English | Español
ESL Program Specialist
Course Descriptions
BLS 600
Dynamics of Cross-Cultural Communications (3 credits)
The purpose of the course is to develop an appreciation of diverse cultural backgrounds, especially among Latinos and Anglos, and to develop awareness of the complexity of cross-cultural communication.
Areas considered: the communication process; group properties & communication; linguistic approaches; nonverbal elements of communication systems (related to Anglos & Latinos); language and culture; language as social behavior; and channels of communication.
BLS 601Techniques of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (3 credits)
The course analyzes various methodologies used in teaching English as a second language.
Emphasis is placed upon methods in teaching, listening, and speaking, as well as difficult points of pronunciation and grammar. Significant attention is given to affective techniques in second language learning.
BLS 605: Curriculum and Development of Bilingual Programs (3 credits)The course discusses the historical background of the bilingual movement, pertinent legislation, and the organization of a bilingual program.
Lectures and discussions include: needs assessment of pupils, staff and community; various types of curriculum models of bilingual and school organizations; selection of instructional materials for training bilingual students; and proper evaluative procedures.
BLS 606Making Language Connections Through Content in ESOL and Bilingual Classrooms (3 credits)
The major objectives of the course are to provide mechanisms for second language content delivery utilizing the sheltered class model, SIOP, “learning to learn” methods.
The curriculum analyzes academic language in content and texts, and discusses metacognitive processes and strategies that may be used in the classroom.
Further, the role of learning styles and multiple intelligences are also examined and discussed; together with the rationale and structure of thematic units for lesson planning purposes. The integration of language objectives and “what’s difficult” for language learners is directed toward an authentic assessment of content and language.
EDC 650 *Language Assessment and Special Education of ESL Learners (3 credits)
This course provides an overview of federal, state and local mandates regarding the assessment of ESL learners. Placement testing, standardized assessment, performance assessment, rubrics, and portfolios will be addressed specifically.
This course also helps students to understand the legislation that promotes individual rights for children & adults with disabilities, special education classification and labeling, and current trends in the education of children with disabilities.
Students will analyze the impact that a handicapping condition has on the individual in learning and social environments.
Carmen Lamas, Ph.D.
Director
The Hispanic Institute at La Salle University
Assistant Professor of Spanish
Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
1900 West Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141 USA
Phone: 215.951.1209
Fax: 215.991.3506
E-mail: lamas@lasalle.edu
La Salle University reserves the right to alter or change this information
at any time, without notice.