Course Descriptions
English as a Second Language
Number sequencing next to course name means the following: first digit designates the number of lecture hours for the course; the second digit designates the number of lab, clinic or practicum hours; and the third digit designates the credit hours for the course.
LS 101 Basic Writing 3-0-3
This course focuses on developing writing skills at the paragraph level. Students will have opportunities to develop writing skills through a learning process that integrates reading, writing, and grammar practice. In learning and practicing a variety of writing tasks, students will gain increasing competence in expressing themselves in appropriate written English in an academic context. The developmental process also encourages cultural learning. The three institutional credits awarded for this course do not count toward graduation requirements but are calculated into GPA. LS 101, LS 102 and LS 103 are required for matriculated students who have earned less than 500 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (less than 173 on computer-based test); students scoring over 500 (over 173 on computer-based test) are strongly recommended to take one of the three courses; waiver options are available; course is also open to non-matriculated students.
LS 102 Pronunciation Matters 3-0-3
The purpose of this course is to guide students into speaking clear and natural American English. It addresses basics in pronunciation for clear communication. Contents include sound/spelling patterns, syllables, consonant/vowel problems, linking, stress, and rhythm. The course will be a learner-centered, encouraging interactive activities and practice. The three institutional credits awarded for this course do not count toward graduation requirements but are calculated into GPA. LS 101, LS 102 and LS 103 are required for matriculated students who have earned less than 500 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (less than 173 on computer-based test); students scoring over 500 (over 173 on computer-based test) are strongly recommended to take one of the three courses; waiver options are available; course is also open to non-matriculated students.
LS 103 Reading Comprehension Skills 3-0-3
The main goal of this course is to move learners toward a higher proficiency level of reading comprehension and cultural understanding of the concepts, jargon, and texts related to modern technology. Classes will emphasize a developmental process that integrates reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, problem solving, and cultural learning. Readings from journals or newspapers will be used as sample material to motivate students. The three institutional credits awarded for this course do not count toward graduation requirements but are calculated into GPA. LS 101, LS 102 and LS 103 are required for matriculated students who have earned less than 500 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (less than 173 on computer-based test); students scoring over 500 (over 173 on computer-based test) are strongly recommended to take one of the three courses; waiver options are available; course is also open to non-matriculated students.
LS 104 American Culture I 3-0-3
The major purpose of this course is to introduce and explore American culture through selected topics of interest. The course introduces typical American people, places, and ideas, providing students with essential information about the USA and stimulating cross-cultural exchange. This course emphasizes cultural awareness and addresses the four basic language skills - reading, writing, speaking, and listening. A variety of high-interest topics will enable students to take part in discussions, present short talks, solve problems, and interact with each other. The three institutional credits awarded for this course do not count toward graduation requirements but are calculated into GPA.
LS 201 Academic Writing 3-0-3
The goal of this course is to continue to prepare students for English composition and other academic writing at the college level. It focuses on developing writing skills at the essay level. Students will move from writing structured paragraphs to organizing, drafting, and revising complete essays. Course content includes introduction to patterns of essay organization such as the comparison and contrast, cause and effect, and process analysis. Grammar and complex sentence structures will be reviewed as needed. The three institutional credits awarded for this course do not count toward graduation requirements but are calculated into GPA.
LS 202 Clear Communication 3-0-3
The primary goal of this course is to help non-native speakers of English develop skills of oral communication and listening comprehension. Various pronunciation needs for communicating more effectively in academic or professional settings will also be addressed. The learner-centered instruction guides students in developing communicative English through a variety of interactive practices including stresses of words, intonations of sentences and styles of communication. The three institutional credits awarded for this course do not count toward graduation requirements but are calculated into GPA.
LS 203 Grammar Practice 3-0-3
This course focuses on training students in developing proficiency through active grammar practice. Students will have various opportunities to learn grammar structures through systematic themes as well as practical application through exercises. Reading and other communicative activities will be integrated. Grammar exercises will cover a broad content of both a scientific and humanistic nature as well as selections from TOEFL. The three institutional credits awarded for this course do not count toward graduation requirements but are calculated into GPA.
LS 204 American Culture II 3-0-3
The major purpose of this course is to expand the students' knowledge of the American culture through selected topics of interest. The course not only provides students with essential information about the USA but also stimulates cross-cultural exchange. This course provides students with the opportunity to conduct research and then develop and deliver presentations to the class on their findings. Four language skills - reading, writing, speaking and listening - are addressed in this course. The three institutional credits awarded for this course do not count toward graduation requirements but are calculated into GPA.
LS 211 English for the Workplace 3-0-3
This course is designed to give students an introduction to communicative English in work settings. Students will learn basic interviewing skills, telephone techniques and how to write simple business correspondence in English. American workplace culture will be introduced through an interactive learning process. The three institutional credits awarded for this course do not count toward graduation requirements but are calculated into GPA.
LS 222 English for Health Sciences 3-0-3
This course is designed for those students who wish to enter or who are already working in the health field but do not yet have a sufficient mastery of English to ensure success. Students will have opportunities to learn and broaden their vocabulary of medical terminology in such areas as Anatomy and Physiology and Human Biology. Students will also be guided to use the language in their class discussions, collaborative research, presentations and interpersonal communication. This class can be taken by ESOL students in preparation for A&P and Microbiology courses offered at NHTI. The three institutional credits awarded for this course do not count toward graduation requirements but are calculated into GPA.
Revised: 17 Aug 2010