TESOL Minor

Program Overview

The Whitworth TESOL minor equips students with the knowledge and skills to teach English to speakers of other languages in diverse settings. Through interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on experience, and a focus on cultural competency, graduates are prepared for careers in K-12 education, adult education, higher education, and other fields where English language instruction is needed. The program emphasizes diversity and integrates faith or worldview with learning, fostering compassionate and competent leaders in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview:
The Whitworth teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) minor prepares students to teach English in classrooms and other settings worldwide. Students gain knowledge about linguistic features of English, socio-cultural aspects of language, and cultural competency. The demand for qualified English language instructors is high, and graduates are equipped to be compassionate and competent leaders in the field.
• Objectives:
To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach English to speakers of other languages in a variety of settings.
• Description:
The TESOL minor is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with valuable skills for working with linguistically diverse groups in the U.S. and abroad. Students develop intercultural competency, benefit from one-on-one advising, learn from professionals in the field, gain hands-on experience, and integrate their faith or worldview with their learning.

Outline:

• Content:
The program covers topics such as linguistic features of English, socio-cultural aspects of language, language acquisition, and teaching methodologies.
• Structure:
The program consists of 18 credit hours of coursework, including 6 credit hours of core courses and 12 credit hours of electives.
• Course Schedule:
The program is typically completed in two years, with students taking one or two courses per semester.
• Modules:
The program includes the following modules:
• Core Courses:
• Introduction to TESOL
• Language and Culture
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
• Field Experience in TESOL
• Elective Courses:
• Advanced Topics in TESOL
• Language Acquisition
• Second Language Pedagogy
• Intercultural Communication
• Study Abroad in TESOL

Assessment:

• Methods:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, quizzes, papers, projects, and presentations.
• Criteria:
Students are evaluated on their knowledge of TESOL theory and practice, their ability to apply TESOL principles to teaching, and their ability to communicate effectively in English.

Teaching:

• Methods:
The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, simulations, and hands-on activities.
• Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced TESOL professionals who are committed to providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the field.
• Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes diversity as a foundational Christian value and integrates faith or worldview with learning.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the TESOL minor are prepared for a variety of careers in teaching English to speakers of other languages, including:
• K-12 English language teachers
• Adult English language teachers
• English language instructors in higher education
• English language program administrators
• English language curriculum developers
• English language researchers
• Opportunities:
Graduates of the TESOL minor have opportunities to work in a variety of settings, including:
• Schools
• Universities
• Non-profit organizations
• Businesses
• Government agencies
• Outcomes:
Graduates of the TESOL minor are highly sought-after by employers and are well-prepared for success in the field of English language teaching.