RSS FeedCourse Descriptions
These courses are designed to provide students with basic language patterns and practical vocabulary. Emphasis is on developing conversational skills that will be especially useful in business or travel. All levels include some attention to reading and writing, and highlight interesting aspects of culture.Beginning level students (I-IV) are taught the essential conversational skills used in everyday situations (restaurants, offices, stores, etc.).
Intermediate level students (V and VI) learn additional language patterns and vocabulary that will enable them to discuss more abstract ideas.
Advanced level students (VII and above) develop more sophisticated vocabulary and have ample opportunity to practice complex structures. They discuss newspaper and magazine articles and literary selections in class.
Students at all levels should plan on at least one and one-half hours of homework per class.
These courses emphasize conversational skills. All levels include some attention to culture and social customs in Arabic-speaking countries.
Beginning level students (I-IV) are taught practical vocabulary and basic language patterns of spoken Arabic. The reading and writing of standard Arabic is introduced.
Intermediate level students (V and VI) learn the essentials of grammar and conversation and participate in discussions on more abstract subjects, including history, customs and traditions. Local colloquial accents are also added.
Students should plan on at least two hours of homework per class.
These courses are designed to develop conversational skills that will be especially useful in business or while traveling. The reading and writing of simplified characters are also taught but not emphasized. The Pinyin spelling system, used to transcribe Chinese characters into the Roman alphabet, is presented.
Beginning level students (I-IV) focus on pronunciation, transcribed by the Pinyin spelling system. Students will acquire basic vocabulary and sentence patterns for everyday communication.
Intermediate level students (V and VI) focus on vocabulary expansion and on developing spoken proficiency in diverse situations and on a variety of topics. Some attention is given to reading and writing Chinese characters.
Students should plan on at least two hours of homework per class.
Students will develop conversational skills with emphasis on correct pronunciation, accent, intonation and pitch, while learning to write kana and kanji. Kana, which includes both hiragana and katakana, is a phonetically-based writing system. Kanji, a writing system derived from Chinese, is based on symbols that bear concepts and meaning.
Beginning level students (I-IV) cover the basic grammatical structures and vocabulary of modern standard Japanese. Students who complete these levels should be able to understand and conduct basic conversations in Japanese and to read and write kana at a basic level.
Intermediate level students (V and VI) further emphasize practical language structures and vocabulary expansion, as well as the use of the kanji writing system. After completing these levels, students should have a good command of the language and of basic grammar, and reading and writing skills. The intermediate courses will provide a solid base for those planning an extended stay in Japan.
Students should plan on at least two hours of homework per class.
These classes are designed to provide students with useful language patterns and practical vocabulary. Conversational skills are emphasized. The Cyrillic alphabet and essentials of grammar are presented from the beginning levels. All levels include some attention to reading and writing, as well as Russian culture and social customs.
Beginning level students (I-IV) learn the essentials of Russian grammar and vocabulary for basic interactions pertaining to personal background and interests.
Intermediate level students (V and VI) expand vocabulary skills and learn additional language patterns to enable them to communicate in everyday situations.
Advanced level students (VII and above) learn to discuss more abstract ideas through the use of contemporary literature and Russian newspapers or magazines.
Students should plan on at least two hours of homework per class.