English Language Acquisition
Get to Know ELAC
Click on the "Get Started" tab below! And be sure to take the ELAC Guided Self-Placement to know which classes to register for.
Our ESL program is English Language Acquisition (ELAC), which supports you in your development of academic English. ELAC classes are not basic skills or remedial. They are for students who are multilingual and studying English as an additional language at intermediate to advanced levels.
The classes you take here will focus on all English communication skills necessary
to be successful in college level work as well as how to navigate your way through
college in the United States. You can earn transferable credit to CSUs and UCs in
our highest level class, ELAC 145.
Questions?
Contact the ELAC Department Chair, Professor Jennifer Boots (jboots@sdccd.edu) with questions about our program or for more information.
Important note: There is no longer a vaccine requirement for students. Some ELAC classes will be held
on campus and some online. Most of our day classes will be on campus and evening classes
will have online live sessions. All classes will be fun and engaging! The required
class times will be during the days and times listed in the class schedule. Please click on "ELAC Classes" below for a more detailed schedule.
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Want to join our mailing list for the latest ELAC news and updates?
Sign up for the newsletter! View our Fall 2021 Newsletter.
Are you a new student and not sure which ELAC classes to take?
Complete the ELAC Guided Self-Placement to determine your skills level.
We're excited that you are taking the first steps on your journey to expanding your
academic English with us. If you have any questions or get stuck on any of the steps
below, please contact Professor Jennifer Boots (jboots@sdccd.edu). We're here to help you!
Step 1: Apply Online to San Diego City College through CCC Apply
All new students must register through CCC Apply before beginning classes at City
College.
Step 2: Watch the Online Orientation Video
The Online Orientation video will help you get to know the campus and learn about
the resources at City College that will help you succeed.
Step 3: Take the Online Guided Self-Placement
This online guided self-placement will let you know which ELAC classes we recommend
you take. If you think the recommended classes are too difficult (placement is too
high), you can register for any classes below your level. If you think the recommended
classes are too easy (placement is too low), you can contact the ELAC Department Chair,
Jennifer Boots (jboots@sdccd.edu).
Step 4: Watch the Education Planning Workshop Videos and Meet with a Counselor to Plan your Schedule
Learn more about City College and what your Milestone levels mean through the series
of videos in the online Education Planning Workshop. Then meet with a counselor to
create a 1-2 semester Education Plan so that you know which classes to register for.
Call the Counseling Department (619-894-6118) or schedule an on campus or online appointment today!
Step 5: Register for your Classes As Soon As Possible!
If you have trouble with registering for your classes, you can contact the Peer Advocate Center (619-800-2739). We know it can be a complicated process, but we're here to help!
Step 6: Attend your Classes (on campus and online live options for fall 2024)!
The first day of fall 2024 ELAC classes is Monday, August 26th.
Still not sure what to do or where to start?
Join us at our ELAC Information Sessions where you can get to know more about the ELAC program, talk with your future professors, and learn about some of the work you will do in your ELAC classes.
Course Catalog Description
Fall 2024 Schedule
For fall 2024, some ELAC classes are taught on campus and some are taught fully online with required online live sessions during the scheduled times.
ELAC 15- Introduction to English Literacy and Communication - 9 units
Online Live: Tu/We/Th 6:00pm-7:30pm + WEB; 8/26-12/16/2024 (CN 70188)
ELAC 23- Academic Listening and Speaking I - 6 units
On Campus: Tu/Th 9:15am-12:35pm; 8/26-12/16/2024 (CN 70183)
ELAC 25- Integrated Reading, Writing, and Grammar I - 6 units
On Campus: Mo/We 9:15am-12:35pm; 8/26-12/16/2024 (CN 70189)
ELAC 33- Academic Listening and Speaking II - 3 units
On Campus: Tu/Th 9:35am-11:00am; 8/26-12/16/2024 (CN 70184)
OR
Online Live: Mo/We 6:00pm-7:30pm; 8/26-12/16/2024 (CN 70195)
ELAC 35- Integrated Reading, Writing, and Grammar II - 6 units
On Campus: Tu/Th 11:10am-2:30pm; 8/26-12/16/2024 (CN 70908)
OR
Online Live: Tu/Th 6:00pm-7:30pm + WEB; 8/26-12/16/2024 (CN 70185)
ELAC 145- Integrated Reading, Writing, and Grammar III - 6 units
On Campus: Mo/We 9:35am-12:55pm; 8/26-12/16/2024 (CN 70186)
Core Classes
ELAC 15 - All skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Grammar)
- Read a text and compose a paragraph using information from the text in the response.
