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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.

Spring 2025 ELAC Orientation

Gather your friends and family and join us!

  • Date: Wednesday, February 5th 
  • Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
  • On Campus: Room AH-206 (campus map)
  • Join!: Sign Up Form

This is a great opportunity to meet your classmates and instructors, learn more about the program and get any questions answered, confirm you’re in the classes that best meet your need, and ensure you’re fully prepared for classes before they begin on February 10th!

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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Are you a new student and not sure which ELAC classes to take?
Complete the ELAC Guided Self-Placement to determine your skills level.

 

Photo of San Diego City College folks

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!


Photo of Peer Advocates

 

Step 6: Attend your Classes (on campus and online live options for spring 2025)!

The first day of spring 2025 ELAC classes is Monday, February 10th.

elacgroupwork

 

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

 

Spring 2025 Schedule

For spring 2025, 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

On Campus: Mo/We/Th 9:35am-12:35pm + WEB; 2/10-6/2/2025 (CN 80346)

ELAC 23- Academic Listening and Speaking I - 6 units

On Campus: Tu/Th 9:35am-12:35pm + WEB; 2/10-6/2/2025 (CN 80347)

ELAC 25- Integrated Reading, Writing, and Grammar I - 6 units

On Campus: Mo/We 9:35am-12:35pm + WEB; 2/10-6/2/2025 (CN 80348)

ELAC 33- Academic Listening and Speaking II - 3 units

WEB: No required online live or in person class times; 2/10-6/2/2025 (CN 80413)

ELAC 35- Integrated Reading, Writing, and Grammar II - 6 units

On Campus: Mo/We 9:35am-12:35pm + WEB; 2/10-6/2/2025 (CN 80423)

ELAC 145- Integrated Reading, Writing, and Grammar III - 6 units

On Campus: Mo/We 9:35am-12:35pm + WEB; 2/10-6/2/2025 (CN 80414)

OR

Online Live: Tu/Th 6:00pm-7:30pm+ WEB; 2/10-6/2/2025 (CN 80349)

ELAC 7-  English Pronunciation - 2 units

Online Live: F 8:40am-11:00am; 2/18-6/2/2025 (CN 80424)

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

  After successfully completing ELAC 145, we recommend you register for English 101x.        

Diagram of ELAC courses

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.

jenboots

Jennifer Boots, Department Chair

Hi! I am Jen (she/her). I have been teaching ELAC and English at City College since 2006. I enjoy working with my classes on projects that raise awareness and affect change in our communities. Similar to many of my colleagues, I have lived abroad teaching English - for me, in Japan - and have a passion for traveling to new places. I also enjoy camping, hiking, and trying out new restaurants. I look forward to working with you!

jboots@sdccd.edu 

 

BaileyKaty Bailey 

Greetings, City College students! My name is Katy Bailey; please call me Katy. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I earned my Bachelor's in French and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and my Master's in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language at San Diego State University. I have taught English reading, writing, speaking, listening, and grammar to a wide variety of students - from middle school students in South Korea to undergraduate students at San Diego State University. In every class, students are encouraged to work together to create a respectful (and even fun!) community. As an instructor, I do my best to tailor lessons to students' individual English language needs and goals. I look forward to helping you achieve your own personal, academic, and professional language objectives. 

kbailey001@sdccd.edu 

 

Bitmoji of DailynDailyn Brown

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 spring 2025, I am teaching ELAC 7 and 33.

dbrown001@sdccd.edu

 

Sophia Morales

Sophia MoralesHello 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. I've been teaching English since 2013, originally starting out with ESL in Orange County. My poetry and fiction has been published in RipRap, Verdad Magazine, Cadence Collective, and Angel City Review. I'm honored to be serving the San Diego City College community!

In spring 2025, I am teaching ELAC 145.

smorales001@sdccd.edu  

Oscar Preciado

Oscar PreciadoHola! 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.

opreciad@sdccd.edu  

aileen gumAileen Gum

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.

agum@sdccd.edu  

sean perrySean Perry

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 spring 2025, I am teaching ELAC 33.

sperry@sdccd.edu


Stephanie Lange

Michelle Lange
My name is Stephanie Lange-Velazquez. I come from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. I've been teaching ESL/ELAC classes for the past twenty-two years in various community colleges throughout the city of San Diego. I earned a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education from Columbia University, Missouri and a Master's Degree in TESOL and Leadership Administration from Alliant International University.

I love reading bibliographies and I have a passion for cooking. Currently, I am an empty nester. My son moved from home when he left to university several years ago. I live with my amazing husband Joji. We love cruising and visiting National and State Parks throughout the United States during the summer and winter vacation. 

In spring 2025, I am teaching ELAC 25.

slange@sdccd.edu

davidwalshDavid Walsh

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.

dwalsh@sdccd.edu 

Eliza Rabinovich

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!

erabinovich@sdccd.edu

korizunicKori Zunic

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.

In spring 2025, I am teaching ELAC 15 and 145.

kzunic@sdccd.edu  

EmmanuelEmmanuel Rodriguez

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 spring 2025, I am teaching ELAC 35.

erodriguez003@sdccd.edu

 

 

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.

transfercenter

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.
 

mental health

 

elacstudentsreadingIf 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

jboots@sdccd.edu