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English as a Second Language (ESL)

ESL Classes

The English for Art Program invites international students to enroll immediately in art and design classes while learning English.

ESL classes teach international students how to:

participate actively in college classes
express themselves clearly in art critiques
understand lectures and American idiomatic speech
improve reading skills
increase art and design vocabulary
write papers for class assignments

The ESL Placement Test
All international students who enroll in classes on the Academy of Art campus are required to take a language placement test to determine their proficiency in English. This exam, which is administered before the semester begins on the Academy of Art University campus, includes a written, listening, and oral component.

ESL Classes—Undergraduate Level
Undergraduate international students who take the placement exam may be placed in one of these English classes:

ESL_1 English for Art Purposes 1
9 units - This is an intensive course in English as a Second Language that introduces students to basic speaking, listening, grammar, writing, pronunciation, reading and oral presentation relevant to the fields of art and design. Cross-cultural communication skills are also introduced. Students who register for ESL_1 must register for ESL-designated art classes.

ESL_2 English for Art Purposes 2
6 units - This course offers intermediate ESL instruction in speaking, listening, grammar, writing, pronunciation, reading, oral presentation and cross-cultural communication skills relevant to the fields of art and design. Activities and materials are designed to increase comprehension and participation in foundations art classes. Students who register in ESL_2 must register for ESL-designated art classes.
Prerequisites: Take ESL_1 (or Placement Test)

ESL_3 English for Art Purposes 3
6 units - This is a high-level intermediate ESL course that provides an in-depth review emphasizing oral presentation, descriptive essay development, art terminology and language skills relevant to artists and designers. Students who register for ESL_3 should register for ESL-designated art classes.
Prerequisites: Take ESL_2 (or Placement Test)

ESL_4 English for Art Purposes 4
3 units - This is an advanced ESL course that prepares students for Academy Liberal Arts classes. Students have the opportunity to refine all language skills while learning about various art and design disciplines. Oral presentations and analytical writing are emphasized. Students who register for ESL_4 may register for ESL-designated art classes.
Prerequisites: Take ESL_3 (or Placement Test)

LA_103 Fundamentals of English
3 units - This class focuses on reading and writing comprehension skills for international students through methods and materials that enhance and further develop student’s artistic and academic performance at the undergraduate level.
Prerequisites: Take ESL_4 (or Placement Test)

LA_106 Speaking & Listening for Artists
3 units - This course offers international students intensive practice in oral skills through methods and materials that enhance students' artistic and academic performance. This course is required for students who do not have exceptional performance in ESL_4.
Prerequisites: Take ESL_4 (or Placement Test)

ESL Classes—Graduate Level
Graduate international students who take the placement exam may be placed in one of these graduate level English classes:

ESL_61 Masters: English for Art Purposes 61
9 units – This masters course offers an intensive course in English as a Second Language that introduces students to basic speaking, listening, grammar, writing, pronunciation, reading and oral presentation relevant to the fields of art and design. Cross-cultural communication skills are also introduced. Students who register for ESL 61 must register for ESL-designated art classes.

ESL_62 Masters: English for Art Purposes 62
6 units – This masters course offers intermediate ESL instruction in speaking, listening, grammar, writing, pronunciation,reading, and cross-cultural communication skills relevant to the fields of art and design. Activities and materials are designed to increase comprehension and participation in foundations art classes.
Prerequisites: Take ESL_61 (or Placement Test). Students who register for ESL_62 must register for ESL designated art classes.

ESL_63 Masters: English for Art Purposes 63
6 units – This is a high-level intermediate masters ESL course that provides an in-depth review emphasizing descriptive essay development, art terminology and language skills relevant to artists and designers.
Prerequisites: Take ESL_62 (or Placement Test). Students who register for ESL_63 should register for ESL designated art classes.

ESL_64 Masters: English for Art Purposes 64
3 units - In this masters course, students have the opportunity to refine all language skills while learning about various art and design disciplines. Analytical writing is emphasized.
Prerequisites: Take ESL_63 (or Placement Test). Students who register for ESL_64 should register for ESL designated art classes.

ESL_65 Masters: English for Art Purposes 65
3 units – This advanced masters English as a Second Language course continues to help students improve language skills. The emphasis is on addressing reading and writing issues that may be obstacles in communication for international students. While discussing various art and design topics, students refine their vocabulary, and their reading and writing skills.
Prerequisites: Take ESL_64 (or Placement Test). This course is required for students who do not have exceptional performance in writing skills in ESL_64.

ESL_66 Masters: English for Art Purposes 66
3 units – This masters course offers international students intensive practice in oral skills through methods and materials that enhance students' artistic and academic performance.
Prerequisites: Take ESL_64 (or Placement Test). This course is required for students who do not have exceptional performance in speaking and listening skills in ESL_64.

For more information, contact the International Admissions Department at 415.274.2208.