English for Multilingual Speakers (EMLS)

Placement

Students are placed into EMLS classes based upon Accuplacer scores in both Listening and Reading. (see PDF) International students must take the Accuplacer before starting classes at SMSU.

For more information on the Accuplacer exams, see the Deeann Griebel Student Success Center and the SMSU Testing Center.

The Listening Exam places students into:

The Reading Exam places students into:

EMLS 095: Intermediate Listening and Speaking Review

This course will provide a review for basic listening and speaking skills in English. Students are placed into EMLS classes based upon Accuplacer scores or other equivalent scores in Listening. Those who place at the Basic level will be placed in this course and EMLS 125 simultaneously. Topics will include some, but not all, of the following, depending on student need: listening for the main idea, managing conversations, presenting via compare/contrast, listening for purpose, conducting interviews, inferring meaning, using verb tenses, using appropriate register and tone, developing teamwork skills, paraphrasing and summarizing, using non-verbal communication, using thesis statements, distinguishing between fact and opinion, constructing an argument, and avoiding plagiarism.

EMLS 125: Intermediate Listening and Speaking

This class will focus on intermediate speaking and listening skills that include more advanced note taking, inferring ideas and meaning, and communicating non-verbally. Students will continue to develop their presentation skills, crafting arguments that they deliver to their classmates through the use of persuasive language and presentation aids. These presentations will include citing and referencing sources. There will be considerable one-on-one instruction in this class. Students will need to receive a "C" or better to proceed to EMLS Advanced Listening and Speaking. This course is required of students identified through placement procedures of the University or the English Department. The English program reserves the right to remove students from the course who do not meet prerequisites.

EMLS 150: Advanced Listening and Speaking

This class will focus on more advanced speaking and listening skills such as delivering various types of class presentations like speeches and Power Point presentations, engaging in class discussions, and doing group work with native speakers. Speeches and presentations will include the integration, analysis, and synthesis of academic sources. There will be considerable one-on-one instruction in this class. This course is required of students identified through placement procedures of the University or the English Department. The English program reserves the right to remove students from the course who do not meet prerequisites.

EMLS 096: Intermediate Writing and Reading Review

This course will provide a review for basic writing and reading skills in English. Students are placed into EMLS classes based upon Accuplacer scores or other equivalent scores in writing and reading. Those who place at the Basic level will be placed in this course and EMLS126 simultaneously. Topics will include, but are not limited to, grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, vocabulary, reading for the main idea, reading for meaning, and avoiding plagiarism.

EMLS 126: Intermediate Writing and Reading

This course is designed to prepare students for the EMLS 151 Advanced Writing and Reading class, and students must earn a grade of "C" or better in the Intermediate class in order to enroll In the Advanced class. Students will compose longer pieces of writing culminating in a complete essay as well as give one presentation during the semester. In addition, more complex readings will engage students In enhancing the Critical Thinking and vocabulary skills they already possess. This course is required of students identified through placement procedures of the University or the English Department. The English program reserves the right to remove students from the course who do not meet prerequisites.

EMLS 151: Advanced Writing and Reading

This course is designed to prepare students for English 251, and students must earn a grade of "C" or better in this Advanced class in order to enroll in English 251. Students will compose complete papers with various purposes and audiences. Additionally, they will learn to synthesize ideas and complete a research assignment. Students will also build upon the vocabulary skills they already have through more advanced readings and exercises.

Facilities & Services

Well-equipped computer labs across campus provide students with computing resources that support writing and electronic research. Students also have access to e-mail and the Internet via Macintosh and PC labs. The SMSU Writing Center, an on-campus facility staffed by student employees, offers prospective teachers the opportunity to work first-hand with students seeking help with their writing skills.

The McFarland Library gives students access to research, books, and other materials needed for every class. In addition, it has many online movies and music CDs for borrowing. It is also a great place to study alone or with classmates in private study rooms.

English majors have their own lounge, the Holm & Dacey Lounge, which houses a lending library of books and literary magazines. All English majors are encouraged to join the English Club. Campus residents may opt to live in the Fine Arts Community, the home for all English, Speech, Theatre, and Art majors.

Contact Information

English Program - Office

BA 221, Southwest Minnesota State University
1501 State St.
Marshall, MN 56258

• Telephone: 507-537-7155
• Fax: 507-537-6815
• Email: epshdept@smsu.edu