Apply Now Request Information Schedule a Visit

Teaching English-Language Learners

Program Codes: QTELL
Minor

Introduction:
The  Department of World  Languages and Cultures sees its role in the life of the University as a vehicle for the development of the whole person in a multicultural context through the most basic activities of human life: personal expression and social interaction.

We offer majors in French, Spanish, Russian Studies and International Business, as well as French and Spanish Education. Students may also pursue minors in Arabic and Islamic Studies, Asian Studies, Chinese, French, Russian Studies, Spanish and Teaching English Language Learners. Through these programs the Department prepares students for a future that demands a high level of linguistic proficiency and cultural competency.

Mission Statement
The Department of World Languages and Cultures supports the mission of the University by fostering meaningful language acquisition and cultural study that will enable our students to “exercise leadership in  service toward a just world.”

The department promotes the acquisition of indispensable skills in intercultural communication for our students’ future careers and personal development. Understanding that we cannot truly understand a people without understanding their language, the department’s focus is on quality, student-centered instruction in the reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension skills necessary to function in our target languages. Courses in world cultures and literatures are a vital complement to language study and support the University core value of global responsibility, which “challenges us to learn how to steward the resources of the Earth wisely and to act in solidarity with its diverse peoples.”

In order to foster awareness of world cultures, the department supports study abroad experiences, sponsors speakers and other events on campus, and serves as a language and cultural resource to the greater Erie community. The department of World Languages and Cultures works to foster respect for others, an openness to difference, and productive relationships facilitated through intercultural communication.

 

Program Outcomes:
  • Speak and understand the target language at the Intermediate High level or above, as detailed in the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
  • Read and write in the target language at the Intermediate High level or above (ACTFL).
  • Demonstrate cultural proficiency in the culture(s) that use the target language.
  • Discuss in the target language, both orally and in writing, literary and visual texts or cultural artifacts of the target culture
  • Conduct and produce research in the target language.
  • Demonstrate understanding of second language acquisition and the history of foreign language pedagogy (education majors).
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply understanding in practice teaching situations and to analyze and critique the teaching of others (education majors).

Students in any major may earn a minor in Teaching English-Language Learners.

Teaching English-Language Learners Required Courses
SUPPORTING LITERACY ENGLISH LANG LRNRS
Course Code:
ELL 301
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
This course introduces the structure of the English language as a background for exploring the development of literacy for English language learners (ELLs) across disciplines. It prepares teacher candidates to support, accommodate and coach ELLs in literacy strategies, including the use of assistive technologies relevant to content area subjects. The course partially satisfies competencies for the PDE ESL Program Specialist Certification. Students will be required to complete field experiences and classroom activities that enable them to reflect on their own belief systems, practices, and educational experiences.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
ELL 301
SUPPORTING LITERACY ENGLISH LANG LRNRS
3
TEACHING ESL:ISSUES IN THEORY&PRACTICE
Course Code:
ELL 400
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
This course explores instructional techniques to help ELLs develop L2 literacy and content knowledge. It prepares teacher candidates to develop ELL instruction and assessment opportunities; to apply appropriate testing practices for English language learners by addressing state-allowed testing accommodations, using multiple assessment resources and measures; and to analyze educational data from various ELL groups. The course partially satisfies competencies for the PDE ESL Program Specialist Certification. Students will be required to complete field experiences and classroom activities that enable them to reflect on their own belief systems, practices, and educational experiences.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
ELL 400
TEACHING ESL:ISSUES IN THEORY&PRACTICE
3

*This course includes a 20-hour practicum.

PROFESSIONALISM&PROGRAM DEVELOP FOR ELL
Course Code:
ELL 405
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
This course explores the national, state and local requirements and their effects on ELL instruction, assessment and program implementation; investigates the importance of collaboration with family, community, content instructors and administrators for the educational benefit of ELLs; and helps candidates plan for long-term growth and personal professional development through participation in professional organization and action research. 3 credits.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
ELL 405
PROFESSIONALISM&PROGRAM DEVELOP FOR ELL
3
CULTURALLY&LINGUISTICALLY DIVRS LRNR
Course Code:
WL 101
Course Group(s):
HUMANS IN CONNECTION
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course, which satisfies the Humanities core requirement for Education majors, provides the knowledge, skills and dispositions that enable K-12 teachers to facilitate learning among students from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Specifically, the course will (1) explore variations in personality, educational background, social class, ethnicity, national origin, language, and culture; (2) analyze the issues of race, racism, and culture in historical and contemporary perspectives; (3) explore strategies for teaching multicultural and multilingual English language learners in K-12 settings; and (4) identify obstacles to participation in the educational process by diverse cultural and ethnic groups. This course is open to all majors, through the focus is on the educational context.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
WL 101
CULTURALLY&LINGUISTICALLY DIVRS LRNR
3
SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Course Code:
WL 312
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:

This course will examine how first and second languages are acquired, bilingualism/multilingualism and its benefits, and bilingualism and multilingualism around the globe from the perspective of education and language policy. The course will consider current approaches to and outcomes of second language teaching in the U.S. and abroad, assessment (including the ACTFL proficiency guidelines), and the Pennsylvania Standards for World Languages. This course is open to all interested students. *This course includes a 20-hour practicum.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
WL 312
SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
3
INTRO TO SOCIOLINGUISTICS
Course Code:
WL 314
Course Group(s):
ANTHROPOLOGY/ARCHAEOLOGY COGNATE ELECTIVES
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course does not assume prior language or linguistics study but rather introduces students to the social aspects of language, in general, and to the relationship between language and social factors that affect its usage, such as geography, gender, ethnicity, age and socioeconomic class.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
WL 314
INTRO TO SOCIOLINGUISTICS
3

One (1) elective required, must be approved by program director.

Menu
Degrees & Certificates
A-Z By Department By Area of Interest
Course Descriptions
By Course Code (A-Z) By Department
Academic Affairs
Academic Calendar and Credit Hours Academic Honesty Academic Standards and Grades Academic Transcripts Class Attendance Mercyhurst Honors Program Class Standing and Student Status Competency Requirements Cooperative Academic Agreements Graduation Requirements Internships and Off-Campus Learning Experiences Nontraditional College Credit Privacy: FERPA and HIPAA REACH Curriculum Registration Policies and Procedures Transfer Credits Student Grievance Policy
Academic Services and Support
Career & Professional Development Learning Support Services Prestigious Awards The Testing, Tutoring, and Writing Centers University Libraries Academic Support
Admissions
Admissions Decisions Confirmation Deposit Professional Admissions Campus Visits International Students Transfer Policy
COVID-19 Disclaimer
Mercyhurst University
Campus and Buildings Introduction Mission and Values Notice of Non-Discrimination Academic Calendar Academic Programs Overview Accreditations Minors
Student Financial Services
Financial Aid Awarding Policies State Grants, Scholarships and Other Programs Tuition and Fees
Student Life
ADA Accommodations Athletics Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) Campus Involvement Center Campus Ministry Counseling Center Health Center Veterans’ Resources Mercyhurst Student Government Police and Safety Services Residence Life Student Handbook Student Conduct Code Community Engagement
Academic Directory
Faculty Administration Conference for Mercy Higher Education