Dowling has an ESL Program that is divided into two distinct disciplines: Expression (Writing/Speaking) and Comprehension (Reading/Listening). There are four levels of classes within each discipline, starting with Beginner, Low Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced. Beginner and Intermediate levels meet for 6 hours a week. Additional classes in specific skill areas meet for 3 hours a week.

In addition to classroom instruction, Dowling's ESL Program offers tutoring labs in both Conversation and Writing. These labs are offered at various times during the day to accommodate the students at each level and materials are prepared specifically to complement the lessons.


ESL 0005-0008: EXPRESSION

6 hours per week.
Expression courses emphasize verbal production in both its written and spoken forms. Skills such as outlining and organizing main ideas and supporting evidence in both prepared speeches and written essays, the use of idioms in both written and oral presentations, pronunciation in speech, and grammar and syntax in writing will be stressed.


ESL 0001-0004: COMPREHENSION

6 hours per week.
Comprehension courses emphasize the unique linkage of reading and listening skills. The focus is on skills used in reading and active listening such as finding key words and main ideas, paraphrasing, understanding written and spoken idioms, and analyzing written texts in its various forms of essays, newspapers, textbooks, and literature as well as spoken texts in speeches, TV newscasts, radio, and film.


ESL 0009: ENGLISH PROMUNCIATION

3 hours per week.
Description: This elective ESL course will introduce students to the sound system of American English. Students will learn the phonetic alphabet in order to recognize contrasts between consonants and vowels. Emphasis will be on engaging students in practice conversations to help students speak clearly. The exercises will concentrate on stress, rhythm, and intonation of words and phrases. This course is open to any ESL student at the High Intermediate and Advanced Levels (Levels 3 & 4).


ESL 0010: ENGLISH GRAMMAR

3 hours per week.
Description: This elective ESL course is designed to provide students with more exposure to the rules of grammar of the English language. Students will review the rules governing verb tenses, prepositions, adjectives, and adverbs and continue with more complex sentence structure. This course will also introduce and explore the use of dependent clauses as a means of developing variety in sentence structure. It is the goal of this course to help students write more effectively in both formal and informal written communication in college and business settings. This course is open to any ESL student at the High Intermediate and Advanced levels.


ESL 0011: PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR ESL STUDENTS

3 hours per week.
This course is an advanced speech communication course for ESL students. The principles and techniques taught here are similar to those practiced in a traditional public speaking class but they are designed to be more appropriate and relevant to non-native speakers of English. The main objective is to develop and improve the student's communication skills while also sharpening each student's ability to critically observe and evaluate the attempts of others to communicate. Since the primary focus will be on public speaking, this course is designed to allow each student ample opportunity to inform and persuade others. Advanced Levels (Level 4).


ESL 0012: ADVANCED COMPOSITION FOR ESL STUDENTS

3 hours per week.
This advanced course will focus on writing research papers. Students will be guided through the research process and given clear guidelines and practice exercises in developing research skills. The course will also include instruction on electronic resources and citation as well as the use of MLA documentation. Research topics will include both argumentative and informative papers.


ESL 0013: CONVERSATION SKILLS 1

3 hours per week.
This beginning level course is designed to increase oral proficiency in Level 1 Expression & Comprehension students. Students will be provided with ample opportunities to speak and interact with the instructor and other classmates in guided speaking activities such as role plays, discussions, and group work to facilitate language learning. Listening exercises utilizing tapes and film will also be used to generate discussion topics. This course will prepare students to acquire the oral skills to place into Conversation Skills 2.


ESL 0014: CONVERSATION SKILLS 2

3 hours per week.
This intermediate level course is designed to increase oral proficiency in Level 2 Expression and Comprehension students. Students will not only be required to participate in group work and role plays but will also learn to produce a basic outline and organize short oral informative speeches. Discussion topics will focus on current events and short reading material. Film and taped lectures will continue to be used to increase effective listening habits and note-taking skills.

Classes are offered through the Dowling Institute in order to keep the cost of ESL instruction affordable to the growing immigrant population on Long Island. A flexible schedule of course offerings are available during the day, evening, and weekend on both our Oakdale and Brookhaven campuses.

We offer free placement testing. Write to esl@dowling.edu for an appointment or call
631-244-5097 for more information.