CIL512 Reading in a New Language: Linguistic Considerations

The course focuses upon the multiyear process of learning to read in English as a new language, critical to academic success for English language learners (ELLs). The importance of first and second language listening and speaking (oracy), the effect of first language phonemes, morphemes, syntax, cognates, discourse patterns, and writing systems on second language literacy, and complex cross-linguistic relationships between languages are major topics. Principles, methods and techniques for developing second language academic literacy are modeled and analyzed. The course examines research-based best practices in ELL literacy instruction across P-12 settings with special attention to academic language, content vocabulary, and writing. Prerequisite(s): None. Fulfills the linguistics requirement or the elective requirement for the State of Illinois ESL Approval, Bilingual Approval, or ESL/Bilingual Approvals. 3 semester hours