ESL: English as a Second Language (Non-intensive)

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The courses listed below are part of Hawkeye's course catalog. The course cost is subject to change, and the listing does not confirm that the course is currently available. To see currently available courses and sections, visit the course search.

If you plan to transfer courses back to your current college or university, make sure the courses you want to take at Hawkeye will transfer. To confirm, meet with your advisor at your current school or, if you're attending the University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa, or Iowa State University, visit www.TransferinIowa.org.

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ESL-005 ESL Reading for Academic Purpose I

4 credits—This is the first of two courses designed for non-native speakers of English to acquire basic reading skills. The course introduces students to effective reading strategies, approaches to reading in a variety of genres, strategies to expand vocabulary, and basic library research. Students are also encouraged to improve their reading fluency through extensive reading.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement scores or equivalent.

Course Type: Developmental

2025–2026 Course Cost: $936.00

ESL-011 ESL Writing for Academic Purpose I

4 credits—This is the first of two courses designed for non-native speakers of English in the acquisition of basic grammatical structures of English and writing skills. The primary focus of the course is to develop students’ competence and confidence in writing for academic purposes. Students will review basic grammatical rules and structures, understand the elements of paragraph through process writing, practice writing for different purposes, expand vocabulary, and develop fluency in writing.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement scores or equivalent.

Course Type: Developmental

2025–2026 Course Cost: $936.00

ESL-014 ESL Listening and Speaking for Academic Purpose I

4 credits—This is the first of two courses designed for non-native speakers of English to acquire basic aural and oral skills. The primary focus of the course is to prepare students for academic content. Students will be involved in a variety of communicative activities to increase their confidence in understanding and communicating with others, to improve fluency as well as accuracy, to expand vocabulary, to practice note-taking skills, and to learn about American culture.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement scores or equivalent.

Course Type: Developmental

2025–2026 Course Cost: $936.00

ESL-020 English as a Second Language Lab

2 credits—This is an individualized lab course for non-native speakers of English. The course provides a variety of tasks to improve English fluency and study skills. Students are given opportunities to become familiar with resources at Hawkeye, expand their vocabulary, and become more fluent in written and spoken English. This course can be used to prepare for other EAP (English for Academic Purposes) courses. It is designed to accommodate students at all levels based on their English proficiency levels and academic needs. This course may be repeated for credit with different content.

Lab Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): Instructor approval.

Course Type: Developmental

2025–2026 Course Cost: $468.00

ESL-083 ESL Writing for Academic Purpose II

4 credits—This is a course for non-native speakers of English in the acquisition of advanced grammatical structures and writing skills (necessary for academic English). The course is especially designed to develop advanced writing skills that will be needed in order to successfully complete transferable academic classes. Students will review problems in English grammar, analyze academic writing, practice writing for different purposes, and be introduced to different documentation styles.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): ESL-011, or appropriate placement scores, or equivalent.

Course Type: Developmental

2025–2026 Course Cost: $936.00

ESL-084 ESL Reading for Academic Purpose II

4 credits—This is a course in continuing the acquisition of reading skills in English for non-native speakers. The primary goal of the course is to prepare students to become independent readers and to manage academic texts. Students are given opportunities to apply reading strategies effectively, to improve comprehension skills, to expand vocabulary, and to develop library research skills needed for academic study.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): ESL-005, or appropriate placement scores, or equivalent.

Course Type: Developmental

2025–2026 Course Cost: $936.00

ESL-089 ESL Listening and Speaking for Academic Purpose II

4 credits—This is a course in continuing the acquisition of aural and oral skills in English for non-native speakers. The course is designed to help students develop listening and speaking skills that will be needed to be successful in fully transferable college courses. Skills taught include listening strategies, note taking, oral presentations, and vocabulary development. Students will also develop a deeper understanding of American culture through various activities.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): ESL-014, or appropriate placement scores, or equivalent.

Course Type: Developmental

2025–2026 Course Cost: $936.00