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Bachelor of Arts in English Language Learner Studies
Earn your Bachelor of Arts in English Language Learner Studies online from Ashford University®. This degree program offers you a comprehensive study of linguistics that can provide for the unique needs of language learners. Your courses cover subjects from reading and grammar to diversity and inter-cultural communications.
Introductory Courses
Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits, you are required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.
EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.
PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.
Major Course Requirements
(36 semester credits. All classes are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)
EDU 321 Introduction to Serving English Language Learners
This course provides a sufficiently broad yet detailed exposure to the realities of teaching English Language Learners. The course is designed to prepare students to deliver content area instruction to English Language Learners with diverse abilities using the sheltered instruction approach.
ELL 240 Linguistically & Culturally Diverse Learners
This course explores strategies and techniques to support the success of language and culturally diverse students. The values, customs, and communication styles of cultural groups and their implication for teaching are considered. Research-based instructional approaches to developing English learner literacy will be examined.
ELL 242 Understanding & Teaching English Language
In this course students will study the structure of the English language in order to better understand the difficulties that arise in learning a second language. English phonology, syntax, analysis, and application of linguistic theory will be studied.
SOC 308 Racial & Ethnic Groups
The course considers major racial and ethnic groups, especially African Americans, Asian Americans, ethnic Whites, Hispanics, and Native Americans. The focus is on the traits of each group and its pattern of adaptation to the larger society.
ELL 355 Methods, Materials, & Technology for Learning a Second Language
Strategies for English Language Learners in the content areas while maintaining a language development focus will be illustrated. Specific strategies, materials, technology, and learning activities will be examined to support learning.
ELL 351 Listening & Speaking in a Second Language
The stages of language development as well as ideas and strategies to enhance oral language learning and acquisition in the classroom will be applied in this course. Theories and methods of teaching language as communication in oral and aural modes will also be applied.
ELL 353 Reading & Writing in a Second Language
The relationship between first and second language comprehension as well as the reading comprehension and writing connection will be explored in this course. The use of differentiated literacy instruction for English Language Learners will be the central focus.
ELL 357 English Language Teaching & Adult Learners
Theory and methodology applicable to English language instruction are integrated in the context of working with adults. Materials and methods suitable for working with adult English learners will be explored and evaluated in this course.
ELL 420 Testing & Assessment for ELL Students
Various tools and methodologies for assessing English proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing for both ELL children and adults will be critiqued. Formative and summative assessments will be explored with an emphasis on the application and appropriateness of their use for instructional design.
ELL 359 Contemporary Issues in English Language Instruction
Historical influences on instructional design in second language education will be explored. National and state standards for all learners and the implication for ELL instruction will be analyzed. Dual language instruction, bilingual education, and the politics of this as contrasted to English Language immersion programs will also be examined.
ELL 361 Language Learning in a Global Context
This course introduces students to the issues surrounding second language learning around the world. Emphasis will be given to educational, civic, business, governmental, and cultural issues.
ELL 497 English Language Learner Studies Capstone
This is the capstone course for the English Language Learner Studies major, to be taken at the completion of the major courses. This course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and apply their learning from the course of study for English Language Learners studies in a comprehensive manner. Students will reflect on the courses taken and develop an understanding of the Teachers of English to Other Language Speakers (TESOL) standards and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) standards, developmentally appropriate practices based upon language development research, and professionalism. This course will culminate with a comprehensive final project that integrates the student learning throughout the program.
If this program sounds like it will fit your personal and professional goals, contact us at 866-711-1700 to learn more, or click here to request additional information.