL 510 level
Hours: 36 lecture
High-beginner/low-intermediate level course of listening, speaking, reading, vocabulary, grammar and writing skills to prepare students for the workplace and/or Sierra College CTE construction program. Emphasis on trade-specific terminology and communication skills. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0820C. Intermediate Integrated Writing and Reading
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 510C with grade of "C" or better or completion of ESL 810C with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 520O or ESL 820O and ESL 522G or ESL 822G
Hours: 108 lecture
Intermediate level integrated skills course for non-native speakers of English focusing on written production for college, vocational, and community success. Emphasis on comprehension and analysis of level-appropriate authentic materials and written responses using focused multi-paragraph writing and level-appropriate vocabulary and grammar and success strategies. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0820O. Intermediate Integrated Listening, Speaking and Vocabulary
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 510O with grade of "C" or better or completion of ESL 810O with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 820C or 520C and ESL 822G or ESL 522G
Hours: 54 lecture
Intermediate course for non-native speakers. Course topics for college, community, and career may include authentic academic lectures, videos and podcasts to develop oral language production and listening comprehension using level-appropriate vocabulary and grammar. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0822F. Intermediate ESL through Film
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ESL 820 or 830 levels
Hours: 27 (9 lecture, 18 activity)
Intermediate speaking and listening skills for non-native speakers of English through film. Popular American films enhance cultural competency and build fluency in the exchange of ideas in small groups. Includes viewing of films and film excerpts, lectures, group discussions, oral presentations, and reading and writing summaries and reviews. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0822G. Intermediate Grammar
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 512G with grade of "C" or better or ESL 812G with grade of "Pass" or completion of ESL 510C with grade of "C" or better or ESL 810C with grade of "Pass"
Hours: 54 lecture
Intermediate grammar skills for non-native English speakers with focus on verbs, modifiers, word order, and sentence structure. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0822T. Intermediate ESL through Computer Technology
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ESL 820 or 830 levels
Advisory: Completion of ESL 812T with grade of "C" or better recommended
Hours: 27 (9 lecture, 18 activity)
Introduction for non-native speakers of English to basic computer vocabulary, keyboarding, mySierra basics, Learning Management System (LMS) basics, Microsoft Word basics and use of ESL software and internet sites. Supports coursework at the ESL 820 and 830 levels. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0830C. Intermediate-High Integrated Writing and Reading
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 520C with grade of "C" or better or completion of ESL 820C with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 530O or ESL 830O and ESL 532G or ESL 832G
Hours: 108 lecture
Intermediate-high level integrated skills course for non-native speakers of English focusing on written production for college and career. Emphasis on comprehension and analysis of level-appropriate authentic materials with genre-based and essay style writing, vocabulary, grammar, and success strategies. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0830O. Intermediate-High Integrated Listening, Speaking, and Vocabulary
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 520O with grade of "C" or better or completion of ESL 820O with grade of "Pass"
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 530C or 830C and ESL 522G or 822G
Hours: 54 lecture
Intermediate-high course for non-native speakers of English focusing on oral production. Course topics for college, community, and career may include authentic academic lectures, videos and podcasts to develop oral language production and listening comprehension using level-appropriate vocabulary and grammar. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0832G. Intermediate-High Grammar
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 520C or 522G with grade of "C" or better or ESL 820C or 822G with grade of "Pass"
Hours: 54 lecture
Intermediate-high grammar skills for non-native English speakers with focus on error correction, verbs, clauses, and complex sentence structure. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0840C. Advanced Reading and Writing
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process at or above the ESL 25C level or completion of ESL 530C with grade of "C" or better or placement at or above the 840 level or completion of ESL 830C with grade of “Pass”
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 25G or ESL 842G and ESL 25L or ESL 840L
Hours: 108 lecture
Language acquisition of college-level vocabulary, reading, writing, and research for advanced English language learners. Students engage in academic coursework with critical expository composition and literary analysis of cultural perspectives including contributions and social experiences of under-represented ethnic or racial groups. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0840L. Academic Listening and Speaking
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 530O with grade of "C" or better or completion of ESL 830O with grade of “Pass”
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 25C or ESL 840C and ESL 25G or ESL 842G
Hours: 54 lecture
Language acquisition of college-level listening, speaking, vocabulary, and research for advanced-level English language learners. Students engage in academic coursework with small-group discussion, presentations, lectures, videos, and podcasts, including an analysis of cultural perspectives and contributions and social experiences of under-represented ethnic or racial groups. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0842G. Academic Grammar and Editing
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process or completion of ESL 530C or ESL 532G with grade of “C” or better or completion of ESL 830C or ESL 832G with grade of “Pass”
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 25C or ESL 840C and ESL 25L or ESL 840L
Hours: 54 lecture
Multi-skill course emphasizing academic grammar and editing skills for non-native speakers. Focus on verb tense usage and sequence, clauses, passive voice for academic writing, conditionals, editing strategies, and application of grammar appropriate to writing purpose. Open to students eligible for ESL 25 level/840 level. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0842P. Accent Reduction and Pronunciation for ESL Students
Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by ESL matriculation assessment process at or above the ESL 530 level or completion of ESL 520O with grade of "C" or better or placement at or above the ESL 830 level or completion of ESL 820O with grade of “Pass”
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ESL 530O or ESL 830O and/or ESL 25L or ESL 840L
Hours: 18 lecture
Focuses on accent reduction for non-native speakers of English. Offers intensive practice and refinement of pronunciation skills that enable students improve their understanding and communication with Native Speakers while reducing their own accents to sound more like native-speakers of English. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)
ESL 0850S. ESL Support for ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing
Units: 0
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in ENGL C1000
Hours: 36 lecture
Prepares and supports Multi-lingual and English Learners (ELLs) enrolled in ENGL C1000. Students will develop their grammar and academic reading writing skills through activities, self-editing, plus reading and short writing assignments, focusing on issues specific to ELLs. (noncredit)
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
- Integrate form and usage to produce and understand level-appropriate written and oral English discourse following language conventions, and using acceptable grammatical forms, word order and purpose.
- Devise meaning accurately from aural discourse and orally construct sociolinguistically appropriate and accurate language for community, vocational, and academic functions using authentic, level-appropriate language and skills.
- Decode, comprehend, and analyze English texts applying lexical and reading skills and strategies for intensive and extensive purposes.
- Compose level-appropriate academic writing in English applying developmental, organizational, grammatical, lexical and mechanical skills through the use of the writing process.
- Expand English language skills for workplace and community needs.