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The Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

The Department of International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers this certificate to promote and foster the teaching of English to speakers of other languages as an integral component of education in a global society. The Graduate TESOL Certificate is intended for students in the MA program in Teaching International Languages; students interested in expanding the professional applications of other degrees and credentials by preparing for positions teaching English in the US and abroad; international students interested in teaching English as a Foreign Language in other countries; foreign/second language teachers at the secondary level; individuals who already hold graduate degrees but seek specialized professional preparation in the field; individuals pursuing a Designated Subjects Adult Education Credential (Academic Subject: English as a Second Language); and individuals in related business enterprises (e.g., language institutes, English training in commercial settings).

Admission:

There are no course prerequisites for admission to this certificate program and the GRE is not required. However, to qualify for admission to the program, students must meet all University and departmental standards, policies, and procedures, including:

1. An acceptable bachelor's degree.

2. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 units.

3. An application on file with the Office of Graduate Studies.

4. A TOEFL score of at least 550 (213 on the computer-based test) for speakers of other languages with less than three years of successful, full-time study in an English-speaking country; an essay rating of at least 4.

5. Three letters of recommendation.

6. Approval by the Graduate TESOL Program Coordinator. Students must file an approved certificate program plan upon admission.

Course Requirements for the Certificate: 18 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this certificate.

6 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Survey of innovative approaches to foreign/second language teaching. An overview of theory and practice in the field, highlighting methods for the development of comprehension and communication skills. Humanistic techniques, teaching the cultural context of language use, and language testing are also included. 3 hours seminar. (002891)
This seminar builds upon concepts and practices taught in EDSL 610. The course introduces future teachers to pedagogical approaches and research focused on language instruction for intermediate learners and heritage language speakers. Specifically, we focus upon: Teaching intermediate/advanced grammar and vocabulary; feedback and error correction through extended discourse; increasing language output in the classroom; assessing reading, writing, listening, and speaking; test design and scoring as well as task evaluation; planning teaching units and developing a syllabus; evaluation of textbooks; teaching heritage language speakers; serving second language and heritage language learners in the same classroom, and principles of immersion education. 3 hours lecture. (021962)
This graduate seminar is designed to engage future language instructors in teaching and learning of second/foreign language writing. We reflect on pertinent issues in teaching second language (L2) writing to linguistically and culturally diverse learners, both from a pedagogical and research perspective. Students in this course explore current approaches to L2 writing, including process-oriented, genre-focused, model-based, and task-based approaches. Through critical reading and interactive discussions, individual and group projects, and reflective activities, we explore differences between L1 and L2 writing; learners' beliefs and needs regarding L2 writing; scaffolding the writing process and designing effective writing tasks; peer collaboration and feedback in L2 writing; and assessing writing. Students in this course get hands-on experience in designing their own teaching materials, including an instructional unit for an L2 writing course. 3 hours seminar. (021961)
This course provides language professionals with an opportunity to examine the cultural dimensions of language teaching and learning. Students investigate context and culture in language teaching, explore ways of addressing culture-related standards, and engage in an in-depth review of research in this area. They also apply their knowledge and skills to enhance interaction and instruction in language classrooms for all learners. 3 hours lecture. (020007)
Theories of language acquisition and applications of research. This course focuses on linguistic, psychological, sociocultural, historical, and legal bases of foreign language and English as a second language. 3 hours seminar. (002888)
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (021820)

Additional Program Information:

1. Advising is required. Students may not complete more than 9 units toward the Graduate TESOL certificate before applying for admission to the program. No more than 3 units of transfer work are allowed.

2. A grade point average of 3.0 on all course work within the program, with no grade below a B-, is required.

3. Students intending to complete the MA in Teaching International languages concurrently should meet with the Graduate Coordinator upon application to the Graduate TESOL Certificate program. Admission to the certificate program does not necessarily qualify students for admission to the Teaching International Languages or any other graduate program. Students may, however, apply course work from the Graduate TESOL Certificate toward the MA in Teaching International Languages, consistent with program and University policies and procedures.

Catalog Cycle:21