Skip to content
 Welcome back Badgers!
New Student Orientation Info →

Course Syllabus

ESL 1161 Level 4 Introduction to Research

  • Division: Humanities
  • Department: Languages & Linguistics
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1.5; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level 3 in the ESL Department or placement in ESL 1161 through the department
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2026
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2030
  • End Semester: Fall 2031
  • Optimum Class Size: 12
  • Maximum Class Size: 20

Course Description

This course prepares English language learners for college-level academic composition. Students develop research literacy and practice academic communication through reading, analyzing, and integrating information from credible sources. Students will develop vocabulary knowledge in CEFR B2 and C1 levels. This course is cross-listed with CED 1161 (Level 4 Introduction to Research – Continuing Education).

Justification

The ESL Department at Snow College provides a four-level writing sequence to prepare non-native English speakers for success in college-level coursework. ESL 1161 serves as the capstone writing course, equipping students with the research literacy and synthesis skills required in ENGL 1010. The course bridges language learning and academic communication by emphasizing evaluation of sources, integration of evidence, and accurate citation practices, ensuring students can engage effectively in college research and writing tasks.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Upon successful completion of ESL 1161, students will be able to locate, evaluate, and cite credible academic sources using MLA format, demonstrating understanding of reliability, bias, and academic integrity.:
  2. Upon successful completion of ESL 1161, students will be able to paraphrase, summarize, and integrate evidence from multiple sources into coherent written paragraphs and short projects that demonstrate synthesis and critical thinking.
  3. Upon successful completion of ESL 1161, students will be able to compose writing that effectively communicates academic ideas through appropriate tone and accurate language use.

Course Content

Instruction focuses on the evaluation and close reading of texts, used to identify claims and evidence. Research skills will be developed through using databases effectively and applying MLA citation conventions accurately. Writing tasks include paraphrasing, integrating quotations, and composing synthesized paragraphs. Assessments may include source-evaluation quizzes, citation and paraphrasing exercises, and synthesis writing tasks.