Location: Level I, Red Area
Telephone: (973) 877-3450
Fax: (973) 623-6449

The Division offers an A.A. degree program in Spanish designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions, and non-degree programs in English as a Second Language (ESL). The Division also offers courses in world languages. To supplement the classroom experience, the Bilingual Studies faculty participate in, develop, and support cultural events, organizations, and activities designed to promote feelings of positive cultural awareness among students and the bilingual communities of Essex County. Counseling, tutoring, cooperative education, computer-assisted language learning, and other support services are also available to students.

Degree Program

• Liberal Arts: Spanish Language Option (A.A.)

ESL Programs
The following are designed for students whose
first language is not English:
• English As a Second Language (ESL)
Academic Program
• Accelerated English as a Second Language
• ESL -- Intensive Experience

English as a Second Language (ESL)
Academic Program
Students work on improving their proficiency in
English through a series of three courses:

ESL 095/080	ESL Writing I & Grammar	10.5 credits
ESL 103/104	ESL Writing & Reading II	6 credits
ESL 105/106	ESL Writing & Reading III	6 credits

In addition to the three ESL academic courses, we offer supplemental courses which are designed to augment the academic English language skills development process:
 

ENG 100	Form and Function of English	3 credits
ENG 108	Voice and Diction	3 credits

Students may register for a limited number of additional courses taught in Spanish or English while they are taking ESL courses. The idea is to give students more opportunities to improve their proficiency in English while fulfilling college requirements and electives. The program is only available through placement by the Division of Bilingual Studies.

Accelerated English as a Second Language

This is an intensive 15-credit, one-semester immersion program for students who possess a high degree of literacy in their primary language as well as high or intermediate level of proficiency in English. It builds on skills students already possess in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Program Requirements		15 credits
ESL 108	Accelerated ESL – Writing	3 credits
ESL 109	Accelerated ESL – Reading	3 credits
ESL 110	Accelerated ESL – Speaking	3 credits
ESL 111	Accelerated ESL – Listening	3 credits
ESL 112	American Culture and Diversity	3 credits

In many cases, students in this program are professionals or college graduates seeking to improve their English as rapidly as possible. A variety of cultural and educational activities serve to enhance and reinforce the learning experience. The goal is to prepare students to enter college-level courses directly or to successfully compete in the job market. This program is only available through placement by the Divisiont of Bilingual Studies.

ESL – Intensive Experience

This program is intended for students who demonstrate some literacy in their first language and some prior exposure to English. The program meets fifteen hours a week and all classes are conducted in English. Lab work and participation in off-campus activities are required.
 

Program Requirements:		15 credits
ESL 073	ESL Inten. Exp.  - Culture	3 credits
ESL 074	ESL Inten. Exp. - Lstng/Comp	3 credits
ESL 075	ESL Inten. Exp. - Speaking	3 credits
ESL 076	ESL Inten. Exp. - Reading	3 credits
ESL 077	ESL Inten. Exp. - Writing	3 credits

The program develops language skills as well as academic and study skills. Topics and themes related to American culture and cultural diversity are explored. The program is only available through placement by the Division of Bilingual Studies.

World Language Courses

Through courses in Spanish, French, Arabic, italian, students are able to fulfill foreign language requirements, earn transfer credits, and foster their personal growth and development. While learning a foreign language, students also have the opportunity to develop cultural awareness and sensitivity to meet the demands of an increasingly global and culturally diverse society.

How Do I Get In?

Essex County College admits individuals who are at least 18 years of age or have earned a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.

To apply to the College, submit the ECC application and supporting documents (official high school and/or prior college transcripts, or official GED documentation) with the non-refundable $25 fee. You can secure the form on-line at: webservices.essex.edu.

For more information please call 973-877-3100.

Honors Program

A new Honors Program is available for academically talented and highly motivated students entering college for the first time or who are just completing their first semester of study at ECC. The program includes linked courses with an emphasis on research, an internship experience and a capstone research project. Students must apply directly to the program. Eligibility criteria include an expected GPA of 3.5 or higher for students already enrolled. For further details, call 973.877.3204.