If you are unsure about taking distance learning courses, our Best Value Courses allow you the opportunity to try BYU Independent Study courses at a low price of $43 each. Each course awards you high school credit in either English or Social Studies (but not both.)

ESL 41 — English as a Second Language 1

• This course is designed for Spanish speakers learning English. This is the first course in a two-part ESL series (ESL 41 and ESL 43), beginning-level English literacy courses. Students will learn basic English vocabulary, practice writing, and begin to read in English. ESL 41 will give beginning learners the first skills and resources to start learning and using English. This course is particularly appropriate for adults learning English in an English-language environment, but may also be a useful supplement to beginning ESL courses for teenagers. The course would also be appropriate for adults and teenagers in a non-English or English as a Foreign Language environment. 6 lessons, 6 assignment submissions (6 Speedback assignments); proctored final exam. Este es el primer curso de una serie de dos partes de ESL (ESL 41 y ESL 43). Un curso de inglés a nivel básico. Los estudiantes aprenderán un vocabulario básico de inglés, practicarán la escritura y comenzarán a leer en inglés. El curso de inglés como segundo idioma proporcionará a los estudiantes las primeras habilidades y recursos para empezar a estudiar y usar el inglés. Este curso es particularmente apropiado para adultos que están aprendiendo inglés en un ambiente de habla inglesa, pero también puede ser útil como un suplemento para adolescentes en cursos principiantes de Inglés como Segundo Idioma (ESL, siglas en inglés). El curso también será apropiado para adultos y adolescentes en un ambiente de no habla inglesa. 6 lecciones, 6 entregas, 6 de las cuales tienen verificación inmediata (Speedback), examen final supervisado.

ESL 43 — English as a Second Language 2

• This is the second course in a two-part ESL series (ESL 41 and ESL 43). The course is designed for Spanish speakers learning English. This course will guide students through everyday experiences they will have while living in the United States. The vocabulary students will learn is vocabulary that will help them in everyday life. This course provides students with a live tutor/mentor for questions and assistance. 8 lessons, 8 assignment submissions (7 Speedback assignments, 1 instructor-graded assignment); proctored final exam. Este es el segundo parte en una serie de dos partes de ESL (ESL 41 y ESL 43). Este curso te guiará en las experiencias diarias que tendrás mientras vivas en los Estados Unidos. El vocabulario que vas a aprender te ayudará en tu vida diaria. 8 lecciones (7 tareas de Speedback, 1 tarea calificada por el instructor); el final es supervisado. El curso proporciona un tutor para responder a preguntas y prestar ayuda.

REAL 41 — Things as They Really Are

• This course is an overview of the realities of life which we all eventually encounter. Through engaging stories, examples, and case studies, students are able to analyze themselves and make adjustments to become ready for real life. Covered topics include perspective, independence, communication, social expectations, balance, relationships, and citizenship. Lessons include instructor-graded portfolio activities which should be submitted as a whole before requesting the final. 9 lessons, 9 assignment submissions (8 Speedback assignments, 1 instructor-graded assignment); proctored final exam.

USA 41 — Character of America: Documents and Symbols

• This is the first course in a two-part Character of America series (USA 41 and USA 43); however, either course may be taken independently of the other. This course discusses some of the documents and symbols that contribute to the character of America, including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the flag, national monuments, etc. Lessons include instructor-graded portfolio activities which should be submitted as a whole before requesting the final. 11 lessons, 11 assignment submissions (10 Speedback assignments, 1 instructor-graded assignment); proctored final exam.

USA 43 — Character of America: The People

• This is the second course in a two-part character of America series (USA 41 and USA 43); however, either course may be taken independently of the other. This course discusses some of the people who have contributed or are still contributing to the character of America, including the presidents and the founding fathers, as well as national and local security. Lessons include instructor-graded portfolio activities which should be submitted as a whole before requesting the final. 10 lessons, 10 assignment submissions (9 Speedback assignments, 1 instructor-graded assignment); proctored final exam.

XPLR 41 — Character Education: Exploring Values, Part 1

• This is the first course in a three-part Character Education: Exploring Values series (XPLR 41, XPLR 43, and XPLR 45); however, any of the courses may be taken independently of the others. This course is a literary study of basic values. It examines the consequences of having or lacking courage, self-discipline, respect, honesty, work, trust, and compassion. Lessons include instructor-graded portfolio activities which should be submitted as a whole before requesting the final. 9 lessons, 9 assignment submissions (8 Speedback assignments, 1 instructor-graded assignment); proctored final exam.

XPLR 43 — Character Education: Exploring Values, Part 2

• This is the second course in a three-part Character Education: Exploring Values series (XPLR 41, XPLR 43, and XPLR 45); however, any of the courses may be taken independently of the others. This course is a literary study of additional basic values. It examines the consequences of having or lacking confidence, generosity, humility, obedience, determination, reliability, tolerance, forgiveness, and excellence. Lessons include instructor-graded portfolio activities which should be submitted as a whole before requesting the final. 10 lessons, 10 assignment submissions (9 Speedback assignments, 1 instructor-graded assignment); proctored final exam.

XPLR 45 — Character Education: Exploring Values, Part 3

• This is the third course in a three-part Character Education: Exploring Values series (XPLR 41, XPLR 43, and XPLR 45); however, any of the courses may be taken independently of the others. This course is a literary study of additional basic values. It examines the consequences of having or lacking mercy, patience, grace, gratitude, accountability, loyalty, patriotism, and self-sufficiency. Lessons include instructor-graded portfolio activities which should be submitted as a whole prior to requesting the final. 9 lessons, 9 assignment submissions (8 Speedback assignments, 1 instructor-graded assignment); proctored final exam.