World Languages
Foreign Languages for Personal Interest
Course Descriptions

WD&CE offers a wide variety of foreign language study opportunities. Not all levels are offered every semester. Most classes with “just enough” or “brush-up” in their titles are only offered in the summer semester. Most semester courses are scheduled to meet one time a week for 12 weeks for a total of 24 classroom hours; some are shorter and some meet twice a week. See the Class Schedule & Information for classes that are open for registration. Many of these classes are also available as contract training classes, contact the program director for more information.

• American Sign Language
• Farsi
• French
• German
• Italian
• Mandarin
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish

American Sign Language

American Sign Language, Part 1   LAN079
An introduction to the language used by the deaf. Its grammar, different from English because of its visual-spatial nature, takes advantage of space, movement, handshapes and facial expression. Learn fingerspelling, introductions, starting conversations, asking questions, and become comfortable with the visual environment of ASL. Taught in ASL; no prerequisites.

American Sign Language, Part 2   LAN080
This is a continuation of ASL part 1 or for those with some basic experience. You will expand your conversation skills and improve your use of fingerspelling. Topics include asking basic need questions, giving and receiving directions and telling a narrative.

American Sign Language II Part 1   LAN112
This course is a continuation of ASL I Parts—1 & 2.  There is increased emphasis on American Sign Language grammar with a concentrated effort to develop expressive and receptive skills. You will master the use of facial expressions, space, fingerspelling and classifiers, for conversational fluency.

Farsi

Introduction to Farsi LAN093
This course is an introduction to spoken Farsi. You will learn the writing system, basic conversational patterns, and grammar so that you can begin to engage in practical everyday communications. Topics include greetings, polite expressions, asking and answering questions, and exchanging personal information. The present, past and future tenses are practiced.Persian cultural topics are introduced.

Introduction to Farsi, Part 2   LAN098
This course, a continuation of Farsi I, is designed to increase the fluency and accuracy of non-native speakers. Emphasis is on using speech patterns through communicative andinteractive conversation practice. Grammar review, and reading simple texts on various Persian cultural topics, customs and traditions constitute an integral part of the course.

Farsi for Heritage Speakers   LAN099
This course is specifically designed for Persian Heritage Speakers and goes beyond the fundamental basics, with a bold new approach to train students for the reading and translation skills at ILR 3 level. Students who take this course can read a variety of authentic prose material and translate texts containing facts and abstract language. These skills qualify students to apply for a linguist position with government agencies or contracting companies.

French

French Brush-up I   LAN088
If you completed one or two semesters of our program during the school year or have some basic experience in French this course is appropriate. You can refine skills already learned and get questions answered through fun, dynamic and relaxing conversation and other interactive exercises. This level is not recommended if you have no prior experience with French. No textbook is required for this class; all materials will be provided by the instructor.

French Brush-up II   LAN089
If you have completed two years of study this level is appropriate. Participate in fun and relaxing conversation and interactive exercises to keep your skills fresh and review that grammar that you just haven’t quite absorbed. Textbook information will be available at the first class.

French I, Part 1   LAN041
This is designed as an introduction to spoken French for those with no previous experience in the language. You will learn introductory level vocabulary and grammar, enabling you to engage in simple, practical everyday communications. Topics include greetings, polite expressions, exchanging personal information. You will be able to manage exchanges in the present tense.

French I, Part 2   LAN042
A continuation of French I Part 1 or for those with some basic experience. Grammar topics include present tense of regular and irregular verbs, definite and indefinite articles and gender and number. You will expand your vocabulary as you practice communicating basic needs and responding to questions on everyday topics.

French II, Part 1   LAN043
Completion of French I or some basic foundation in French is helpful to succeed at this level. You will be speaking and responding to questions more easily in everyday situations about routines, travel and planning as you learn descriptive adjectives and the “near future” tense.French and Francophone cultural topics are discussed.

French II, Part 2   LAN044
This is a continuation of French II part 1 and is for nonnative speakers with some basic foundation in French. You will continue to improve your ability to communicate and feel at ease in everyday situations. French and Francophone cultural topics are discussed.

French III, Part 1   LAN045
You are gaining some fluency in French at this level. You will practice communications about everyday events in the present and past tenses. Grammar study focuses on the imperfect tense and direct object pronouns. French and Francophone cultural topics are discussed.

