English Language Program
Overview
The Academic English program gives students the opportunity to build their English language skills and meet the English Language requirements for entrance into college programs. The flexible, multi-level intensive language program gives students a chance to build and refine their language skills for academic, career or personal goals.
The core English Language program includes instruction in all key English skill areas (grammar, reading, writing, and communications) at fundamental, intermediate, and advanced stages. Students at all levels can supplement the core skills with a wide variety of oral communication seminars and elective courses. The complete program includes 22 hours of instruction per week for the basic core classes and seminars (18 core hours + 2 elective seminars) per semester.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate English listening and reading comprehension skills in social, academic and/or professional contexts
- Express ideas accurately and clearly in written and spoken English
- Use creative and critical thinking skills to analyze, evaluate and draw conclusions
- Apply a range of learning strategies to achieve their educational goals and capacity as a learner
- Employ technology appropriately for academic purposes
- Demonstrate developing intercultural communication competence
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, the applicant must meet the following English Language Program requirements to be considered fully-qualified:
Students applying to only the English Language Program are not subject to the general admission requirements for Selkirk College. The program is intended for adults 18 years or over. Students 16 or 17 years may be considered for admission in some circumstances. Students may also apply if they do not have high school transcripts.
However, students wishing to use their English language studies to meet the language requirements for admission to a college program must meet the general admission requirements for the college before being accepted into the next program.
Academic
a) No academic requirements for English Language
b) Applicants seeking admission to other College Programs in addition to the English Language Program will be admitted in accordance with College policy as it applies to Canadian, Landed Immigrant, or International status. The admission policies of those programs will apply and decisions for admission will be made in consultation with the Selkirk International Department Head and the appropriate Chair and/or Dean.
c) Upon arrival at the College, students will be interviewed, tested and placed in the program according to their skills and needs. Progress through the various levels of the program will be determined by continued assessment of skills.
General
a) Applicants must submit a completed admission application form at least two months in advance and other required documents (i.e. secondary school and any post-secondary transcripts) to the admissions office, Selkirk College.
b) A current and valid student visa is required to study at Selkirk College
c) Medical coverage is required as per policy 8620 “The international student provides evidence of health insurance coverage at the time of admittance to Selkirk College and covering the period until the provincial Medical Services Plan or other plan becomes applicable”.
d) Fees must be paid in full for each semester in accordance with existing College procedure.
e) Applicants who apply late for the program will be given seats as available.
This program has no additional requirements.
Part-time Study
a) Federal Government policies require International students on a student visa to be enrolled full time. No part-time study options are available to International students on student visas.
b) Part-time studies are permitted for Canadian students in the English Language program.
Order of Selection
Applicants for the English Language Program will be processed in order of receipt of their completed applications and will be accepted in accordance with College policy as it applies to Canadian, Landed Immigrant, or International status and as mentioned in (IA1) and (IA2).
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
1. Before an applicant’s file is considered to be complete, the following must have been received by the Admissions office:
a) Completed application form and international processing fee.
b) Official transcripts of high school grades (an interim statement of grades is acceptable if applicant is currently a student).
c) Official transcripts of all post secondary education grades.
2. Applications for admissions will be received until program is full.
3. Applications will be processed by the International Admissions Officer in consultation with the Registrar and the Department Head and/or Chair as outlined in Section A above.
Students must maintain a minimum of 60% in each course to progress to the next level. To meet college entrance requirements into regular programming, students must complete the Advanced 5 program + ENGL 60 or EASL 067.
PROMOTION
1. Promotion to the next level in each course requires a grade of “C” or better.
2. Students may bypass levels of the English Language Program by successful completion of the appropriate placement testing for that level.
GRADUATION
a) GRANTING OF CERTIFICATES
(i) Certificates will be granted at the end of the academic term.
(ii) These certificates will reflect enrollment dates and the level completed in the English Language Program. A grade of AC@ is necessary in individual courses to gain credit toward a certificate at any given level. Certificates may also recognize courses taken in other college programs.
Courses
EASL015 - Fundamental Grammar
EASL 015 Fundamental Grammar is a high beginner level course. Students identify and practice basic grammatical structures in both written and oral form, including the simple present, past, and future verb tenses; question forms; plural and singular nouns; and time/number concepts.
