English as a Second Language

Augsburg now offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to earn a K-12 ESL license. ESL teachers work with English Language Learners to help them develop proficiency in both social and academic language.

The ESL license can be earned as an initial teaching license or can be added to an existing license. ESL content courses are offered in a hybrid format, meeting on campus an average of once a month. Students pursuing ESL as an initial license will also take core education courses, which are offered on our weekend college schedule.

Graduate Level Licensure
For licensed teachers the ESL Licensure program consists of 7 content area courses (5.5 course credits) and a student teaching experience. Four of the course credits are offered at the graduate level (500) and can be applied toward your Master of Arts in Education degree, which requires a total of 9-10 credits. Students earning their initial license in ESL are also required to take 8 education core courses (7 course credits), an additional two of which can be taken at the graduate level and used towards the MAE degree.

Undergraduate Level licensure
ESL is also offered as an undergraduate major through the weekend college schedule. Along with the major, students can achieve K-12 ESL licensure. The major consists of both the 8 education core courses and the 7 ESL content area courses.

Education Core Courses – for Undergraduate and Graduate Initial Licensure
HPE 115 Chemical Dependency (.5)
EDC 200/522 Orientation to Education (1.0)
EDC 206/566 Diversity/MN American Indians (1.0)
EDC 220 Education Technology (.5)
EED 325/525 and EED 326 K-6 Literacy Methods and Field Experience (1.0/0.0)
EDC 310/533 Learning and Development (1.0)
ESE 325 Creating Learning Environments (1.0)
EDC 410/544 Learners with Special Needs (1.0)

ESL Content Area Courses – for all students seeking ESL license.

Second Language Acquisition (ESL 310 – .5 course credit) Hybrid Format
This course examines the processes involved in acquiring an additional language. Multiple theories of second language acquisition, the difference between first and second language acquisition, and recent work in neurolinguistics will be covered. Because the class is designed for people who plan to teach, attention will be paid to the implications of research for language instruction.

Introduction to Linguistics (ESL 320 – .5 course Credit) Hybrid Format
In this course students will become familiar with basic linguistic concepts and the components of language study (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics). We’ll explore the idea of “grammar” as a human capacity that allows us to learn, use, and understand language.  Features of the English language: its sound system, its word formation processes, its sentence structures, and its rules for meaning, will be covered.

The History and Structure of English- ESL 330/510 (1.0) Hybrid Format
This course provides a thorough study of English grammar. Because the course is intended for future ESL teachers, we will split our time between the study of grammar and the methods and concepts important for teaching grammar to English learners. The history and development of the English language and the phenomenon of language change will also be covered.

ESL Literacy (ESL 340/520 – 1.0 Course Credits) Hybrid Format
ESL teachers play a vital role in the literacy development of their students. By focusing both on theory and practical skills, this course teaches future ESL teachers methods and strategies for planning and implementing literacy instruction for English Language Learners. The interaction of language learning and literacy, first language literary, biliteracy, and literacy assessment will all be explored.

This course includes a 20-hour field placement in a literacy classroom.

ESL Testing and Evaluation (ESL 410 – .5 Course Credit)
This course provides an overview of procedures and instruments used in identifying and assessing English language learners. State and national policies regarding ELL assessment will be covered. Current uses of standardized language proficiency tests and academic content tests will be discussed. The class also examines classroom and authentic assessment practices and seeks to build teacher skill in these areas.

Language, Culture and Schools (ESL 490/530 – 1.0 course credit) Hybrid Format
This course explores the relationships between language, culture, schools and society and the way that these relationships impact the school experience of language minority students. The course provides an introduction to the study of sociolinguistics. Future educators will learn how they can best create school environments that serve the needs of their English learners.

ESL Methods (ESL 420/540 – 1.0 Course Credit) Hybrid Format
This course focuses on preparing future ESL teachers to design and teach standards-based ESL lessons. An overview of English as a second language teaching methods and materials will be provided. The basic principles underlying ESL pedagogy, current ESL trends, and techniques for teaching students at different levels will be examined. Students will design a curriculum unit as a final project for this course.

Students will complete a 20-hour field experience in an ESL classroom as part of this course.