Freshman Second Language Program (FSL)

The FSL Program enrolls non-native English speakers who are graduates of high schools accredited in the United States, as well as international students who have achieved a TOEFL score of at least 500 (PBT), 173 (CBT) or 61 (IBT). Other standardized tests that demonstrate academic English proficiency, such as the IELTS, SATs, or ACTs will also be considered for admission.

The program typically leads to a baccalaureate degree. The first year of intensive, developmental English courses is complemented by a series of content courses within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the Sawyer Business School, for which students earn academic credit. This program of study is meant to enable students to acquire the academic skills necessary to successfully obtain a college degree. Upon successful completion of the FSL program, students may go on to pursue a BS or BA in CAS, a BFA degree in the New England School of Art and Design (NESAD), or a BSBA degree in the Sawyer Business School. The length of time needed to obtain a full degree will depend on how quickly students progress in their academic and language skills, and on what major they wish to pursue.

All students in the FSL Program take the following courses their first year:*

FSL Program Courses

Skills Courses

Through the use of genuine content materials and assignments, these courses offer students the opportunity to practice active critical thinking and study skills as they familiarize themselves with the academic language structures and standards required in an American university setting. They also frequently call upon students to examine their own first language acquisition and reading and writing processes to enable them to apply successful strategies to their university study.

Content Courses

These courses provide students with opportunities to apply what they have acquired in the Skills Courses in rigorous content-based settings. These courses offer reading and writing activities which implement skills introduced in ENG 098 and ENG 099.

Fall semester

• ENG 098 ESL Reading/Writing: Utilizing a freshman-level English textbook and materials from the content courses, these courses furnish students with active reading strategies and the conventions of academic writing that will be applicable to their collegiate course- work. Students will develop the analytical skills necessary for academic success by producing in-class and take-home essays, participating in debates, and giving oral presentations. Students will be required to work with a course management program and to utilize technology effectively in their writing. The skills obtained in these courses will allow students to participate comfortably in their mainstream college classes.
• HST 181 American History: This course provides a survey of American history and includes such topics as colonial politics and society; Native Americans; the American Revolution; nation-building and nationalism; sectionalism and slavery; industrialization; and America’s rise as a world power.
• SF 164 Seminar for Freshman - The End of the World: This course uses materials drawn from several disciplines and is designed to help incoming freshmen develop the skills, habits of inquiry and broadened range of interests necessary to pursue a higher education successfully and independently. This course stresses writing and learning strategies, critical literacy, and academic survival skills, as well as exposure to great works and ideas.
• Program elective

Spring semester

• ENG 099 ESL Reading/Writing: Utilizing a freshman-level English textbook and materials from the content courses, these courses furnish students with active reading strategies and the conventions of academic writing that will be applicable to their collegiate course- work. Students will develop the analytical skills necessary for academic success by producing in-class and take-home essays, participating in debates, and giving oral presentations. Students will be required to work with a course management program and to utilize technology effectively in their writing. The skills obtained in these courses will allow students to participate comfortably in their mainstream college classes.
• HST 150 Empires and Globalization in World History II: This course provides an overview and integration of major events in world history and their contributions to modern business and globalization. Themes of geography, global issues, and cultural diversity will be emphasized.
• CJN 177 Professional Communication: This course addresses oral professional communication knowledge and competencies. Students will deliver informative, persuasive, and impromptu presentations. Interpersonal communications will be enhanced as students practice giving and receiving feedback, learn how group dynamics affect team-level communication, and complete and present a team project.
• Program elective

*NESAD students’ program may deviate slightly.

All FSL courses award academic credit. The amount of credit awarded toward degree requirements varies with the school and major the student matriculates into. The number of credits applied toward graduation is typically distributed: CAS students (24-32), Sawyer Business School students (24-32), and NESAD students (24-30).