Cosumnes River College
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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language

Overview

CRC offers a comprehensive ESL program with courses in academic reading and writing, grammar, listening/speaking, and pronunciation designed to provide English language learners with the language skills necessary to pursue both transfer and vocational courses and enter the workforce. Students can begin with little knowledge of English and progress to a highly proficient level.

View the CRC ESL Course Sequence and the ESL Placement webpage.

Certificates Offered

  • ESL Listening and Speaking for Academic and Workforce Preparation Certificate
  • ESL Listening and Speaking for College Success Certificate
  • ESL Reading for Academic and Workforce Preparation Certificate
  • ESL Reading for College Success Certificate
  • ESL Writing for Academic and Workforce Preparation Certificate
  • ESL Writing for College Success Certificate

Certificates

ESL Listening and Speaking for Academic and Workforce Preparation Certificate

This certificate of proficiency recognizes English language learners who have successfully completed coursework in ESL Listening and Speaking from the novice to low intermediate level.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESLL 31 Listening and Speaking for College Readiness 3
ESLL 41 Listening, Speaking and Presentation Skills for College 3
ESLP 41 The Basics of English Pronunciation 3
Total Units: 9

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO #1: USE INTERACTIVE SPEAKING STRATEGIES EFFECTIVELY
  • PSLO #2: PREPARE AND DELIVER SHORT YET ENGAGING PRESENTATIONS ON ACADEMIC TOPICS
  • PSLO #3: USE NOTE-TAKING TECHNIQUES TO TAKE ORGANIZED, ACCURATE NOTES BASED ON SHORT LECTURES FROM A VARIETY OF DISCIPLINES
  • PSLO #4: DEMONSTRATE AN EMERGING ABILITY TO PRONOUNCE ALL THE SOUNDS OF ENGLISH IN CONTROLLED SPEECH.
  • PSLO #5: USE BASIC WORD STRESS RULES TO IDENTIFY AND PRONOUNCE STRESSED SYLLABLES.
  • PSLO #6: USE BASIC RULES OF SUPRASEGMENTAL STRESS TO IDENTIFY AND PRONOUNCE SENTENCE STRESS AND INTONATION.

ESL Listening and Speaking for College Success Certificate

This certificate of proficiency recognizes English language learners who have successfully completed coursework in ESL Listening and Speaking from the intermediate-mid to advanced-low level.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESLP 51 Building English Fluency and Comprehensibility 3
ESLL 111 Academic Listening, Speaking, and Presentation Skills 3
ESLL 121 Academic Listening, Note-taking, and Discussion 3
Total Units: 9

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: USE PRE-LISTENING STRATEGIES TO PREPARE FOR LECTURES
  • PSLO 2: DEMONSTRATE COMPETENCE TAKING ACCURATE NOTES BASED ON LECTURES
  • PSLO 3: ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN A VARIETY OF CLASS DISCUSSION ACTIVITIES
  • PSLO 4: DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO PRONOUNCE ALL THE SOUNDS OF ENGLISH IN CONTROLLED SPEECH WITH OCCASIONAL ERRORS.
  • PSLO 5: USE OF A VARIETY OF WORD STRESS RULES TO IDENTIFY AND PRONOUNCE STRESSED SYLLABLES.
  • PSLO 6: USE RULES OF SUPRASEGMENTAL STRESS TO IDENTIFY AND PRONOUNCE RHYTHM, SENTENCE STRESS, AND INTONATION

ESL Reading for Academic and Workforce Preparation Certificate

This certificate of proficiency recognizes English language learners who have successfully completed coursework in ESL Reading from the novice to low intermediate level.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 37 Novice-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 47 Intermediate-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: EMPLOY "TOP-DOWN" COMPREHENSION STRATEGIES
  • PSLO 2: EMPLOY LEVEL-APPROPRIATE VOCABULARY BUILDING STRATEGIES
  • PSLO 3: DEMONSTRATE COMPREHENSION OF MULTI-PARAGRAPH ACADEMIC TEXTS
  • PSLO 4: DEMONSTRATE AN EMERGING ABILITY TO SYNTHESIZE INFORMATION FROM TEXT AND USE THAT INFORMATION TO GENERATE IDEAS FOR WRITING.

