Academic Catalogs

ESL A192: Advanced Academic Reading, Research, & Writing in the Humanities

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 10/18/2023
Top Code 493084 - English as a Second Language - Writing
Units 4.5 Total Units 
Hours 99 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 72; Lab Hours 27)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S)
Associate Arts Local General Education (GE)
  • OC Humanities - AA (OC1)
Associate Science Local General Education (GE)
  • OCC Humanities - AS (OSC2)

Course Description

This advanced ESL course focuses on the development of analytical, critical thinking, and research skills in reading and writing about multicultural literature and texts that foster an understanding and appreciation of culturally diverse traditions, including aesthetic, religious, literary, philosophical, and historical movements. Analysis of works is emphasized through close critical reading, class discussions, research strategies, and synthesis of information demonstrated in written essays and a research paper, introducing students to a wide range of cultures and genres in order to gain a better cultural understanding of the human condition, society, and the world. ADVISORY: Appropriate Placement. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. Students should complete the guided self-placement form before the first semester enrolling in an ESL course to determine which ESL course they should enroll in. This can be found at https://occsssp.formstack.com/forms/esl_selfplacement_form.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Develop analytical, critical thinking, and synthesizing reading skills, drawing from culturally diverse readings (Western and non-Western), including literary texts, examining historical and contemporary cultural, philosophical, religious, linguistic, and artistic concepts and movements.
  2. Write well developed, analytical essays based on critical reading of culturally diverse literary and non-fiction texts and research (including literary critiques) demonstrating awareness of how theses texts relate to the timeless human condition using correct grammar, sentence structure, and academic vocabulary in writing.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Demonstrate comprehension of viewpoints in works of fiction, nonfiction, articles, editorials, and varied cultural creations.
  • 2. Analyze and evaluate a range of perspectives set forth by authors of texts representing a wide range of cultural creations and activities.
  • 3. Analyze and evaluate varied opinions supported by evidence in articles and editorials exploring a wide range of societal experiences.
  • 4. Analyze and evaluate different viewpoints presented by authors of texts representing a wide range of aesthetic works, including fiction and nonfiction.
  • 5. Respond to nonfiction texts by writing summary/response, argumentation, cause-effect, and problem-solution essays.
  • 6. Evaluate fiction texts by reading literary critiques to identify themes and formulate original thesis statements.
  • 7. Apply cross-cultural knowledge to weigh the merits of claims or arguments presented by a range of authors.
  • 8. Develop an appreciation of cultural creations as a means of understanding self and society by analyzing texts from a variety of fields (art, literature, philosophy) that discuss these topics.
  • 9. Create well-developed essays (of at least 1500 words) that are plagiarism-free and appropriate for an academic.
  • 10. Apply MLA format to incorporate quotes and paraphrases into original writing.
  • 11. Deepen understanding of the English-speaking world while increasing English language skills and knowledge of academic writing conventions (tone, audience awareness, and style).
  • 12. Develop an understanding of academic vocabulary through cultural evidence, contextual clues, and word root analysis, applying this knowledge to original expression.
  • 13. Demonstrate strong control of English syntax and complex sentence structures while editing academic writings independently.

Lecture Content

Understand varying perspectives Analyze a variety of texts (written, aural, and visual) by authors representing a wide range of cultural and societal experiences Apply cross-cultural knowledge to evaluate the strength of claims or arguments presented by authors and artists Synthesize a variety of viewpoints on topics of cultural importance to deepen understanding of universal human experiences Develop an appreciation of literary and artistic works Compare and contrast work in a variety of literary and artistic genres (essays, stories, poems, paintings, film) to understand the aesthetic value of human expression Analyze significant components that contribute to the greatness of a work Evaluate how people from varied cultural and societal backgrounds have responded to challenges and strengthened themselves through the creation of various cultural works Increase English language proficiency in order to write effectively in academic contexts Write well-developed essays that are appropriate for an academic audience (1500 words) Create a thesis statement that reflects critical thinking and originality Support an original thesis statement with textual ev idence and analysis Apply knowledge of advanced grammatical structures and vocabulary to express ideas clearly and concisely Deepen understanding of the English-speaking world to develop sympathy for those who live in it Identify and compare the values of the English-speaking world to those of cultures across the globe, including ones own Evaluate the aesthetic and literary value of the English language in the works of writers and artists exploring key elements of the human condition Literary devices (metaphor, alliteration, simile, personification) Word choice Persuasiveness, clarity, and conciseness Analyze how English language structures reflect important aspects of English-speaking cultures (directness vs. indirectness, levels of formality, idiomatic usage)

