Division: Language & Communication Studies
Welcome to ESL at College of the Sequoias
At COS, you can learn useful language for communication, family needs, job requirements, and college studies. In our classes, you will join students of all ages, from around the world.
- English as a Second Language classes are free.
- All languages and abilities are welcome.
- New students can enroll at any time.
You can take classes from beginner to advanced levels in mornings or evenings in Visalia, Lindsay, Hanford, Corcoran, Dinuba, or Woodlake.
Classes are available for college credit or for an ESL Certificate recognized by the State of California.
Contact Information
ESL Counselor
Dalila Cazares | (559) 730-3715 | dalilaca@cos.edu
Educational Support Services: 149 (Language Center) | Visalia Campus
ESL Specialist
Educational Support Services: 144 (Language Center) | Visalia Campus
ESL Program Coordinator
Barbara Laird | (559) 730-3801 | barbaral@cos.edu
Kern: 742A | Visalia Campus
ESL Program Coordinator (Off-Site)
Sofia Cook | (559) 737-6128 | sofiac@cos.edu
Language and Communication Studies Division Chair
Aimee Ahle | aimeea@cos.edu
Kaweah: 251B | Visalia Campus
Dean of Language and Communication Studies/Educational Support Services
Dr. Francisco Castillo, Ed.D. | (559) 737-5362 | franciscoc@cos.edu
Educational Support Services: 113 | Visalia Campus
For a complete list of courses and descriptions visit: COURSES
ESL 090 Advanced Academic ESL Reading/Writing/Grammar
5 unit(s)
ESL 090 is designed to prepare emergent bilinguals and multilingual students for English 001 by focusing on culturally distinct rhetorical modes inherent in American patterns of reasoning. Aspects of American culture and society are stressed throughout the class, as the course integrates academic reading, writing, and critical thinking with an emphasis on analytical summary/response, text-based compositions and argumentative compositions of 900-1,200 words with an introduction to writing a research paper. One additional outside Language Center hour is required for this course. Students enrolled in
ESL 090 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 320 Intermediate Writing and Grammar 3
4 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals multilingual students and suitable for the lower-intermediate student who has a basic foundation in English grammar and writing. Students focus on writing coherent paragraphs and begin writing essays using the process approach. The course reinforces and builds upon grammar and writing skills, enabling the student to function in intermediate English academic and vocational situations. Students are introduced to basic computer and word processing skills. Students enrolled in
ESL 320 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 321 Intermediate Reading/Vocabulary 3
3 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the low-intermediate level with some foundation in English reading and vocabulary skills. This course is designed to develop reading techniques, vocabulary, and study skills so that the student can comprehend and respond to written and spoken English. Students enrolled in
ESL 421 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 322 Intermediate Listening/Speaking 3
2 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the low-intermediate level who have a basic foundation in English pronunciation and speaking skills. This course is designed to improve speaking skills so that the student can comprehend and respond to spoken English in academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 322 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 330 Intermediate Writing and Grammar 4
4 unit(s)
This ESL course is suitable for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the high-intermediate level with a good foundation in English grammar and writing. The writing process is used to develop essays. The course is designed to reinforce and build upon grammar and writing skills enabling the students to function in intermediate to low-advanced English in academic and vocational situations. Students are introduced to basic computer and word processing skills necessary for academic work. Students enrolled in
ESL 330 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 331 Intermediate Reading/Vocabulary 4
3 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the high-intermediate level with a foundation in English reading and vocabulary skills. This course is designed to expand reading techniques, vocabulary, and study skills so that the student can comprehend and respond to written and spoken English in intermediate to advanced academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 331 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 332 Intermediate Listening/Speaking 4
2 unit(s)
This ESL course is suitable for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the high-intermediate level with a good foundation in English pronunciation and speaking skills. This course is designed to improve speaking skills so that the student can comprehend and respond to spoken English in academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 332 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 340 Advanced Writing and Grammar 5
4 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students and suitable for the low-advanced student with a strong foundation in English grammar and writing. Using the process writing approach, students write essays in response to a variety of prompts. This course is designed to review and build upon grammar and writing skills, enabling the student to function in advanced English academic and vocational courses. Students will use basic computer and word processing skills necessary for academic work. Students enrolled in
ESL 340 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 341 Advanced Reading/Vocabulary 2
3 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the low-advanced level with a strong foundation in English reading and vocabulary skills. The course is designed to expand reading techniques, vocabulary, and study skills so that the student can comprehend and respond to written and spoken English in advanced academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 441 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit non-credit course.
