TESOL Major

The TESOL major gives Houghton students first-hand experience teaching young people from around the world as they make the transition to learning and living with the English language.  TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) majors qualify for New York State certification to teach English language learners at all grade levels. 

The major also prepares graduates to work in international schools around the world.  Students in this major must also complete the major in Intercultural Studies;  this exciting program provides background in cultural dynamics, societal development issues, and the fundamental linguistic skills needed to work effectively with learners from diverse language backgrounds.  Field experiences in the program include working with recently-arrived children and youth from around the world, and with students in an international college preparatory program.

Students who do not wish to pursue the double major can simply major in intercultural studies with a concentration in TESOL.

TESOL (BA)
(Double major in Intercultural Studies and TESOL)
Major required courses

Intercultural Studies Major (22-30 hours)

INCL 201 Introduction to Global Issues 4 credits
INCL/SOC 243 Cultural Anthropology 4
INCL 310 Intercultural Competencies 4
INCL 311 Intercultural Experience 0-4
  Conversation level language 0-4
INCL/SOC  395 ST Cultural Change 4
INCL/POLS 336 Governance and Politics in Developing Countries 4
INCL 482 Senior Capstone: Intercultural Seminar 2

TESOL Concentration (16 hours)

LING 350 First and Second Language Acquisition 3
  Introduction to Linguistics (LING 220) or Linguistics for TESOL (LING 351) 4
LING 355 Theory and Practice of Bilingual Education 3
ENGL 355 Modern English Grammar in Historical Perspective 3
LING 440 Theory and Practice of TESOL Methodology 3

TESOL Major (34 hours)

EDUC 202 Topics in Professionalism 0
  Philosophy & History of Education (EDUC 217 or EDUC 218) 3
EDUC 219 Educational Psychology 3
EDUC 235 Educating Exceptional Learners 3
EDUC 240 Teaching in Urban America 3
EDUC 236 Language, Culture & Human Development 3
EDUC 313 Language & Literacy in the Content Area 3
EDUC 338 Curriculum & Assessment in Secondary Classrooms 3
  TESOL Student Teaching Internship: elementary 5
  TESOL Student Teaching Internship: secondary 5
  Senior Seminar in TESOL 3