- Comprehend and respond to multi step instructions appropriately.
ELAC 23 - Academic Listening and Speaking I
- Effectively collaborate and express personal opinions in a small group.
- Accurately identify and express the central idea of an audio text/presentation/discussion.
ELAC 25 - Academic Reading, Writing, and Grammar I
- Effectively organize and compose a multi-paragraph written piece.
- Accurately summarize and effectively reflect on the written work of another.
ELAC 33 - Academic Listening and Speaking II
- Discuss and effectively defend a position in a small group setting.
- Accurately identify and summarize the main points of an audio text/presentation/discussion.
ELAC 35 - Academic Reading, Writing, and Grammar II
- Compose an organized, multi-paragraph piece that effectively responds to the work of another.
- Interpret and evaluate a full length novel or memoir.
ELAC 145 - Academic Reading, Writing, and Grammar III
- Analyze and synthesize the written works of others and compose an organized, multi-paragraph piece in response.
- Revise and reflect on own written work that demonstrates an advanced level of reading, writing, and critical thinking.
Electives
ELAC 5A - English Language Grammar
ELAC 5B - English Language Grammar
ELAC 7 - Pronunciation
ELAC 16 - Accelerated class (must also be enrolled in ELAC 15)
- Revise and expand on own written work that demonstrates an intermediate level of reading, writing, and critical thinking.
ELAC 26 - Accelerated class (must also be enrolled in ELAC 25)
- Revise and expand on own written work that demonstrates an intermediate-high level of reading, writing, and critical thinking.
After successfully completing ELAC 145, we recommend you register for English 101x.
ELAC Program Learning Outcomes
- Read and comprehend texts, recognize author strategies, purpose, perspective and argument, and use critical thinking to evaluate a variety of writing.
- Organize ideas and information and express them clearly and effectively in writing for both academic and workplace contexts for different communicative purposes.
- Describe, explain, and analyze multiple perspectives on issues in ways that demonstrate global awareness and appreciation of diversity in its many manifestations.
- Apply strategies both inside and outside the classroom that reflect an understanding of the reading and writing processes in order to become life-long learners, critical thinkers, and active citizens.
- Develop effective verbal and presentational skills for a variety of communication situations.
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I love traveling and learning more about other cultures and languages. I realized that when I work with the diverse population of students here at City, I get to "travel" all over the world without ever leaving San Diego. It is exciting to get to know so many interesting people every semester. I enjoy helping students find out more about how they learn best and what they are passionate about to help motivate them in their language learning journey. I also enjoy growing fruits and vegetables and cooking as much as I can with what we grow at our own home, which we call "The Urban Nest." In fall 2024, I am teaching ELAC 35 and ENGL 402.dbrown001@sdccd.edu
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Welcome new and returning students! In the past, I was a French teacher, but after I spent time helping elderly refugees with English, I went back to school to learn how to teach English as a Second Language. I love meeting people from different countries and cultures, so I look forward to working together with you. I wear many "hats," at our school (I teach different subjects), so if you have questions about English, ESL, or learning technology, please feel free to reach out with any questions. In fall 2024, I am teaching ELAC 35. |
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Hello, City College students! I love to talk about grammar and language with interesting people from around the world. I'm a local boy who graduated from San Diego High School, UCSD, and SDSU. Outside of class, I spend time with my wife, daughter, and two dogs. For fun, I study languages, make music, watch TV and documentaries, play video games, and eat. My classroom is always fun and interactive, and I will teach you skills you will use for the rest of your life. I hope to see you soon! In fall 2024, I am teaching ELAC 23 and ENGL 202. |
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Hi, I’m Jaquelin! I started teaching in San Diego in 2015. I have taught at Miramar College, Grossmont College, and Continuing Ed. I love meeting new people and learning about their culture. Learning languages is meaningful to me because it allows us to share our stories with each other. I am an online student, just like you. I am currently studying computer science at Oregon State University. I can’t wait to meet you! |
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Hi everyone. My name is Professor David Walsh, and I am originally from the Boston area; however, San Diego has been my home for the past 35 years. San Diego City College is also home because I have been teaching here since 2010. I am a proud graduate of San Diego City College and San Diego State University with a B.A. in English and a M.A. in Applied Linguistics for teaching college-level English courses for non-native speakers. I teach all levels of English and ESL (ELAC) courses on our campus. Some of the topics we have explored in my courses include immigrant and refugee experience, literacy in the digital age, education, identity, mental health in the Western world, success, The American Dream, technology, free-speech, and so much more. I always do my best to select topics and texts that are relevant to current events and our specific classroom community. I am also a member of the English Center support staff, providing workshops for our students and tutors, so please stop by to say hello. Some of my likes are books, kindness, generosity, and humor. My dislikes are borders (of any kind), cruelty, and inequality. I look forward to meeting and working with you. |
