NC.ESL-050 - Intermediate High Conversation - American Culture and Life - Romina Golbert

Introduction

Welcome to NC.ESL 050! My name is Romina Golbert and I am excited to facilitate your learning experience this term! In this course, you will advance your English language skills and deepen your American cultural understanding. You will also improve your communication skills through the analysis of American life and culture at the  Intermediate-High Level. Many class activities encourage students to work together in groups or pairs to build conversation skills. We have many different languages in class, so it's necessary to speak English for everyone to communicate. Please ask questions if you don't understand or need help. Get ready to have fun strengthening your English with me and your classmates!

Course Description

This course studies English as a Second Language within its rich and relevant cultural contexts. It explains the relationship between perspectives, practices, and products of American culture within contemporary life in clear, accurate spoken and written English at the intermediate-high level.

What to Expect in this Course

Students will receive a welcome email on the week prior to the first day of class The content is delivered in Canvas following a weekly modular configuration.  All course communication is through the student's canyons email. Start with your weekly assignments from the first day of the week, set aside valuable time to review and practice the material learned every week, use the resources available for your course (tutoring, study groups, etc.), and finally maintain good communication with your instructor. 

At the end of this class, students will be able to: 

1. Identify and connect the products, practices, and perspectives of American culture in spoken and written English.

2. Compare/contrast the products, practices, and perspectives of American culture to their own and/or other cultures.

 3. Converse informally on products, practices, and perspectives in clear, accurate level-appropriate English.

 4. Maintain a journal/blog on each of the learned topics.

 5. Create a formal presentation (oral or written) on one of the learned topics in clear, accurate level-appropriate English.

Types of Assessments

At the end of this course, students will take a competency examination in speaking. Students may choose to continue to the next level if they successfully pass the final exam with a score of 70% or above. For students who do not complete the exam or earn a score below 70%, it is recommended that they repeat the level. If you are not able to take the test at the time listed on the class syllabus, please tell me immediately.

Textbook Information

There is no textbook for this course. All course materials will be free in Canvas.

Other Relevant Course Information

We are all very busy people, and I will do everything I can to make our time together an active learning experience for you. I may drop any student who does not attend the first week of class or who has four consecutive absences. I will be flexible, but participation is important. Specifically, if you're not in class regularly and not doing well on assignments, I'll talk to you about dropping the class because this might not be the best semester for you to take it. If you have a serious issue and can't participate in class for several days, please let me know right away.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 06/09/2026 Sub#: 2053 Sub ID: 216361