French III, Part 2   LAN046
This course is a continuation of French III part 1. You will continue to improve in fluency as you discuss leisure activities and learn vocabulary about everyday activities. Grammar include s the stress pronouns, the imperfect, the “passé composé” and the two uses of the verbs to know, “savoir” and “connaitre” French and Francophone cultural topics are discussed.

French IV, Part 1   LAN047
This course is a continuation of French III part 2 or for nonnative speakers with a good foundation in French. Communication topics include daily routines, banking and finances, and jobs and professions. Grammar constructions include reflexive verbs, relative pronouns, comparing adjectives, and the “futur simple” tense. French and Francophone cultural topics are discussed.

French IV, Part 2   LAN048
This course is designed to develop more fluency of nonnative French speakers. Participants practice conversation and increase vocabulary with presentations on selected topics. Grammar review is an integral part of the course. Participants read simplified versions of well known authors and improve their listening comprehension by watching videos designed for learners of French.

French Conversation & Grammar Review #1   LAN101
This course is designed to develop your fluency. You will practice conversation and increase your vocabulary. Grammar is reviewed. Read simplified versions of well-known authors’ works and participate in short discussions on selected topics. You will be able to use past, imperfect and future tenses and conditionals in oral communication.

French Conversation & Grammar Review #2   LAN102
You will develop more fluency, practice conversation, review grammar and increase your vocabulary through short presentations on topics of choice. Read simplified versions of well-known authors’ works and participate in discussions on selected topics. You will be able to communicate proficiently and comfortably, especially for travel.

French Conversation & Grammar Review #3&   LAN103
This course, conducted almost exclusively in French, is designed to increase the fluency of nonnative speakers. You will develop good speech patterns through short oral presentations and class dialog. Grammar review is an integral part of the course. You will be able to use most verb tenses with ease and identify appropriate use of subjunctive.

French Conversation & Grammar Review #4   LAN104
This course, conducted exclusively in French, is designed to increase the fluency of nonnative speakers. Emphasis is on improving speech patterns through intensive conversation practice. Grammar review is an integral part of the course. Occasional reading of short stories reinforces grammar and vocabulary.

Advanced French   LAN105
This course is designed for nonnative French speakers with an excellent command of the spoken language. It is conducted exclusively in French. Emphasis is on participation in extended discussion of topics of choice. Student oral presentations are followed by class dialog. Grammar is reviewed as necessary.

German

German I, Part 1   LAN054
This course is an introduction to spoken German. You will learn introductory level vocabulary and grammar so that you can begin to engage in practical everyday communications. Topics include greetings, polite expressions, asking and answering questions and exchanging personal information. The present tense is introduced.

German I, Part 2   LAN055
This is a continuation of German I, Part 1 or for those with some basic experience. Grammar includes present tense, two-part and modal verbs, possessive adjectives and prepositions. You will expand your vocabulary as you practice communicating basic needs and distinguishing formal and informal levels of language. Cultural topics of German speaking nations are discussed.

German II, Part 1   LAN056
Your speaking and comprehension improve in this second year course.You begin to engage in practical communications about topics such as living arrangements, travel, descriptions and short narratives.Grammar focus is on adjectives, declensions of pronouns, use of indirect and direct objects and present perfect tense. Cultural topics of German speaking nations are discussed.

German II, Part 2   LAN057
This is a continuation of German II Part 1. You will be communicating more easily in everyday situations about routines, travel and shopping. Grammar focus is on prepositions for destination and location, comparatives, simple past tense of ‘haben’ and ‘sein’, reflexive verbs and the imperative. Cultural topics of German speaking nations are discussed.

German III, Part 1   LAN058
This is a continuation of German II Part 2. Previously acquired skills will enable you to communicate and respond to requests and wishes. You will expand and improve your vocabulary and fluency through text work, discussions, and listening comprehension practice.
Grammar focus is on idiomatic expressions (es gibt, da-compounds) and subjunctive forms.
Topics: family, friends, activities, health, concrete and abstract concepts such as generation differences, and the environment.

German III, Part 2   LAN059
This course is a continuation of German III part 1. You will continue to improve your vocabulary and fluency as you engage in discussion on topics such as the media, family, “Heimat” (homeland) and multicultural issues. Grammar focuses on subjunctive forms, construction of main and secondary clauses, past perfect and participial constructions. ;Some emphasis on narrative writing.

German IV, Part 1   LAN060
You will have completed German I, II and III or are somewhat fluent and comfortable in conversations on a variety of topics. Continue to expand your vocabulary and ability to engage in discussion. Reading and writing are an integral part of the course. Cultural topics of German speaking nations are discussed.

German IV, Part 2   LAN061
This is a continuation of German IV part 1 and is designed to develop more fluency of nonnative German speakers.You will practice conversation and increase vocabulary withsimple texts that reinforce grammar structures as well as colloquial and idiomatic usage encouraging conversation.Reading, writing and grammar review are an integral part of the course, exploring various subordinated clauses, less common prepositional phrases, adverbial sentence connectors, reciprocal verbs and past perfect tense. Cultural topics of German speaking nations are discussed.

German V, Part 1   LAN109
This course will help you build on skills learned in German IV part 2. An introduction of more complex sentence structures, such as compound verbs and special uses of prepositional phrases will develop fluency. Grammar review is an integral part of the course, as is conversation. Selected intermediate texts with focus on idiomatic usage and cultural/regional variations will increase your vocabulary and ability to engage in extended conversation.

German V, Part 2   LAN063
If you have a foundation in all the basic grammar and have some fluency in German this level is appropriate. Your fluency improves with conversation practice and reading, which develops vocabulary.All grammar is reviewed. Readings include simplified versions of novels and media articles. Cultural topics of German speaking nations are discussed.

Advanced German   LAN064
This course, conducted almost exclusively in German, is designed to increase the fluency of nonnative speakers. You will develop good speech patterns, refine your communication skills and improve your reading and writing. Grammar review is an integral part of the course. Cultural topics of German speaking nations are discussed.

Italian

Just Enough Italian   LAN087
This is a beginning course for anyone who has no experience with Italian and wants a quick introduction. You’ll learn pronunciation, basic grammar in the present tense and vocabulary – just enough to get you started in everyday conversational exchanges.

Italian I, Part 1   LAN072;
This is an introduction to Italian for those with no previous experience. You will learn practical everyday vocabulary and will quickly be able to use the language in basic day-to-day real life situations. Topics include greetings, polite expressions, exchanging personal information and time as you practice the present tense. Italian cultural topics are introduced.

Italian I, Part 2   LAN073
This is a continuation of Italian I Part 1, or for those with some basic experience with Italian. The continued emphasis on conversation will be supported with structure and grammar instruction, covering past tense, reflexive verbs and the imperative. Learn about diverse aspects of contemporary Italian culture.

Italian II, Part 1   LAN074
This level is appropriate if you have the equivalent of 1 year of study or have a basic foundation in Italian. Your competency increases as you learn about everyday topics such as travel, routine plans and weather. Study direct object pronouns and contrast the verbs ‘essere’ and ‘stare’.

Italian II, Part 2   LAN075
This is a continuation of Italian II Part 1, suitable if you have at least one year of experience and a good knowledge of present, past and future tenses. You will begin developing fluidity in conversation and written language as you learn to express polite requests, preferences, probability and wishes. Italian cultural topics are discussed.

Italian III, Part 1   LAN076
This is a continuation of Italian II Part 2. You will see your fluency and vocabulary increase. Emphasis is on more complex structures such as past and imperfect tenses, irregular preterits, reflexives and possessives. Italian cultural topics are discussed.

Italian III, Part 2   LAN077 This is a continuation of Italian III Part 1. Course emphasis is on improved fluency as you discuss cultural and current event topics. Grammar focus is on the verb ‘piacere’, the conjunctive mode and conditionals.

Advanced Italian: Language and Culture    LAN078
This course, conducted exclusively in Italian, is designed to increase the fluency of non-native speakers. You will receive conversation practice through readings and discussion on current media and Italian cultural topics. Grammar is reviewed as needed.
Writing practice and composition with emphasis on grammar.

Mandarin

Conversational Mandarin I, Part 1   LAN065
This is a stress-free introduction to Mandarin, the principal dialect of Chinese spoken around Beijing. You will learn introductory level vocabulary and grammar and begin to engage in practical everyday communications. Learn greetings, polite expressions, exchanging personal information and how to read simple signs using the basic 100 characters. Chinese cultural topics will be introduced.

Conversational Mandarin I, Part 2   LAN066
A continuation of Mandarin I Part 1. You will become more proficient in basic conversational exchanges and in communicating basic needs. You will also learn to read up to 200 Chinese characters and to master the basic strokes necessary to start writing in Chinese. Chinese cultural topics will be discussed.

Mandarin II Part 1   LAN100
This course is a continuation of Mandarin I part 2. It will enable you to satisfy courtesy requirements and maintain basic conversations on familiar topics. Topics include exchanging greetings, personal biographic information, describing daily activities, shopping, formulating and responding to questions. Basic structure of Chinese characters will be introduced and Chinese cultural topics will be discussed

Portuguese

Portuguese I Part 1   LAN108
This course is an introduction to Portuguese, as spoken by Brazilians. You will learn basic grammar and vocabulary, enabling you to begin to engage in practical everyday communications. Topics include greetings and introductions, professions, family, telling time, numbers, days of the week, seasons of the year and the weather. You will learn the present tense of 'ser' and 'estar', and other regular verbs. Selected Brazilian cultural topics are introduced

Portuguese I Part 2    LAN113
This course is a continuation of Portuguese I-Part 1. You will continue to practice basic vocabulary and grammar including regular and irregular verbs, pronouns and their contractions and idiomatic expressions. Expand your vocabulary and start communicating in everyday situations. Aspects of Brazilian culture, including music will be discussed in the context of dialogues and textbook exercises. NOTE: someone with a background in Spanish may want to consider starting at this level.

Russian

Russian I, Part 1   LAN067
This is a practical introduction to Russian. Learn introductory level vocabulary and grammar so that you can begin to use the language immediately in basic everyday situations. Topics include greetings, polite expressions and discussing everyday family and work life. Grammar topics include present and future tenses. Russian cultural topics are introduced.

Russian I, Part 2   LAN068
This is a continuation of Russian I part 1. You will continue to practice conversing on everyday topics, including communicating basic needs, and get more practice reading and writing the Cyrillic alphabet. Grammar topics include pronouns, numerals, present and past tenses. Russian cultural topics are discussed.

Russian II, Part 1   LAN069
If you have one year of Russian study or some basic foundation in Russian, this is the appropriate course for you. You will begin to engage with more ease in practical communications. Grammar focus is on plural nouns, pronouns and adjectives and continuing practice with present, past and future tenses.

Russian II, Part 2   LAN070
This is a continuation of Russian II Part 1. You will begin developing fluidity in conversation and will expand the range of situations in which you can communicate.Grammar focus is on past participles and conditional clauses. Russian cultural topics are discussed.

Russian III, Part 1   LAN
You are gaining some fluency in Russian at this level. You will discuss everyday events in the past tense, enrich your vocabulary and develop fluency. Grammar study focuses on the conjugation of plural nouns and personal pronouns in all the cases. Begin reading simplified versions of Russian classical literature. Russian traditions, holidays, traditional foods and music are discussed.

Spanish

Spanish for Health Care Professionals   LAN007
A practical course for anyone in the medical/healthcare field. A little prior study or life experience with Spanish is helpful. Basic grammar and medical/technical vocabulary is practiced in context so that you can quickly begin to engage in practical dialogs with clients. The goal is to develop communication skills within the context of the healthcare field.

Spanish for Health Care Professionals, Part 2   LAN008
This is a continuation course for anyone in the medical/healthcare field. Some prior study or life experience with Spanish will help you succeed.  The goal is to develop your vocabulary and conversational and interview skills within the context of the healthcare field.

Just Enough Spanish    LAN084
This is a beginning course for anyone who has no experience with Spanish and wants a quick introduction. You’ll learn pronunciation, basic grammar in the present tense and vocabulary – just enough to get you started in everyday conversational exchanges.

Just Enough Spanish, Part 2   LAN 097
This is a continuation of Just Enough Spanish, LAN084. This will be appropriate if you have just completed Just Enough Spanish or if you have just a little life experience or study in basic Spanish. You’ll continue to practice the sound system of Spanish, learn basic grammar in the present tense and vocabulary – just enough to get you started in everyday conversational exchanges.

Spanish Brush-up I   LAN085
If you completed one or two semesters of our program during the school year or have some basic experience in Spanish this course is appropriate. You can refine skills already learned and get questions answered through fun, dynamic and relaxing conversation and other interactive exercises. This level is not recommended if you have no prior experience with Spanish.

Spanish Brush-up II    LAN086
If you have completed two years of study this level is appropriate. Participate in fun and relaxing conversation and interactive exercises to keep your skills fresh and review that grammar that you just haven’t quite absorbed.

Spanish Brush-up III   LAN111
If you have completed at least 3-4 years of study and have some degree of comfort and fluency in Spanish, this level is appropriate. Class is conducted exclusively in Spanish. Participate in fun and relaxing conversation and interactive exercises to keep your skills fresh. Grammar is reviewed as needed or requested by participants.

Spanish I, Part 1   LAN009
This course is an introduction to spoken Spanish. You will learn introductory level vocabulary and grammar so that you can begin to engage in practical everyday communications. Topics include greetings, polite expressions, asking and answering questions and exchanging personal information. The present tense of regular verbs is introduced.

Spanish I, Part 2   LAN010
This is a continuation of Spanish I, Part 1 or for those with some basic experience. Grammar topics include present tense of regular and irregular verbs, definite and indefinite articles and gender and number. You will expand your vocabulary as you practice communicating basic needs and responding to questions on everyday topics.

Spanish II, Part 1   LAN011
Completion of Spanish I or equivalent study or communication experience is helpful to succeed at this level. You will be speaking and responding to questions more easily in everyday situations about routines, travel and planning as you learn ‘ser’ and ‘estar’ and descriptive and limiting adjectives. Hispanic and Spanish cultural topics are discussed.

Spanish II, Part 2   LAN012
This is a continuation of Spanish II Part 1. You will improve your fluency as you practice articulating needs about topics such as travel, eating out, and managing money exchanges. Grammar study includes use of ‘gustar’, time expressions with ‘hacer’ and the preterit of regular and irregular verbs.Hispanic and Spanish cultural topics are discussed.

Spanish III, Part 1   LAN013
You are gaining some competency in Spanish at this level. You will practice communications about everyday events in the present and past tenses. Grammar study focuses on reflexives, possessives and irregular preterits and the use of ‘por’ and ‘para’. Hispanic and Spanish cultural topics are discussed.

Spanish III, Part 2   LAN014
This is a continuation of Spanish III Part 1. You will gain proficiency in expanded conversational exchanges. Topics include leisure activities and vocabulary related to routine activities. Grammar constructions include ‘hace’, the preterit contrasted with the imperfect, subjunctive with verbs of volition and emotion. Hispanic and Spanish cultural topics are discussed.

Spanish IV, Part 1   LAN015
This course is for non-native speakers with a good foundation in Spanish. Communication focus is on asking and understanding directions, housing needs, expressing emotions.Grammar focus is on further practice with the subjunctive to express doubt, disbelief and denial, as well as appropriate use of command forms. Hispanic and Spanish cultural topics are discussed.

Spanish IV, Part 2   LAN016
A continuation of Spanish IV Part 1 and for those with a good foundation in Spanish. Continue to improve your fluency in more extended exchanges as you focus on use of the subjunctive, the indicative, past participles, present perfect and past perfect tenses. Cultural topics continue to be discussed.

Spanish Conversation and Grammar Review, Part 1   LAN017
This is the first of a three-part sequence for non-native speakers who have a foundation in all the basic grammar.; Conversation practice and reading develop your vocabulary. Grammar review is an integral part of the course. Readings include simplified versions of novels and articles on various topics.Students are encouraged to write compositions on self-selected topics.

Spanish Conversation and Grammar Review, Part 2    LAN018
This is the second course of a three-part sequence.Fluency is improved through extended discussions based on readings and conversational topics. Readings to improve comprehension and develop vocabulary include simplified versions of novels and articles on various topics. Students are encouraged to write compositions on self-selected topics.

Spanish Conversation and Grammar Review, Part 3   LAN019
This is the final of a three-part sequence. Grammar review is guided by the needs of the participants. Fluency is improved through extended discussion. The demands of the reading selections will noticeably expand your vocabulary. Reading topics include literature, the environment, critical review of novels, current events, etc. Students are encouraged to write compositions on self-selected topics.

Advanced Spanish Conversation   LAN020
The focus of this course, which is conducted entirely in Spanish and assumes fluency, is discussion, reading and oral presentation. Grammar review is based on the needs of the participants. Topics of discussion and reading selections are chosen in class and may include current media topics, culture and literature.