Teaching English as a Second Language Minor

Requirements for Minor in Teaching English as a Second Language

The minor for TESL provides students with a framework for conceptualizing language learning as well as the knowledge and skills to teach English as a second language in various settings. The TESL minor provides opportunities for making global connections to students’ major areas of study and develops skills and competencies for working in diverse ethnolinguistic communities in the U.S. or abroad.

This interdisciplinary TESL minor is designed as an option for all Albion College students, whether enrolled in the teacher education program (TEP) with an elementary, secondary or K-12 concentration or not. Students who are interested in declaring a TESL minor must schedule an appointment with the chair of the Education Department to discuss their plan of study and options. Please note: EDUC 202 , EDUC 303 and EDUC 304 are accompanied by a field experience placement in public schools, or other educational settings, and require completion of (1) Albion College Criminal History Check, (2) Internet Criminal History Access Tool search, and (3) Albion College educational records check.

Requirements for the TESL Minor:

A minimum of 5 units of coursework including: one unit in learning and learners (EDUC 202 ); one unit in cross-cultural comparisons & perspectives (see list of options); one unit in English language (ENGL 348 ); one unit in theory, models and policy (EDUC 303); one unit in assessment, curriculum and standards (EDUC 304); and, one unit, pre-requisite, in foreign/second language learning at the 102-level or higher.
Students must receive prior written consent from the Education Department to apply a Directed Study—or other course not from the recommended list of options—as a substitute toward completion of the TESL minor. Requests should be sent directly to the chair of the Education Department and must have the signature and approval of the course instructor attached.

Cross-cultural Comparisons & Perspectives (1 unit)

ANTH/SOC 231: Understanding Media in a Globalized World
SOC 336: Social Psychology: Sociological Perspectives (1 Unit)
COMM 303: Organizational Culture and Communication (1 Unit)
COMM 313: Intercultural Communication
INTL 130: Introduction to International Studies (1 Unit)
INTL 370: Building on International and Intercultural Experiences (1 Unit)
PHIL 309: International Ethics and Global Development (1 Unit)
PLSC 103: Introduction to International Politics (1 Unit)
PLSC 336: International Relations (1 Unit)
PLSC 256: Human Rights (1 Unit)
PLSC 357: International Law and Politics (1 Unit)
WGS 116: Introduction to Gender Studies
WGS 240: Sexualities, Histories and Culture (1 Unit)

Prerequisite

Students with demonstrated foreign/second language learning will complete the foreign/second language prerequisite at the appropriate placement level as determined by the Modern Languages and Cultures Department (e.g., 201). Students who demonstrate native or near-native fluency in a language other than English will be considered as having met the prerequisite.

*Those students not seeking admission to the TEP would not be eligible to be endorsed with teaching ESL on initial teacher certification in Michigan; however, they would receive an Albion College certificate of completion of the TESL minor study program. This certificate can be reviewed by TESOL and recognized as meeting international TESL standards.

*Students seeking admission to the TEP may also complete the requirements for the TESL minor as part of completing either the elementary, secondary or K-12 teacher certification.