ESL 342 Advanced Listening/Speaking 5
2 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the low-advanced levels who have a strong foundation in English listening and speaking skills. This advanced ESL course is designed for the student to improve listening and speaking skills and to comprehend and respond to spoken English in advanced academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 342 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 350 Advanced Writing/Grammar 6
3 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the high-advanced level with demonstrated knowledge and experience in English grammar and writing. The course is designed to review and refine grammar for application in pre-collegiate assignments, enabling the student to successfully transition into transfer level courses. Students will use basic computer and word processing skills necessary for academic work. Students enrolled in
ESL 350 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit, noncredit course.
ESL 351 Advanced Reading and Vocabulary 6
3 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the high-advanced level with demonstrated ability to comprehend written English for academic purposes. The course is intended to expand reading techniques, vocabulary, and study skills so that the student can successfully transition into mainstream course work. Students enrolled in
ESL 351 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 352 Advanced Listening/Speaking 6
2 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the high-advanced level who demonstrate the ability to comprehend and respond to spoken English in advanced academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 352 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 400 ESL Supplemental Learning Assistance
0 unit(s)
ESL Supplemental Learning Assistance is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students and intended to strengthen students' reading, speaking and writing skills, enabling them to participate and succeed in academic and vocational courses. This open entry/open exit class is linked with
ESL 090, ESL 310, ESL 311, ESL 312,
ESL 320,
ESL 321,
ESL 322,
ESL 330,
ESL 331,
ESL 332,
ESL 340,
ESL 341,
ESL 342,
ESL 350,
ESL 351,
ESL 352,
ESL 402,
ESL 403,
ESL 404,
ESL 410,
ESL 411,
ESL 412,
ESL 420,
ESL 421,
ESL 422,
ESL 430,
ESL 431,
ESL 432,
ESL 440,
ESL 441,
ESL 442,
ESL 450,
ESL 451,
ESL 452, and
ESL 490.
ESL 402 Beginning Writing/Grammar 1
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students who are true beginners with little or no knowledge of English grammar and writing conventions. Students focus on writing at the sentence level. The course is designed to provide an introduction to English grammar and writing skills enabling students to function minimally in basic English academic and vocational situations. Students are introduced to basic computer and word processing skills. Students enrolled in
ESL 402 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 403 Beginning Reading/Vocabulary 1
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students who are true beginners with little or no knowledge of English reading or vocabulary skills. The course is an introduction to basic reading techniques, vocabulary and study skills, and basic writing and spoken English in academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 403 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 404 Beginning Listening/Speaking 1
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the low beginning level, the true beginner, and intended to introduce students to basic listening and speaking skills and develop their ability to comprehend and respond to basic spoken English. Students enrolled in
ESL 404 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit non-credit course.
ESL 410 Beginning Writing/Grammar 2
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students who are high-level beginners with minimal knowledge of English grammar and writing conventions. Students focus on writing accurate sentences and developing paragraph skills. The course is designed to reinforce and build upon basic grammar and writing skills, enabling the students to function in basic English academic and vocational situations. Students are introduced to basic computer and word processing skills necessary to academic work. Students enrolled in
ESL 410 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 411 Beginning Reading/Vocabulary 2
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students and suitable for the high-level beginning student with basic knowledge of English reading and vocabulary skills. This course is intended to help students develop and expand reading techniques, vocabulary and study skills, and to comprehend and respond to written and spoken English in basic academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 411 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 412 Beginning Listening/Speaking 2
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students and intended to help beginning students develop basic speaking skills and to comprehend and respond to basic spoken English. Students enrolled in
ESL 412 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit non-credit course.
