Phone 206.325.4109 info@sealang.org
| << back to SLA Home next >> |
Course Descriptions |
Arabic 101In this beginning class, students learn to write and pronounce the Arabic alphabet and begin to acquire the rudiments of Arabic grammar and syntax. Vocabulary is introduced thematically, with a view to imparting a basic command of Arabic for a variety of everyday situations - introductions and greetings; describing people, places, and things; talking about family members and social relations; and asking and responding to simple questions.Arabic 102This lower intermediate class is designed for students who have learned Arabic pronunciation well and possess a basic command of nouns, agreement of adjectives, and present tense verbs. Grammar includes the use of prepositions with pronouns, simple comparisons, interrogative and negative sentences, the simple past tense, and numbers and object pronouns. Cultural themes focus on cuisine and restaurants; the etymology of Arabic names; the structure of Arabic universities; and the family.Arabic 103This lower intermediate class covers grammar points such as quantifiers, the superlative, future negation, and future, past, and imperative verb forms. Discussion topics focus on Arabic music and the influence of colonialism on Arabic culture. Students reinforce and expand their command of basic vocabulary and idioms through oral and written exercises. By the end of the class, students will have a basic foundation for reading and writing Arabic and will have begun speaking in the future and past tenses.Arabic 104This intermediate class begins with a systematic
review of all verb tenses met in previous levels.
Grammatical coverage includes comparative and
superlative forms, and more high-frequency verbs,
regular and irregular, and their conjugations.
Students will learn popular Arabic songs and
will practice reading and writing Arabic of
increasing difficulty. By the end of the class,
students will have learned colors, dates, and
months of the year, as well as how to use the
Arabic dictionary. Selected passages from the
Qur'an will also be introduced for analysis
and discussion. First year Arabic Conversation & ReviewIn general, for the first year of learning a language, there are certain key words, expressions and sentence structures that one must learn. We teach these basics to adults by attempting to contextualize them in a variety of common everyday situations, and at the same time remain attentive to imparting correct grammar and usage. This class will provide a generous selection of readings, engaging exercises, listening material and dialogues through which students will have the opportunity to practice and hone their speaking, reading and pronunciation skills. Reading materials will include short stories, excerpts and articles from newspapers and magazines. Regular writing assignments, the study and imitation of dialogues, and take-home tests will form a regular part of the class. Arabic 201-204The second-year series is suitable for those who have a basic command of Arabic grammar and syntax (Arabic 101-104 at SLA or one year of college Arabic or equivalent) and can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Arabic. Designed to expand and refine students' basic repertoire of language skills, the 200 series combines systematic reviews of first-year grammar and vocabulary with conversation practice organized around themes of general cultural interest. Discussions highlight important aspects of contemporary life in Arabic speaking cultures. Through in-class activities ranging from presentations to film viewings, oral and written exercises and interactive role-playing, students enhance their speaking abilities, improve their reading and writing skills and deepen their knowledge of Arabic culture.Arabic 300Arabic 300 (Advanced Conversation) is a continuing
class for students who possess advanced proficiency
in reading, writing, and speaking Arabic and
wish to maintain and improve their language
skills in a structured setting. Advanced Arabic Conversation and FilmFilm Films chosen will be in formal, classical standard Arabic and will deal with a variety of historical and cultural themes—the spread of Islamic culture, the golden age of Islamic and Arabic civilization, the development of the sciences in the Islamic world, colonization by Europe, the pioneers of Arabic literature, novelists of the Arabic World from North Africa to the Middle East. News This class is appropriate for those who have at least two years of college Arabic or the equivalent and whose reading and speaking skills in Arabic are upper intermediate to advanced. For those new to SLA or unsure of their level, a placement exam is available on SLA’s website. A detailed course description with the titles of the films/documentaries selected for the class will be given to students at the beginning of the quarter. Mandarin Chinese 101In this beginning class, students acquire a basic practical knowledge of Chinese. The phonetic nature of Chinese makes for rapid mastery of pronunciation and correct tones. As far as possible, instructors conduct class in Chinese, using English to clarify difficult points. The basic Chinese grammar and sentence patterns are introduced step-by-step, along with