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English Language Studies (ELS)

English Language Studies (ELS)

The ELS program offers special English language instruction to non-native speakers in listening, speaking, reading and writing so they can pursue their personal and academic goals. Entering students must take a placement exam that indicates appropriate placement in one of four levels of English-language proficiency. Students also study American culture to develop cross-cultural understanding and to prepare them for full participation in American society.

The program’s core courses are sequenced and represent four levels of language mastery. Successful completion of each level is a pre-requisite for promotion to the next. To supplement classroom instruction and facilitate language learning, the ELS Program provides a tutorial lab, a writing center for the writing courses, and a multi-media lab for the reading and speaking courses.

The ELS Program is college integrated. Students are assisted in making the transition to academic programs that lead to certificates and/or degrees. College courses are available to students according to their level of proficiency. To support English-language learners in achieving their academic goals, students are allowed to take certain college-level courses in conjunction with ELS courses. Furthermore, students are encouraged to participate in and contribute to the social and cultural life of the College.

Program Outcomes:

1. Analyze college-level materials written in English.
2. Communicate effectively on academic topics in spoken English.
3. Write a well-developed, coherent, and cohesive 5 paragraph essay in English.
4. Identify American cultural values and essential facts about American history and government.

Technology for ELS Students. All ELS students participate in the multi-media lab that supplements all reading and speaking courses. In addition, students have access to computers during sessions in smart classrooms, in writing labs, and in the Library.

ELS Achievement Awards. To recognize student achievement upon completion of the program, the ELS Department offers an achievement award to students who have completed their ELS course work and six (6) additional credits. The ELS department invites students to apply for the recognition awards during the fall semester.

ELS Sequence. The chart below shows ELS courses that PCCC offers to assist students in achieving English proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing.

* ELS students cannot be two (2) skill levels apart.