Provides a theoretical foundation for the scientific study of language. The course covers both formal and applied linguistics. Topics covered include: pronunciation patterns, vocabulary and word formation, sentence structure, meaning, language change and variation, and first and second language acquisition. Required for VDOE endorsement in ESL.

Prerequisite: TESL 500 or permission of instructor.This course provides thorough exposure to scholarly research and theory in the field of second language teaching and learning, focusing on learner characteristics, native language, and learning environments, and their effects on second language acquisition. The course also covers first language acquisition and bilingualism. Students develop skills in designing and conducting qualitative and qualitative research in the field, with emphasis on topic development, review and synthesis of literature, research ethics, data collection and analysis, process writing, and use of APA style. The final project is a literature review and a draft of a research proposal in the field of second language acquisition.

Prerequisite: TESL 500 or permission of instructor. This course offers a focused study of topics of special interest and importance in language teaching and learning.

Prerequisite: TESL 500 or permission of instructor. This course focuses on strategic development of reading and writing skills in the content areas for PreK-12 English language learners. Skills in methods of teaching ESL literacy include understanding of the World-Class Instructional and Design Assessment (WIDA) English Language Development Standards. The emphasis is on language acquisition, linguistic awareness, concept of print, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies. It explores strategies that will scaffold literacy development for ELLs, including process writing, questioning skills, and literal, critical and evaluative comprehension of content material. It also examines the political and social impact for language learners in the literacy debate. Field experience required.

Prerequisite or corequisite: TESL 530. This course provides practical experience for students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language. The course requires a minimum of 25 on-site hours involving systematic observation of and supervised teaching in an ESL classroom outside of the PreK-12 setting. Students will work individually with a faculty member to create a teaching portfolio as the capstone project for the Certificate.