Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Minor)
The Minor in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is an interdisciplinary minor designed to instruct students in the essential aspects of linguistics and language education while providing practical experience in classroom management and lesson planning. Courses in TESOL focus on understanding the components of language and the relationship between language and cultural attitudes, values, and practices. Students learn how to teach English by studying second language acquisition theories and teaching methodologies as well as through hands-on teaching during the capstone practicum.
A Minor in TESOL is excellent preparation for professions in teaching ESL/EFL (English as a Second Language/English as a Foreign Language)—both within the United States and in other countries—as well as careers with government agencies and non-profit organizations in international settings. In addition, it has particular value for students who want to pursue graduate work in education, applied linguistics, or theoretical linguistics as well as prospective Peace Corps volunteers, Teach for America applicants, and Fulbright English Teaching Assistants.
Language Requirement
To teach and understand the second language acquisition process, students need experience learning a second language. As such, the TESOL Minor requires students to complete 4 semesters of the same second language through coursework and/or testing.
Coursework
The minor consists of 5 courses or 15 credit hours. All courses are structured to give students both theoretical and practical grounding in TESOL, connecting linguistic and pedagogical theory to the practice of language teaching and learning. Two courses are fundamental and required, two courses are elective based on student interest, and the final course is a practicum where students engage in micro-teaching and apply their TESOL knowledge to a real world setting.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CSLC 20301 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| CSLC 30102 | Methods in Second Language Teaching | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Second Language Acquisition | ||
| Introduction to Sociolinguistics | ||
| Digital Literacy in Language Learning | ||
| Introduction to Sociolinguistics | ||
or CSLC 30100 | Making Grammar Painless: What Teachers Need to Know | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Graduation Requirement
CSLC 40000 TESOL Practicum is the culminating course for the TESOL minor. Graduating seniors typically complete the practicum in their final spring semester after completing their core and elective TESOL courses. The practicum results in a professional e-portfolio which students can refer to as they enter the job market after graduation. Components of the portfolio/practicum showcase a variety of TESOL professional skills and proficiencies, amounting to 30 hours of contact engagement, micro-teaching, observations, and more.
The TESOL Minor is housed in Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures (CSLC). Profiles of the faculty, course descriptions, and additional information about the TESOL Minor can be found on the CSLC’s website at cslc.nd.edu.