ESL students, understandably, find the process of reading and writing in English daunting. In addition, traditional literature courses have the tendency to neglect the unique cultural and linguistic challenges faced by the second language learner. This introductory literature course is designed with the specific interests and challenges of the ESL student in mind and places them centre stage, for a change. Students read accessible, but challenging, short stories, essays and poetry which portray individuals, not unlike themselves, grappling with issues that include language barriers, culture shock and alienation. The class is discussion-oriented, allowing students to improve their English speaking skills, in addition to their writing and reading capabilities. The readings in the course reflect the diversity of Canada and are authored by representatives from the Aboriginal, Chinese, Japanese, African, Indian, Pakistani, and West Indian communities in Canada. By reading and analyzing these writings, ESL students will gain a new, or renewed, understanding of how the written word can express their unique realities. Students who have taken ENGE 025 Cultural Journeys: A Literature Course for ESL Students cannot take this course.
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