ESL Reading for College Success Certificate

This certificate of proficiency recognizes English language learners who have successfully completed coursework in ESL Reading from the intermediate to advanced-low level.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 110 ESL College English Preparation: Intermediate 6
ESL 130 ESL College English Preparation: Advanced-Low 6
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: DEMONSTRATE ACADEMIC READING SKILLS BOTH IN CLASS UNDER THE PRESSURE OF TIME AND OUT OF CLASS.
  • PSLO 2: RESPOND TO READINGS IN CLEAR WRITTEN AND ORAL RESPONSES THAT SHOW CRITICAL ANALYSIS.
  • PSLO 3: DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO INFER, SUMMARIZE, PARAPHRASE, AND MAKE GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS OR OUTLINES.

ESL Writing for Academic and Workforce Preparation Certificate

This certificate of proficiency recognizes English language learners who have successfully completed coursework in ESL Writing from the novice to low intermediate level.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 37 Novice-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 47 Intermediate-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: EMPLOY THE WRITING PROCESS TO COMPLETE WRITING ASSIGNMENTS WHICH INCLUDE A CLEAR TOPIC, CONTROLLING IDEA, AND SUPPORTING DETAILS AT VARIOUS LEVELS OF SPECIFICITY.
  • PSLO 2: DEMONSTRATE AN EMERGING ABILITY TO APPLY NEW INFORMATION TO WRITING
  • PSLO 3: USE COMMON ENGLISH SENTENCE PATTERNS CORRECTLY.

ESL Writing for College Success Certificate

This certificate of proficiency recognizes English language learners who have successfully completed coursework in ESL Writing from the intermediate-mid to advanced-low level.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 110 ESL College English Preparation: Intermediate 6
ESL 130 ESL College English Preparation: Advanced-Low 6
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: EMPLOY THE WRITING PROCESS TO COMPLETE SEVERAL MULTI-DRAFT ESSAYS THAT INCLUDE OUTSIDE SOURCES.
  • PSLO 2: CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATE COLLEGE-APPROPRIATE SKILLS BOTH IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM
  • PSLO 3: COMPLETE COLLEGE-LEVEL ASSIGNMENTS INCLUDING FOLLOWING MULTI-PART INSTRUCTIONS, USING INDEPENDENT THINKING OR BASIC RESEARCH, COMPLETING WORK ON TIME EVEN WHEN MULTIPLE STEPS ARE REQUIRED, AND UTILIZING CORRECT FORMATTING FOR ALL WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS.
  • PSLO 4: RESPECT ACADEMIC INTEGRITY BY USING ONE'S OWN IDEAS AND WORDS IN WRITING AND CITING SOURCES WHEN NECESSARY.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses

ESL 24 Novice-Mid ESL Skills Lab

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Students may only enroll in one ESL Skills Lab per semester.
  • Advisory:ESLL 20; Concurrent enrollment in ESLL 20, ESLR 20, and/or ESLW 20 is recommended as ESL 24 is designed to supplement the instruction students receive in those courses.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course develops, expands, and reinforces multiple English language skills at the novice-mid level in an independent and/or small group environment. Coursework includes integrated study topics relative to vocabulary and study skills, reading, grammar use, idiomatic language study and application, conversation and listening skills, and assorted integrated software programs. Late registration is allowed as long as space is available and with the permission of the instructor. This course is not a substitute for other ESL courses. Students will earn .5 units for each 27 hours of lab completed for a maximum of 1.50 units. This course is a Pass/No Pass course.

ESL 27 Beginning-Low Integrated Reading and Writing

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on the fundamental reading and writing skills which are necessary for success in an academic English program. Students will develop an understanding of vocabulary building, reading comprehension, and the basic grammar and sentence structure necessary for paragraph writing. Students will use content from course readings to develop ideas for their own writing. This course is part of the reading and writing sequence which prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer.

ESL 34 Novice-High Skills Lab

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ESLL 30, ESLR 30, and/or ESLW 30 is recommended as ESL 34 is designed to supplement the instruction students receive these courses.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course develops, expands, and reinforces multiple English language skills at the novice-high level in an independent and/or small group environment. Coursework includes integrated study topics relative to vocabulary and study skills, reading and grammar use, idiomatic language study and application, conversation and listening skills, and assorted integrated software programs. Late registration is allowed as long as space is available and with the permission of the instructor. This course is not a substitute for other ESL courses. Students will earn .5 units for each 27 hours of lab completed for a maximum of 1.50 units. This course is a Pass/No Pass course.

ESL 37 Novice-High Integrated Reading and Writing

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on learning academic reading and writing skills at the novice-high level, with an emphasis on vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and the writing process. Students will develop paragraphs with a clear beginning, middle, and end in the context of a multiple paragraph writing assignment. This course is part of the reading and writing sequence which prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer.

