The English as a Second Language (ESL) Department serves resident and international
non-native speakers of English seeking to improve their academic and professional
language skills. The ESL curriculum is designed to help students advance in reading,
writing, listening, and speaking so that they gain the full-range of language skills
needed to communicate effectively in their certificate and degree programs as well
as in their careers and communities.
New students take the Guided Self-Placement assessment to learn their ESL level. See
the Placement page for information.
ESL 078-Introduction to Listening in English (6 Units)
ESL 078R-Introduction to reading in English (6 Units)
These are courses for true beginnners in the English language. Students may elect
to take these courses for credit or non-credit. Most 078-078R sections are linked
to create learning communities.
Level 2
ESL 088-Literacy and Communication (6 units)
ESL 088R-Reading and Vocabulary for College and Everyday Life (3 units)
ESL 088L-Understanding and Speaking American English for College and Everyday Life
(3 units)
Students must take all courses at Level 2 before advancing to Level 3. Some sections
are linked to create learning communities and maximize opportunities for success.
Level 3
ESL 098-Introduction to Academic English (6 Units)
ESL 098G-Essential grammar for Written and Spoken Communication (3 units)
ESL 098P-Sounds and Rhythms of American English (3 units)
Students must take all courses at Level 3 before advancing to Level 4. Some sections
are linked to create learning communities and maximize opportunities for success.
Level 4
ESL 105-Rhetoric for Academic Success (6 units)
This integrated skills English language course includes reading, writing, speaking,
listening, and other language learning skills for college.
This course is degree applicable. Students at this level have acquired adequate language
skills to take GE courses in addition to ESL.
Level 5
ESL 115-Academic Discourse through US Cultures (6 units)
This humanities course uses content from US cultures as a vehicle to teach English
language skills including reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Satisfies General Education reqs: CSU GE, Area C2 IGETC, Area B2 Transfers to: CSU and UC
Level 6
ESL 122- College Rhetoric (6 units)
This course is transfer-level English composition equivalent, and satisfies the same
GE requirements as ENG 120.
Satisfies General Education reqs for Grossmont College: Area A – A1; CSU GE Area A2;
IGETC 1A; Transfers to: CSU and UC