Bilingual/Eng as Sec lang (BESL)

BESL 2301. Multicultural Influence On Learning. 3 Hours.

This course examines how the diversity of the United States influences classroom learning. Linguistic dialects, socio-economic status, and cultural diversity are among the factors examined in relation to the educational process.

BESL 3301. Second Language Acquisition. 3 Hours.

This course examines language acquisition theories and philosophies related to learning a second language from early childhood to adult. The course also examines the history, rationale, political, community and global perspectives of bilingual education and English as a second language programs. Emphasis is placed on the principles and implementation of how children learn a language or languages, and how educators can develop academic programs and curriculum plans incorporating local, state, and national policies. Field experiences in K-12 public schools may be required.

BESL 4088. Special Topics in Bilingual/ESL Education. 1-3 Hours.

This course is designed for persons interested in enhancing educational principles related to current bilingual and English as a second language issues. This course will address specific topics related to second language learning, methodologies, curriculum, instruction, evaluation, parent/community involvement, program design and field experiences. Course Equivalents: BESL 4302 .

BESL 4089. Independent Study in Bilingual/ESL/Education. 1-3 Hours.

BESL 4301. Spanish Fluency In Classroom. 3 Hours.

This course is designed for persons interested in teaching in a Spanish instructional environment. Terminology specific to the instructional process, curriculum, and community is emphasized. Linguistic and cultural comparisons among different Spanish dialects represented in Texas are examined. The course is taught in Spanish.

BESL 4303. Curriculum In Bilingual and Second Language Programs. 3 Hours.

This course identifies appropriate curricula and teaching strategies to teach reading, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies to second language learners. Principles of current content area curriculum and instructional theory as related to language learning in a bilingual classroom are studied. This course is taught in Spanish. Field experiences in K-6 schools required. Taken concurrently with BESL 4304.
Prerequisite: 50 hours completed.

BESL 4304. Language Learning & Literacy Dev in Multilingual Students. 3 Hours.

This course provides an intensive study of the theories of language learning and literacy development for students learning English as a second language. Processes and strategies on the development of oral language and reading in the first and second languages are emphasized. Taught in Spanish. Field experience in K-6 public schools required. Taken concurrently with BESL 4303.
Prerequisite: 50 hours completed.

BESL 4305. Academic Language in Dual Language Programs. 3 Hours.

In this course students study formal academic language needed by bilingual educators with a focus on building content area vocabulary and appropriate terminology for teaching in dual language programs. Students engage in extensive practice in oral discourse, written expression, and the creation of culturally authentic didactic materials.
Prerequisite: BESL 4301.

BESL 4320. Student Teaching in the Bilingual/ESL Classroom. 3 Hours.

The EC-6 Bilingual Generalist candidate is assigned to student teaching in a bilingual/elementary classroom full time for approximately seven weeks.
Prerequisite: Admission to Student Teaching program.