ESL 39 College Ready Skills for English Language Learners

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 20 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a course to prepare English language learners for success in the American academic experience. This course provides college success strategies, language skills, and support resources in the language appropriate for entry level ESL students.

ESL 44 Intermediate-Low Skills Lab

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:concurrent enrollment in ESLL 40, ESLR 40, and/or ESLW 40 is recommended as ESL 44 is designed to supplement the instruction students receive these courses.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course develops, expands, and reinforces multiple English language skills at the intermediate-low level in an independent and/or in small group environment. Coursework includes integrated study topics relative to vocabulary and study skills, reading and grammar use, idiomatic language study and application, pronunciation and listening skills, composition and writing, and/or workplace skills. This is an open-entry open-exit course. Students may register until the end of the ninth week of the semester if space allows. This course is not a substitute for other ESL courses. Students will earn .5 units for each 27 hours of lab completed for a maximum of 1.50 units. This course is graded Pass/No Pass.

ESL 47 Intermediate-Low Integrated Reading and Writing

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 37 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

ESL 47 is an integrated reading and writing course for English language learners at the intermediate level. In preparation for academic writing, students build skills in pre-writing, learn to write strong paragraphs, and practice the basics of essay structure. Students also build academic reading skills and vocabulary. With the information gathered through readings, students begin to use academic content to supplement their ideas in writing. This course is part of the reading and writing sequence, which prepares ESL students to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer.

ESL 54 Intermediate-Mid Skills Lab

  • Units:0.5 - 1.5
  • Hours:27 - 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:concurrent enrollment in ESLL 50, ESLR 50, and/or ESLW 50 is recommended as ESL 54 is designed to supplement the instruction students receive these courses.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course develops, expands, and reinforces multiple English language skills at the intermediate-mid level in an independent and/or in small group environment. Coursework includes integrated study topics relative to vocabulary and study skills, reading and grammar use, idiomatic language study and application, pronunciation and listening skills, composition and writing, and/or workplace skills. This is an open-entry open-exit course. Students may register until the end of the ninth week of the semester if space allows. This course is not a substitute for other ESL courses. Students will earn .5 units for each 27 hours of lab completed for a maximum of 1.50 units. This course is a Pass/No Pass course.

ESL 110 ESL College English Preparation: Intermediate

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 47 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

ESL 110 is an accelerated course that integrates reading and writing. This course addresses the reading and writing skills English language learners need to succeed in college-level courses. Students focus on refining college-level academic skills in reading and writing with an emphasis on speed, vocabulary development, fluency, use of standard English, and analytical skills. Students will do extensive reading and writing with ever-increasing critical analysis. Students will follow the writing process in essay writing and will move from personal experiences to incorporating academic information. The class is the first semester of a two-semester sequence that moves students to ENGL C1000 (formerly known as ENGWR 300) and ENGRD 310/312.

ESL 130 ESL College English Preparation: Advanced-Low

  • Units:6
  • Hours:108 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESL 110 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

ESL 130 is an accelerated course that integrates reading and writing at the high-intermediate and advanced-low level and prepares English language learners to be successful in college-level courses. Students refine academic reading skills with an emphasis on comprehension of academic texts, reading fluency, annotation, and vocabulary development. Students develop research and synthesizing skills and write a variety of essays based on critical analysis of readings. The course also emphasizes competent sentence variety and mastering the mechanics of English in the context of the essay. This class is the second semester of a two-semester sequence that moves students to ENGL C1000 (formerly known as ENGWR 300) and ENGRD 310/312.

ESL 299 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language - Grammar (ESLG) Courses

ESLG 21 Introduction to ESL Grammar

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on fundamental grammar skills, including parts of speech, sentence structure, and basic verb tenses necessary for writing. Students will learn to make sentences and questions in the simple present, simple past, and simple future tenses. This course is ideal for students who already possess a basic understanding of English.

ESLG 31 Basic English Grammar

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides English language learners with an introduction to the basics of English grammar including parts of speech, word form, word order, and the fundamental verb tenses necessary for writing. Students will learn to recognize how words function in English sentences, and be able to identify and correct basic errors.

ESLG 41 Elements of English Sentences

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 31 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides English Language Learners with a review of the basic elements of English sentences including parts of speech, word order, proper use of word form, and the simple and progressive verb tenses. Students will learn to recognize a variety of English sentence patterns in listening, and reading and be able to produce those patterns in their own speaking and writing.