EASL016 - Fundamental Writing
EASL 016 Fundamental Writing provides students who speak English as an additional language with instruction and opportunities to write at a fundamental level. Students use and practice the verb forms studied in Grammar courses in their writing assignments and learn to use basic sentence and paragraph structure. Students begin to use fundamental components of the writing process to write about personal and familiar topics. Students use the computer lab for some class work and keep weekly journals to write about their experiences.
EASL017 - Fundamental Reading
EASL 017 Fundamental Reading helps students who speak English as an additional language to improve their understanding of English through reading at a fundamental level. Students build basic vocabulary, develop an understanding of word forms, learn to use reading skills such as skimming and scanning, and discuss ideas through reading selected material.
EASL018 - Fundamental Communications
EASL 018 Fundamental Communications develops students' ability and confidence to conduct fundamental conversations in English about common daily subjects. Students use common functional vocabulary, form simple phrases and questions, and practice high frequency grammatical structures to communicate personal needs, express personal likes and dislikes, and report personal and factual information.
EASL025 - Intermediate Grammar - Verbs
EASL 025 Intermediate Grammar - Verbs provides instruction and opportunities to practice grammar at a lower intermediate level. Students will study, analyze, practice, and discuss selected grammar forms and structures, including verb tenses, time clauses, question patterns, nouns and pronouns, and modals.
EASL026 - Intermediate Writing - Sentence Structures
EASL 026 Intermediate Writing - Sentence Structures. This course provides students who speak English as an additional language with instruction in writing and opportunities to write at an intermediate level. The course helps students develop their ability to write sentences and paragraphs using the forms and structures studied in their Grammar courses. Students are introduced to the writing process and write descriptive and narrative chronological paragraphs. Students use the computer lab for some class work and also keep weekly journals to write about their experiences.
EASL027 - Intermediate Reading - Vocabulary and Meaning
EASL 027 Intermediate Reading - Vocabulary and Meaning. This course is an intermediate course for students who speak English as an additional language. Students read and discuss selected articles from the textbook and other sources with a focus on developing vocabulary and understanding meaning. Students develop their knowledge of word forms and use reading strategies such as guessing meaning from context in understanding main ideas. Students are encouraged to do supplementary reading and begin to use an English dictionary.
EASL028 - Intermediate Communications - Conversation Skills
EASL 028 Intermediate Communications - Conversation Skills develops students' ability to communicate beyond the basic skills related to personal and factual topics. Students develop vocabulary and grammar for informal conversations, listen to and practice natural speech patterns, and learn strategies for engaging in everyday conversations and classroom dialogues.
EASL035 - Intermediate Grammar - Structures
EASL 035 Intermediate Grammar - Structures. This course provides instruction and opportunities for students who speak English as an additional language to practice grammar at an intermediate level. Students study and practice selected grammar structures, including connectors, gerunds, infinitives, passives, adjective and noun clauses, reported/direct speech, basic conditionals, comparisons, and phrasal verbs.
EASL036 - Intermediate Writing - Expressing Ideas
EASL 036 Intermediate Writing - Expressing Ideas. This course provides students who speak English as an additional language with instruction in writing and opportunities to write at an intermediate level. This course helps students to develop their ability to write accurate, simple, compound and complex sentences. Students learn to apply components of the writing process to produce clear, well-structured expository paragraphs (e.g. descriptive and narrative) that express meaningful ideas. Students are also introduced to multi-paragraph writing. Students keep weekly journals to write about their experiences.
EASL037 - Intermediate Reading - Current Ideas
EASL 037 Intermediate Reading - Current Ideas is an intermediate course for students who speak English as an additional language. Students read and discuss selected simplified and authentic articles from the textbook and other sources with a focus on building vocabulary and knowledge of word forms, applying reading strategies such as predicting and inferring, increasing reading speed, identifying structure, and understanding and responding to current ideas. Students are encouraged to do supplementary reading and use both bilingual and unilingual dictionaries.
EASL038 - Intermediate Communications - Expressing Opinions
EASL 038 Intermediate Communications - Expressing Opinions. This course provides opportunities for students to take an active role in initiating, sustaining and closing social conversations. Students learn to use relevant vocabulary and idioms as well as a range of intermediate grammatical structures to express opinions on familiar topics in discussions and presentations. Students learn to comprehend and produce a range of functions (e.g. clarifying and requesting clarification). Students also learn to use natural English speech patterns, intonation and rhythm and improve their listening comprehension using a variety of media sources and interpersonal communication. Students begin to take simple notes while listening.
EASL045 - Advanced Grammar - Complex Verbs
EASL 045 Advanced Grammar: Complex Verbs. This course is an advanced academic course which is intended to help students, who speak English as an additional language, develop accuracy and gain fluency in the use of verb tenses and related structures such as modals and passives.
EASL046 - Advanced Writng - Paragraphs / Essays
EASL 046 Advanced Writing - Paragraph/Essays is an academic course in writing for students who speak English as an additional language. This course includes a focus on advanced elements of effective paragraph writing, an introduction to essay formats in a variety of rhetorical styles, and an introduction to research and paraphrasing. Students use the writing process to develop their academic writing skills and keep a personal journal to develop fluency and to generate reflective ideas. The course consists of a weekly lecture and an interactive writing workshop with the instructor in the computer lab.
EASL047 - Advanced Reading - Contemporary Reading
EASL 047 Advanced Reading - Contemporary Reading is an advanced academic course which is intended to help students read, analyse and discuss selected modified and authentic contemporary articles from the textbook and a variety of other sources. The course focuses on learning and applying reading strategies such as using context, headings, and format to determine main ideas. Students practice active reading to make meaning and to understand and respond to ideas. Students are expected to use a unilingual English dictionary and use the college library for independent reading.
EASL048 - Advanced Communications - Developing Discussions
EASL 048 Advanced Communications - Developing Discussions. This course develops advanced spoken language skills for students to use in discussions of various topics inside and outside the classroom. Students express their own ideas and opinions and contribute actively to informal discussions and formal presentations. Students develop their awareness of varieties of spoken language according to purpose, topic and audience, their understanding of concrete and abstract words and phrases, and their use of appropriate sound, rhythm and stress patterns. Listening and note taking skills are developed through presentations, discussions, and media resources.
EASL055 - Advanced Grammar - Complex Structures
EASL 055 Advanced Grammar - Complex Structures is an advanced academic course which is intended to help students develop accuracy and gain fluency in the use of complex grammatical structures including noun clauses, adjective clauses, adverb clauses, conditional clauses, and gerunds and infinitives.
EASL056A - Advanced Writing: College Essays
EASL 056A Advanced Writing: College Essays is an advanced academic course in writing for students who speak English as an additional language. The course focuses on using the writing process for planning, writing, and revising to produce well-developed multi-paragraph academic essays, including comparison / contrast and argumentative research. Attention is given to the use of accurate and effective research techniques. The course consists of a weekly lecture and an interactive writing workshop with the instructor in the computer lab.
EASL056C - Advanced Writing - Technical Writing
EASL057A - Advanced Reading - Academic Reading
EASL 057A Advanced Reading - Academic Reading is an advanced course which includes study and discussion of a variety of modified and authentic academic reading selections taken from the textbook and other sources. The course focuses on the development of vocabulary and specific reading strategies, including making notes and summarizing information, as well as on the understanding and analysis of texts on academic and social topics. Students develop their ability to read critically and discuss academic texts and to use a unilingual English dictionary.
EASL057B - Advanced Reading - World Literature
EASL 057B Advanced Reading - World Literature is a required advanced academic reading course which includes study and discussion of a variety of short stories, poems, and essays of moderate length written by Canadian and international authors. The course focuses on the understanding of the meaning of texts in the context of a global society. Students learn to recognize major themes in literature and comprehend and apply basic literary terms. Students develop their ability to respond reflectively to literature in both oral and written form.
EASL057C - Advanced Reading - Media Reading
EASL 057C Advanced Reading - Media Reading is an advanced academic reading course which includes study and discussion of a variety of reading selections of moderate length taken from current media sources, including print newspapers and magazines as well as articles from the internet. The course focuses on the development of vocabulary and specific reading strategies that can be used in understanding and critiquing texts on topics of contemporary social and cultural interest. Students develop their ability to read critically and respond to media reports on current issues.
EASL058 - Advanced Communications - Exploring Issues
EASL 058 Advanced Communications - Exploring Issues. This course focuses on advanced speaking and listening skills. Students use complex grammar, vocabulary and advanced communication strategies to explore relevant issues in a variety of academic, social and cultural situations. Accuracy, fluency, comprehension and quantity of speech are reinforced through conversation, dialogue, debate, role play, listening practice, and other communicative tasks. Students take notes from oral academic discourse including lectures and presentations.
TREC159 - Advanced Business Communication
TREC 159 Advanced Business Communications emphasizes a practical approach to business writing and speaking for advanced students. TREC 159 provides opportunities for students to use business communication tools including reports, memos, business letters, resumes, interview skills, oral presentations and visual aids. Business language strategies are emphasized to give students the skills to become effective cross-cultural communicators. These strategies include clarity of spoken and written English, the use of appropriate vocabulary, and an awareness of cultural variations in business organizations.
Students have a choice in core classes but must complete the following:
- 2 courses (6 credits) of the following courses: EASL 057A, EASL 057B, or EASL 057C
- 1 course (4 credits) of the following courses: EASL 056A or EASL 056C
- 1 course (4 credits) of the following courses: EASL 058 or TREC 159
EASL065 - College Preparation - Grammar
EASL 065 College Preparation - Grammar. This course is for advanced English language learners who wish more in-depth grammar focus. Students identify weaknesses in their writing and grammar, and refine their skills through self and peer editing, discussion and practice. There is a focus on common sentence problem areas such as fragments, splices, run-ons and misplaced and dangling modifiers, as well as paragraph and essay development.
EASL066 - College Preparation - Research Writing
EASL 066 College Preparation - Research Writing is an advanced writing course that focuses on various forms of writing that can be found in the academic and the work world. In addition to formal academic research techniques, this course will also explore practical technical writing skills needed for clear, timely, concise and accurate communication. The writer must focus on the purpose and audience as well as the form, style and organization. In this class, students will produce a variety of practical and academic forms of writing, including correspondence, summaries, instructions, proposals, reports etc.
EASL067 - College Preparation - College Bridge
EASL068 - College Preparation - Community Outreach
EASL 068 College Preparation - Community Outreach is a course for English language students who have completed Advanced Communications. Students initiate, plan, and facilitate community based projects which involve interaction with native speakers in real life contexts. Students work independently and in teams to prepare, implement, and evaluate projects. Community Outreach is designed to build leadership skills and improve professional speaking, delivery and reporting methods.
EASL091A - Music and Pronunciation
EASL 091A Music and Pronunciation is a multi-level interactive seminar in which students use songs of their choice to identify and practice features of English pronunciation. Students gain fluency, improve intonation and rhythm and increase their ability to produce difficult sounds. In addition, there is the opportunity to expand vocabulary through the many idioms and collocations used in popular songs.
EASL091B - Art and Photography
EASL 091B Art and Photography is a multi-level communications seminar designed to use various forms of art and photography to expand student's English language skills. Using various creative media, students will produce their own art work. Additionally students will visit local galleries, studios and artisans to discus and share ideas.
EASL091C - Movies and Discussions
EASL 091C Movies and Discussions is an interactive communicative seminar which offers students an opportunity to watch international movies chosen by the class. Students practice their speaking and listening skills and increase their vocabulary while introducing, watching, and discussing movies. They also have a chance to write about and share their ideas and opinions.
EASL091D - Movie Making
EASL092A - Volunteering Internship
EASL 092A Volunteer Internship is an advanced interactive communicative seminar where students can volunteer once a week at a business, service or organization in Castlegar. This experience gives students an opportunity to learn more about the community and use their English in a real setting.
EASL092B - Community Adventures
EASL 092B Community Adventures is an off-campus excursion seminar that offers the opportunity to practice English outside of the classroom while familiarizing the students with Castlegar and the surrounding area. Students will visit a variety of cultural, educational and service settings. Assignments and projects will be based on field trip experiences.
EASL092C - Canadian Studies
EASL 092C Canadian Studies is a multi-level interactive communicative seminar for students who are interested in learning more about Canada. Students study such topics as the geography, history, culture and politics of Canada. Students are able to learn more about Canada in relation to their home country and culture.