approximately forty Chinese characters per lesson. Traditional and modern Chinese cultures are explained and discussed throughout the ten-week quarter. By the end of the class, students will know how to introduce themselves and greet others, count numbers from zero to a million, tell times and dates, discuss hobbies and daily routines, and write brief dialogues.Mandarin Chinese 102This lower-intermediate class is appropriate for those who are familiar with the four Chinese tones and who know approximately two hundred Chinese characters and the basic rudiments of Chinese sentence structure. Students learn how to make appointments, talk about school life, the weather and means of transportation and master a variety of useful phrases for shopping in Chinese-speaking societies. About 320 new Chinese characters and more complicated grammatical structures and syntax are covered in this level. Supplementary reading is also provided for each lesson. Students will be encouraged to keep a simple journal in Chinese.Mandarin Chinese 103In this lower-intermediate class, students learn how to order food, talk about time and time-duration, describe a party, give compliments, make a date and talk about social life. They also learn about public rules of decorum and begin to master terminology related to health and medicine. About 300 new Chinese characters are introduced at this level, and previously learned characters and idioms are reinforced and expanded through oral and written exercises.Mandarin Chinese 104In this intermediate class, students learn how to describe a living environment and one's hometown, talk about sports, arrange a trip, and use correct terms of address for members of the family. Other items covered include renting a house or apartment, sending mail, dealing with Chinese currency and purchasing money orders and traveler's checks. There are about 350 new characters to be learned in this level. Supplementary materials are provided with each new lesson. By the end of Chinese 104, students are expected to reach a level of intermediate proficiency in reading, speaking and writing Chinese in a variety of non-technical contexts.**NOTE: For CHN 101-104 students have a choice between using either the Simplified character edition or the Traditional character edition. Classes can be taught using both editions. Mandarin Chinese 201-204The second-year series is suitable for those who have a basic command of Chinese grammar and syntax (Chinese 101-104 at SLA or one year of college Chinese or equivalent) and can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Chinese. Designed to expand and refine students' basic repertoire of language skills, the 200 series combines systematic reviews of first-year grammar and vocabulary with conversation practice organized around themes of general cultural interest. Discussions highlight important aspects of contemporary life in Chinese speaking cultures. Through in-class activities ranging from presentations to film viewings, oral and written exercises and interactive role-playing, students enhance their speaking abilities, improve their reading and writing skills and deepen their knowledge of Chinese culture.Mandarin Chinese 300Chinese 300 (Advanced Conversation) is a continuing class for students who possess advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Chinese and wish to maintain and improve their language skills in a structured setting.French 101In this beginning class, students acquire a basic command of French for a variety of everyday situations. Grammar presented at this level includes nouns and subject pronouns, adjectives, articles, regular present tense verbs, common irregular verbs, interrogatives, and negation. By the end of the class, students will know how to introduce themselves and greet others, distinguish between the formal and informal 'you,' give descriptions of people, places, and things, exchange personal information, and discuss family and social relations.French 102This lower-intermediate class is appropriate for those who possess a basic command of nouns, agreement of adjectives, and present tense conjugations. Students learn how to talk about the weather and clothing, express basic likes and dislikes in the present tense, make more complex forms of greeting, and use the simple past tense. Cultural readings focus on the themes of family and social relations in France, trips, holidays and transportation and grammar points include common irregular verbs, subject and object pronouns, and negation.French 103This lower-intermediate level introduces adverbs, negation, direct and indirect object pronouns, and common uses of the present conditional as well as the difference between the simple past and the imperfect in past tense narration. Vocabulary and the use of idiom are reinforced and expanded through readings and oral and written exercises focusing on the themes of work, family and education. By the end of the class, students know how to distinguish between completed and continuous actions, can read and narrate stories in the past tenses and have a basic command of reflexive verbs.French 104This intermediate level begins with a systematic
review of all past tenses and pronouns as well
as the rules of gender, number, and agreement.
New grammar to be covered includes comparatives,
the future tense and the present subjunctive,
ample time being given to practice and reinforce
these new forms. Students review expressions
of quantity and learn more about buying food,
ordering in cafés and restaurants, and communicating
by telephone. Discussion and reading topics
at this level focus on travel, shopping and
dining out, and regional differences in French
cuisine. First year French Conversation & ReviewIn general, for the first year of learning a language, there are certain key words, expressions and sentence structures that one must learn. We teach these basics to adults by attempting to contextualize them in a variety of common everyday situations, and at the same time remain attentive to imparting correct grammar and usage. This class will provide a generous selection of readings, engaging exercises, listening material and dialogues through which students will have the opportunity to practice and hone their speaking, reading and pronunciation skills. Reading materials will include short stories, “extraits” (excerpts) and articles from newspapers and magazines. Regular writing assignments, the study and imitation of dialogues, and take-home tests will form a regular part of the class. French 201-204The second-year series is suitable for those who have a basic command of French grammar and syntax (French 101-104 at SLA or one year of college French or equivalent) and can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking French. Designed to expand and refine students' basic repertoire of language skills, the 200 series combines systematic reviews of first-year grammar and vocabulary with conversation practice organized around themes of general cultural interest. Discussions highlight important aspects of contemporary life in French speaking cultures. Through in-class activities ranging from presentations to film viewings, oral and written exercises and interactive role-playing, students enhance their speaking abilities, improve their reading and writing skills and deepen their knowledge of French culture. Second year French Conversation & ReviewThis class will focus on developing students’ intermediate speaking, conversation, and listening skills. Topics of conversation will include literature, French and Francophone culture, politics, news, and daily life. The instructor will draw from a wide range of reading materials, such as short stories, newspaper and magazine articles and other print media, and movies and documentaries will form part of the curriculum as well. Regular composition assignments will address both the reading materials and the films. The class will be conducted entirely in French, and is appropriate for anyone who has taken at least one quarter of 2nd year French at Seattle Language Academy or the equivalent elsewhere. French 300French 300 (Advanced Conversation) is a continuing class for students who possess
advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking French and
wish to maintain and improve their language skills in a structured
setting. Advanced French Conversation & FilmThis course consists mainly of speaking, guided conversation and reading. To ensure the natural flow of the class, students should:
The class will feature guided in-class conversations on topics of cultural interest, with the goal of learning relevant vocabulary; reading magazine and newspaper articles, short stories, and dialogues; opportunities to relate personal experiences; viewing and discussion of two documentaries and a variety of news clips from TV5 and BBC; and bi-weekly composition assignments. German 101This beginning class is designed to help students acquire a basic practical command of German. Initial lessons cover pronunciation and forms of introduction and greeting. As the quarter progresses, students learn regular nouns of all three genders; the use of the nominative and accusative cases; and the imperative and the present tense of regular and irregular verbs as well as the modal verbs. Aspects of German culture are introduced through short readings and dialogues featuring high-frequency vocabulary and idioms.German 102This lower-intermediate class is appropriate for those who know German pronunciation and have a basic command of the present tense. Students learn how to narrate events in the past by using the perfect tense of verbs; and to use expressions of location and time. Grammatical material covered at this level includes the simple past tense of the verbs sein ('to be') and haben ('to have') and the modal verbs; the formation of the past participle; the present perfect tense; two-way prepositions; the use of reflexive verbs and their corresponding pronouns; and the forms and usage of the dative case. Topics of readings and dialogues include shopping, restaurant dining, leisure activities and body and personal health issues.German 103In this lower-intermediate class, students acquire the language skills necessary for handling a broad variety of communicative situations. The simple past tense of all strong, weak, and irregular verbs is introduced, as well as the past perfect tense. Other grammatical material covered includes the genitive case; comparative and superlative adjectives and adverbs; the future tense using the verb werden; the use of relative clauses and advanced forms of negation. Vocabulary and the use of idiom are reinforced through readings, dialogues, and oral and written exercises that emphasize comprehension. Readings and dialogues cover German cities, travel, the German educational system and careers and jobs. By the end of the class, students should be able to converse confidently in a variety of situations involving the use and comprehension of all tenses.German 104This class will take students to a level of intermediate proficiency in speaking, listening, writing, and reading German. Students learn how to use the subjunctive mood to express polite requests, wishes, and contrary-to-fact or hypothetical situations; the passive voice; indirect discourse; the use of verbs with fixed prepositions; da/wo compounds; and infinitive clauses with um...zu and ohne...zu. Readings and dialogues focus on issues of finance, German media, the environment and politics.German 201-204The second-year series is suitable for those who have a basic command of German grammar and syntax (German 101-104 at SLA or one year of college German or equivalent) and can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking German. Designed to expand and refine students' basic repertoire of language skills, the 200 series combines systematic reviews of first-year grammar and vocabulary with conversation practice organized around themes of general cultural interest. Discussions highlight important aspects of contemporary life in German speaking cultures. Through in-class activities ranging from presentations to film viewings, oral and written exercises and interactive role-playing, students enhance their speaking abilities, improve their reading and writing skills and deepen their knowledge of German culture.German 300German 300 (Advanced Conversation) is a continuing class for students who possess advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking German and wish to maintain and improve their language skills in a structured setting.Modern Greek 101Initial lessons in beginning Modern Greek cover the alphabet, pronunciation, and forms of introduction and greeting. Students learn the regular nouns of all three genders; basic functions of the grammatical cases; personal and possessive pronouns; numbers and colors; the double negative; and the present tenses of regular verbs and of the irregular verb 'to be.' Elements of Greek culture are introduced through short readings and dialogues that feature high-frequency vocabulary and idioms that emphasize comprehension. By the end of Modern Greek 101, students know how to place an order in a taverna or restaurant, form questions, and give simple descriptions of people, family places and things.Modern Greek 102This lower-intermediate class is appropriate for those who have a basic command of elementary Greek. Students learn how to narrate events in the past, present, and future, talk about time and describe daily routines. Grammatical material includes more present tense conjugations as well as the use of past and future tenses; active and passive voice forms; the vocative, nominative and accusative cases; and adjectives and demonstratives. Reading and dialogue topics focus on the themes of dining out, travel, leisure activities, visiting a doctor's office, and shopping.Modern Greek 103In this lower-intermediate class, the present perfect and past perfect tenses are introduced, as well as additional irregular verbs. Students receive more practice on the future and past tenses and learn direct and indirect object pronouns, comparative forms and uses of the genitive case. Vocabulary and the use of idiom continue to be reinforced and expanded through readings, dialogues, and written and oral exercises that highlight such themes as the cinema, shopping and sports in Greek culture. By the end of the class, students should be able to converse in a variety of situations involving the use and comprehension of all present, past, and future tenses.Modern Greek 104In this intermediate class, students learn the irregular declension of nouns, the imperatives with object pronouns, and possessive pronouns. The imperfect tense is introduced along with the forms of the future subjunctive continuous and conditional tense. Students learn the etiquette and vocabulary for writing letters, speaking on the phone, and renting an apartment and additional idioms and expressions pertaining to the family and social gatherings.Modern Greek 201-204The second-year series is suitable for those who have a basic command of Modern Greek grammar and syntax (Modern Greek 101-104 at SLA or one year of college Greek or equivalent) and can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Greek. Designed to expand and refine students' basic repertoire of language skills, the 200 series combines systematic reviews of first-year grammar and vocabulary with conversation practice organized around themes of general cultural interest. Discussions highlight important aspects of contemporary life in Greece. Through in-class activities ranging from presentations to film viewings, oral and written exercises and interactive role-playing, students enhance their speaking abilities, improve their reading and writing skills and deepen their knowledge of Greek culture.Modern Greek 300Greek 300 (Advanced Conversation) is a continuing class for students