ESLG 51 Grammar for Intermediate ESL Writers

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course reviews the form and use of the simple and continuous tenses in the present, past and future as well as the present perfect and present perfect continuous. It also provides instruction in other intermediate-level grammar topics such as gerunds and infinitives, articles, and nouns. It is intended for students who need additional grammar instruction to support their development writers in English.

ESLG 110 Grammar for Intermediate-High ESL Students

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is intended for English language learners who need to develop an understanding of English grammar to study at the college level. It continues to build competency in the English verb tense system and provides instruction in more advanced clause structures, such as noun clauses, adverb clauses, and conditionals. Students will apply these concepts in writing assignments.

ESLG 120 Advanced ESL Grammar

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLG 110 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on developing control of the form and meaning of important grammar structures, especially those used in writing. Students also learn advanced-level grammar topics and develop independent editing skills. Students write extensively and apply strategies to correct both local and global grammatical errors. The course is intended for students who need to develop strong control of grammar to support their educational and career goals.

ESLG 299 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Grammar

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language - Listening (ESLL) Courses

ESLL 20 Novice Listening and Speaking

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course will provide an introduction to academic listening and speaking for novice level English language learners. Instruction focuses on basic listening and speaking strategies for a variety of situations, including listening for main ideas and utilizing learned phrases for class discussion. English sounds and intonation patterns are introduced.

ESLL 21 Novice Listening and Speaking

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course will provide an introduction to academic listening and speaking for novice level English language learners. Instruction focuses on basic listening and speaking strategies for a variety of situations, including listening for main ideas and utilizing learned phrases for class discussion. English sounds and intonation patterns are introduced.

ESLL 31 Listening and Speaking for College Readiness

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 20 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

English language learners at the novice-high level develop the listening and speaking strategies necessary for college and workforce readiness. Basic listening strategies include listening for main ideas and supporting details in a variety of situations. Basic speaking strategies include the utilization of appropriate learned vocabulary and continued development of the production of English sounds, stress patterns, and intonation patterns. Students will also develop effective small group and class discussion strategies. This course is part of the ESL listening sequence, which is designed to prepare English language learners to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer.

ESLL 41 Listening, Speaking and Presentation Skills for College

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 31 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

ESLL 41 is a course in college listening and speaking for English language learners at the intermediate-low level. Students improve their listening by learning to take notes while watching short lectures, and they develop their speaking skills through class discussions and short presentations. This course is part of the ESL listening sequence, which is designed to prepare English language learners to take college courses leading to a certificate, degree, and/or transfer.

ESLL 111 Academic Listening, Speaking, and Presentation Skills

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 41 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is intended for English language learners who intend to study at the college level. It builds students' ability to listen and speak in the college classroom. Students improve their listening skills through academic lectures and develop strong classroom speaking skills through various types of presentations.

ESLL 121 Academic Listening, Note-taking, and Discussion

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 111 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course prepares English language learners for the level of listening, note-taking, and discussion necessary to be successful in college classes. Students develop academic note-taking skills by listening to real academic lectures and build speaking skills by responding to lectures in class discussions. This course helps prepare ESL students for the rigor of general education courses in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and other disciplines.

ESLL 299 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Listening

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language - Pronunciation (ESLP) Courses

ESLP 41 The Basics of English Pronunciation

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLL 31 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces the phonetic alphabet and focuses on the identification and production of the sounds of English. Students use basic pronunciation rules to begin to control pronunciation of words and sentences and add expression to their speech.

ESLP 51 Building English Fluency and Comprehensibility

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLP 41 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course builds on the skills learned in ESLP 41 while adding increased focus on sentence stress, rhythm, and intonation. Students use pronunciation rules to increase their ability to control pronunciation in a variety of situations and to make their speech more comprehensible and engaging.

English as a Second Language - Reading (ESLR) Courses

ESLR 51 Building Vocabulary Skills

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces English language learners to vocabulary building skills. The course teaches parts of speech, vocabulary study strategies, word attack skills, dictionary skills, and level-appropriate academic vocabulary.

ESLR 111 Academic Vocabulary

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ESLR 51 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is intended to prepare English language learners for the sophisticated vocabulary needed for higher-level study or work. Students will engage with the Academic Word List while continuing to develop vocabulary building skills. The course teaches more complex vocabulary study strategies, word attack skills, and academic vocabulary from the Academic Word List.

ESLR 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Reading

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

English as a Second Language - Writing (ESLW) Courses

ESLW 499 Experimental Offering in English as a Second Language - Writing

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog