ESL603 Reading Instruction for Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Learners (1-3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): ESL600  
This course focuses on the concepts and skills needed to develop literacy programs for students who differ in how they acquire literacy because of language, learning, and/or cultural differences. Three major strands are featured: (1) selection and teaching of literature that reflects the diversity of American classrooms and promotes global understanding; (2) fostering literacy in children who come from non-mainstream cultures; and (3) literacy for English Language Learners (ELL/ESL) and for those with special learning characteristics. Gender differences in literacy acquisition are also explored.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze the differences between literacy development in the first language and the second language, and the implications for teaching second language learners.
2. Design strategies to develop communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing as an important contributor to academic success across the curriculum.
3. Outline the features of English, including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
4. Relate knowledge of English to other languages.
5. Analyze how cultural, linguistic, ethnic, regional, and gender differences affect communication in the classroom.