ESL Frequently Asked Questions
What English as a Second Language (ESL) courses does Southwest offer?
Southwest offers four ESL courses:
- ENGL 1000 - ESL Listening and Speaking
Listening and speaking skills at the beginning level - ENGL 1001 - ESL Reading and Writing
Reading and writing skills at the beginning level - ENGL 1002 - English as Second Language II
Reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills at the intermediate level - ENGL 1003 - English as Second Language III
Reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the high-intermediate level
In addition to the ESL courses above, we offer ESL sections of these General Education classes:
- ACAD 1100 – Academic Success Seminar
- ENGL 1010 – English Composition I
- ENGL 1020 – English Composition II
- COMM 2025 – Fundamentals of Speech Communication
When are ESL courses offered?
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, all of our courses are being offered online. Students meet as a class with their professor once a week for online meetings and have access to their professors online throughout the week.
We will begin offering summer session ESL classes in 2021.
Our academic calendar can be found here: http://catalog.southwest.tn.edu/content.php?catoid=29&navoid=1078
- Fall Semester 2020: August 24-December 4, 2020
- Spring Semester 2021: January 19, 2021 - May 7, 2021
- Fall Semester 2021: August 23, 2021-December 1, 2021
- Spring Semester 2022: January 18, 2022 – April 27, 2022
Do students receive college credit for ESL classes?
Yes, students receive three hours of college credit for each course:
- ENGL 1000, ENGL 1001, ENGL 1002, ENGL1003
- ENGL 1010, ENGL 1020, SPCH 1620, SPCH 1010
Please note that while they will count as electives towards your degree at Southwest, some of our courses (ENGL 1000 &1001) are not designed to transfer to other universities.
Can students take ESL courses as well as other courses offered at Southwest?
Yes, students can take our ESL courses while they are taking other courses at Southwest.
How can students be placed in classes?
Students are tested throughout the semester by appointment and during fall and spring orientation.
Our online placement test is available at: https://forms.gle/NvtB5hQjNT4NHENM8
After you have taken the placement test, please contact us at esl@southwest.tn.edu to make an advising appointment.
Please refer to the Southwest Admissions page for specific steps to apply and gain admission to Southwest: https://www.southwest.tn.edu/admissions/
Christopher Hastings
Macon Cove Campus, Academic Bldg. C, Rm. 262
Phone: 901-333-4235
Email: esl@southwest.tn.edu
Appointments: www.calendly.com/chrishastings
How much do the classes cost?
Tuition depends on in-state/out-of-state status and the number of classes taken. For more information, please see the tuition page.
Proof of Citizenship
Every student must prove that they live in Tennessee and/or are eligible for financial aid or in-state tuition. For more information, please visit our citizenship page.
For more information, please contact:
Annie Moss, Admissions Director
Macon Cove Campus, Farris Building, Rm. 2040
Phone: 901-333-4275
Email: esl@southwest.tn.edu
Does Southwest offer any non-credit ESL courses?
Yes, Southwest offers non-credit ESL courses. Please see our Corporate Training & Continuing Education Department page for more information.