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Hi! I’m Liza (she/her). I’ve been teaching ELAC and English since 2017, and I love working with students to help them strengthen their language skills in the classroom as well as collaborating to make a positive and lasting impact in our world. I’m passionate about traveling and exploring different cultures—I speak Russian and ASL fluently and am currently learning Spanish. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy hiking, trying out new restaurants, and spending time with my family and our new puppy. I’m looking forward to working with you this semester! In fall 2024, I am teaching ELAC 33. |
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I have been a teacher for the past 17 years and it has been my absolute passion and
calling. I earned my B.A. in International Studies from the University of Little Rock
at Arkansas and my M.A. in TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages)
from City University of New York, Hunter College. My first teaching job was in a high
school in Queens, New York, where all the students were newcomers. I loved working
with this population of students, but life brought me to the West Coast where I started
teaching in all of the local community colleges, such as Southwestern, City, Mesa,
Palomar and Grossmont. For the past 5 years, I have been blessed to call City my forever
home. I usually teach ELAC classes in addition to English (ENGL) 101. In my free time,
you can find me spending time with my mom, husband, and just-turned-teenage son. I
am originally from Croatia, a small country in Europe, but have been living in the
States for the past 30+ years. |
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Hello everyone! My name is Emmanuel Rodriguez. Please call me “Professor Rodriguez.” Just like many of you, I started my education at City College taking ELAC classes. Yes! I learned English as a second language during college! After I completed my studies at City College, I transferred to SDSU where I earned my bachelors in linguistics and my masters in applied linguistics. Also, I am part of the English Center support staff where I help coordinate the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program and present weekly workshops. My goal as ELAC instructor is to help you prepare for your academic and personal journey while learning English and adapting to a new culture. Outside of the classroom, I like to spend time with my wife and our husky, Luna. We love going out for walks with our dog and spending time together. I also like cooking, playing music, and reading books about language and language acquisition. In fall 2024, I am teaching ELAC 145. |
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Hello! I'm Erika, originally from Boston. I hold a BA in Philosophy from University of Massachusetts, Amherst and an MA in TESOL from Biola University. My teaching path has taken me from young learners to college students, where I've had the joy of teaching English overseas. Immersing myself in different cultures is one of my favorite things, along with meeting students and learning about their unique stories and dreams for the future. |
Katy Bailey 
Hello there! My name is Sophia Morales, and I'm from Long Beach, CA. I have a Master
of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from California State University, Long Beach. 
Hola! My name is Oscar Preciado (he/him/el). I am a bilingual Chicano and the son
of Mexican immigrants. I have a BA in Philosophy from UCSD and an MA in American Literature
from SDSU. As a former community college student, I'm proud to be at San Diego City
College working with community college students. 
Aileen Gum
Sean Perry
Jaquelin Tsui
David Walsh
Kori Zunic
Need homework help?
Meet with a tutor on campus or online through The English Center. They can help you with homework and planning and revising your essays and other
school work.
Need help locating campus resources?
Stop by the Welcome Center in A-201and/or connect with our amazing Outreach office.
Hungry?
The Knights Table is now open. You can also pick up a bag of food on Hunger Action Days, which take
place twice a month. Click here to sign up to receive a free box of food.
Need help from a librarian?
The LRC/Library is open! Librarians are ready to help on campus and online! Visit
the LRC/Library website for more information.
Planning to transfer or wondering about
your career options?
Get help from the amazing counselors at the Transfer and Career Center.
Need help planning your classes next
semester?
Meet with an Academic Counselor on campus or online to create your Educational Plan (Ed Plan).
Feeling stressed and need someone to talk to?
The Mental Health Counseling Center is there to help. You can speak with a counselor privately. The counselors can also
refer you to helpful resources in the community, such as housing and food.
If you have any questions about enrolling in our ELAC program, don't hesitate to contact
us.
We are here to help!
Jennifer Boots
ELAC Chair and Professor