ESL 420 Intermediate Writing/Grammar 3
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students and suitable for the low-intermediate student who has a basic foundation in English grammar and writing. Students focus on writing coherent paragraphs and begin writing essays using the process approach. The course reinforces and builds upon grammar and writing skills, enabling the student to function in intermediate English in academic and vocational situations. Students are introduced to basic computer and word processing skills. Students enrolled in
ESL 420 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 421 Intermediate Reading/Vocabulary 3
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students with some foundation in English reading and vocabulary skills. This course is designed to develop reading techniques, vocabulary, and study skills so that the student can comprehend and respond to written and spoken English. Students enrolled in
ESL 421 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 422 Intermediate Listening/Speaking 3
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the low-intermediate level who have a basic foundation in English pronunciation and speaking skills. This course is designed to improve speaking skills so that the student can comprehend and respond to spoken English in academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 422 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 430 Intermediate Writing/Grammar 4
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is suitable for emergent bilinguals multilingual students at the high-intermediate level with a good foundation in English grammar and writing. The writing process is used to develop essays. The course is designed to reinforce and build upon grammar and writing skills enabling the students to function in intermediate to low-advanced English in academic and vocational situations. Students are introduced to basic computer and word processing skills necessary for academic work. Students enrolled in
ESL 430 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit non-credit course.
ESL 431 Intermediate Reading/Vocabulary 4
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the high-intermediate level with a foundation in English reading and vocabulary skills. This course is designed to expand reading techniques, vocabulary, and study skills so that the student can comprehend and respond to written and spoken English in intermediate to advanced academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 431 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit non-credit course.
ESL 432 Intermediate Listening/Speaking 4
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is suitable for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the high-intermediate level with a good foundation in English pronunciation and speaking skills. This course is designed to improve speaking skills so that the student can comprehend and respond to spoken English in academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 432 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 440 Advanced Writing/Grammar 5
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students and suitable for the low-advanced student with a strong foundation in English grammar and writing. Using the process writing approach, students write essays in response to a variety of prompts. This course is designed to review and build upon grammar and writing skills, enabling the student to function with appropriate English writing skills in academic and vocational courses. Students will use basic computer and word processing skills necessary for academic work. Students enrolled in
ESL 440 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 441 Advanced Reading/Vocabulary 5
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the low-advanced level with a strong foundation in English reading and vocabulary skills. The course is designed to expand reading techniques, vocabulary, and study skills so that the student can comprehend and respond to written and spoken English in advanced academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 441 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit non-credit course.
ESL 442 Advanced Listening/Speaking 5
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the low-advanced level who have a strong foundation in English listening and speaking skills. This advanced ESL course is designed for the student to improve listening and speaking skills and to comprehend and respond to spoken English in advanced academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 442 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 450 Advanced Writing/Grammar 6
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the high-advanced level with demonstrated knowledge and experience in English grammar and writing. The course is designed to review and refine grammar for application in pre-collegiate assignments, enabling the student to successfully transition into transfer level courses. Students will use basic computer and word processing skills necessary for academic work. Students enrolled in
ESL 450 may access the supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit, non-credit course.
ESL 451 Advanced Reading/Vocabulary 6
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the high-advanced level with demonstrated ability to comprehend written English for academic purposes. The course is intended to expand reading techniques, vocabulary, and study skills so that the student can successfully transition into mainstream course work. Students enrolled in
ESL 451 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit non-credit course.
ESL 452 Advanced Listening/Speaking 6
0 unit(s)
This ESL course is designed for emergent bilinguals and multilingual students at the high-advanced level who demonstrate the ability to comprehend and respond to spoken English in advanced academic and vocational situations. Students enrolled in
ESL 452 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
ESL 490 Advanced Academic ESL Reading/Writing/Grammar
0 unit(s)
ESL 490 is designed to prepare emergent bilinguals and multilingual students for English 001 by focusing on culturally distinct rhetorical modes inherent in American patterns of reasoning. Aspects of American culture and society are stressed throughout the class, as the course integrates academic reading, writing, and critical thinking with an emphasis on analytical summary/response, text-based compositions and argumentative compositions of 900-1,200 words with an introduction to writing a research paper. One additional outside Language Center hour is required for this course. Students enrolled in
ESL 490 may access supplemental learning assistance by enrolling in
ESL 400, an open entry/open exit noncredit course.
English as a Second Language
Laird, Barbara
B.A., California State University, San Diego
M.A., California State University, San Diego
Maryanow, Jeffrey
B.A., Auburn University
M.A., University Of Memphis