EASL092D - Leadership
EASL 092D Leadership is an advanced interactive communicative seminar which offers opportunities for students to learn about and practice leadership skills both individually and as a group. The class works together to discuss, plan and do projects of their choice. Students gain real experience organizing and working as a multicultural team and learn valuable skills for future work situations.
EASL092E - Newspaper
EASL 092E Newspaper is an advanced interactive communicative seminar which offers an opportunity for students to create and produce a student newspaper/magazine for the term. Students interview people in the college and the community, write and edit articles, collect information about student events, take pictures, design art work, and coordinate the publication of the newspaper. This seminar helps students improve their speaking, listening, writing and computer skills as well as learn to work as a team.
EASL093A - Academic Preparation
EASL 093A Academic Preparation is an advanced communications seminar for students who are planning to continue their studies in English and want to improve their academic study skills. Students will work towards improving their listening, note-taking and discussion skills using authentic English and topics of interest.
EASL093B - Speaking Professionally
EASL 093B Speaking Professionally is an advanced interactive communicative seminar which provides opportunities for students enrolled in the Advanced English Language Program to practice professional public speaking skills. The course helps students build confidence in developing and presenting ideas publicly, in responding to questions and comments, and in developing clarity of speech.
EASL093C - Tourism Communications
EASL093D - Teaching and Learning Languages
EASL 093D Teaching and Learning Languages is an advanced interactive communicative seminar which introduces students to teaching and learning useful words and expressions in different languages, as determined by the members of the class. Students have the opportunity to develop lessons and teach their own language to the class as well as learn to communicate in other languages. Students learn and share various methods and strategies for language teaching and learning as well as learn about the languages and cultures of other students.
EASL094A - Global Cooking
EASL 094A Global Cooking is a multilevel interactive communicative seminar that provides students with opportunities to make and eat food from many different cultures. The students in the class teach other students how to make a favourite dish from their culture. All the students cook and eat together and learn the necessary vocabulary and language skills to share their pleasure in international foods. Students also develop an awareness of other cultures' customs and learn some practical cooking skills.
EASL094B - International Recreation
EASL094C - Outdoor Recreation
EASL094D - Nature Studies
EASL 094D Nature Studies is a multilevel interactive communicative seminar which teaches students about the natural environment and culture of the Castlegar area. Students study topics such as animals, plants, geography and history. Students learn in the classroom but also have opportunities to go on outdoor field trips.
EASL095A - Partnership
EASL 095A Partnership is an interactive communicative seminar which connects English language learners with other students who are native English speakers for informal meetings. The ESL student and their partner meet once a week for conversation and sharing of cultures and interests. This seminar provides an opportunity to practice English in a one on one situation.
EASL095B - Pronunciation
EASL 095B Pronunciation is an interactive communicative seminar which helps students use, learn, and practice English idioms, slang and expressions in addition to practicing elements of natural pronunciation such as rhythm, stress, articulation of individual sounds and intonation. Students create dialogues and conversations and share them with the class.
EASL095C - Debates and Dialogues
EASL 095C Debates and Dialogues is an advanced interactive communicative seminar where students read, discuss and debate. Students work on improving their speaking and listening skills while they learn and practice how debates and formal discussions are structured.
EASL095D - Global Discussions
EASL 095D Global Discussions is an advanced interactive communicative seminar where students have the opportunity to explore and learn about a variety of topics. Students work on building vocabulary and discussion skills as they increase their knowledge and understanding of important issues in the world today.
Students also have the opportunity to share their ideas and opinions with other Canadian college classes and /or students.
EASL095E - Business Idioms
EASL 095E Business Idioms is a basic course in Business English for ESL students who wish to improve their written and oral skills. The course focuses on level-appropriate grammar and introduces frequently used business idioms and vocabulary specific to various 'real life' business domains. This seminar will also familiarize students with the finer points of business culture in North America.
EASL097A-O - Academic Language Studies
EASL 097A—EASL 097O Academic Language Studies seminar provides an opportunity for advanced language students to explore subject content and skills specific to their field of study as part of their language development. Students attend weekly seminar discussion classes to share Canadian classroom styles, learning challenges within a college environment and develop academic language skills. Students are also simultaneously enrolled in a pre-approved college level course within the course areas below and attend all regularly scheduled classes as an Audit student.
Tuition & Fees
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