Lab Content

Non-lecture hours are used to apply the concepts learned in the lecture portion of the course and develop the competencies required to meet the course objectives.  In writing or class discussions, students will synthesize information from varied fiction and nonfiction texts, applying cross-cultural knowledge to evaluate the strength of claims presented by authors and the merit of work produced by artists.  In writing or class discussions, students will analyze how literary and artistic works from various cultures benefit society as they develop an appreciation for the greatness of works. Students will write effective summaries, critiques, and drafts of thesis-driven essays with adequate support.  In writing or class discussions, students will practice using literary devices and other elements of effective communication as they evaluate literary and artistic works while comparing cultural values.

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
  • DE Online Lecture (02X)
  • Lab (04)
  • DE Live Online Lab (04S)
  • DE Online Lab (04X)

Instructional Techniques

- Lecture, discussion, and reading - Composition and revision of summaries, essays, and critiques, both following instructor models and working independently - Pair and group work focusing on content and grammatical correctness of written assignments  - Collaboration on projects and presentations

Reading Assignments

Students will spend a minimum of two hours per week on reading assignments:  Analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing ideas from college-level readings from various disciplines (history, arts, literature). The readings will present diverse perspectives or highlight contributions made by diverse groups in the English-speaking world and/or global cultures. Reading at least one novel (of at least 200 pages) focusing on significant aspects of human experience in a specific historical and cultural context

Writing Assignments

Students will spend a minimum of five hours per week on writing assignments: Summaries and critiques of college-level readings demonstrating an appreciation of how these texts illuminate key facets of human experience Three essays (1,500 words each in MLA format)  integrating and synthesizing information from readings and supporting an original thesis demonstrating awareness of significant elements of human life (conflict, morality, emotion, etc.)

Out-of-class Assignments

Students will spend a minimum of two hours per week on out-of-clas assignments:  Analyze how arguments are structured in various texts and evaluate their merit. Study new vocabulary words, including connotations and collocations, to improve the expression of ideas Review language rules to edit work for grammatical accuracy, tone, and style

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students will demonstrate critical thinking through written and oral responses to various written texts and cultural creations (art and film) as they incorporate personal and empirical observations with analysis and evaluation. Students will apply new vocabulary and concepts to the expression of their own ideas.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

In response to various fiction and nonfiction texts, students will produce a variety of written assignments, including three coherent and convincing essays demonstrating knowledge of organization (thesis, topic sentences, conclusion). Each essay will present an original thesis supported with appropriate evidence to show a critical understanding and appreciation of the human condition. Students will collaborate on problem-solving tasks (brainstorming, identifying and ranking solutions, resolving moral dilemmas). Problem-solving skills will be further demonstrated through written and oral responses to themes of conflict and moral choices affecting humans across cultures. Skills to be demonstrated include analysis and evaluation of diverse viewpoints presented in fiction and nonfiction texts, clarity of written expression, and the ability to present and support original ideas synthesized with ideas exploring the human condition.

Eligible Disciplines

ESL: Masters degree in TESL, TESOL, applied linguistics with a TESL emphasis, linguistics with a TESL emphasis, English with a TESL emphasis, or education with a TESL emphasis OR bachelors degree in TESL, TESOL, English with a TESL certificate, linguistics with a TESL certificate, applied linguistics with a TESL certificate, or any foreign language with a TESL certificate AND masters degree in linguistics, applied linguistics, English, composition, bilingual/bicultural studies, reading, speech, or any foreign language OR the equivalent. Masters degree required. English: Masters degree in English, literature, comparative literature, or composition OR bachelors degree in any of the above AND masters degree in linguistics, TESL, speech, education with a specialization in reading, creative writing, or journalism OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Colombo, G. et al. Bonnie. Rereading America: Cultural Context for Critical Thinking and Writing., 12th ed. New York: MacMillan, 2022

Other Resources

1. Benshoff, H. M. Griffin, S.. America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality at the Movies, 3rd ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell, 2021 2. Hacker, Diana Nancy Sommers. A Writers Reference, 10th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2021 3. Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner, classic novel 4. Dumas, Firoozeh. Funny in Farsi, memoir 5. Walls, Jeannette. The Glass Castle, classic memoir 6. Nguyen, V. T.. The Refugees, fiction 7. Chevalier, Tracy. Girl with A Pearl Earring, historical novel