who possess advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking
Greek and wish to maintain and improve their language skills in a
structured setting. Italian 101In this beginning class, students acquire a basic practical knowledge of Italian. Grammar presented includes nouns, adjectives, and the present tense of regular verbs, common irregular verbs, and prepositions. Current themes in Italian culture are studied through short, annotated readings and dialogues introducing high-frequency vocabulary and idioms. By the end of the class, students will know how to introduce themselves and greet others, distinguish between the formal and informal 'you,' describe people, places, and things, ask and give directions, order food, and discuss hobbies and daily routines.Italian 102This lower-intermediate class is appropriate for those who have learned Italian pronunciation well and have a basic command of present tense conjugations. Students learn how to express likes and dislikes, talk about obligation and request permission, and describe daily routines in the present and past tenses. Grammatical coverage includes the simple past and imperfect tenses, all question words, verbs of knowing, reflexive verbs, and comparatives. The readings and dialogues reinforce old and incorporate new vocabulary and focus on topics such as the role of the bar in Italian society, fashion, cinema and Italian geography and the importance of the region.Italian 103In this lower-intermediate class, students learn how to extend, accept, and decline invitations, give commands, make suggestions and polite requests, and use the conditional in the present and past tenses. Vocabulary and the use of idiom are reinforced and expanded through oral and written exercises emphasizing comprehension. Students learn more about negation, and relative pronouns, and encounter the pronouns ne and ci, and special uses of the future. Readings and dialogues introduce the themes of shopping and travel, housing, and Italian art and architecture.Italian 104This class begins with a systematic review of all verb tenses. Students then learn the forms and use of the remote past, followed by the present and past subjunctive, ample time being given to practice and reinforce all new forms. Also presented are the causative construction with fare and lasciare, the passive forms of the verb and the use of the impersonal si. At this level students begin to read short stories and magazine articles focusing on art and literature and politics and the work environment.Italian 201-204The second-year series is suitable for those who have a basic command of Italian grammar and syntax (Italian 101-104 at SLA or one year of college Italian or equivalent) and can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Italian. Designed to expand and refine students' basic repertoire of language skills, the 200 series combines systematic reviews of first-year grammar and vocabulary with conversation practice organized around themes of general cultural interest. Discussions highlight important aspects of contemporary life in Italy. Through in-class activities ranging from presentations to film viewings, oral and written exercises and interactive role-playing, students enhance their speaking abilities, improve their reading and writing skills and deepen their knowledge of Italian culture.Italian 300Italian 300 (Advanced Conversation) is a continuing class for students who possess advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Italian and wish to maintain and improve their language skills in a structured setting.Japanese 101In this beginning course students acquire a basic practical knowledge of Japanese. They learn the rudiments of the Japanese writing system--the phonetic syllabaries Hiragana and Katakana and the character-based Kanji--and the vocabulary and structures necessary for introducing oneself and greeting others, talking about one's nationality and home, and exchanging business cards. Also introduced at this level are numbers, possessive particles, question words, expressions relating to time, dates and shopping and distinctions between polite and familiar forms of address.Japanese 102This lower intermediate class is appropriate for those who have a basic command of the two Japanese syllabaries (hiragana and katakana) and the grammar and vocabulary presented in Japanese 101. Grammatical material covers the basic usage and classification of Japanese verbs and the use of the particles ni, e, to, and kara. Hiragana and Katakana are studied more fully and students learn to read Kana sentences without spaces and recognize common Japanese signs with Kana and Kanji. By the end of the course students will know how to express location, talk about travel plans and daily schedules and activities, extend invitations to friends, make and receive telephone calls, give and receive directions and give basic descriptions of people and things.Japanese 103In this lower-intermediate course students learn how to talk about the weather, family, personal possessions, daily routines and vacation and travel plans. Students also learn the etiquette and vocabulary for extending and receiving invitations, making suggestions, giving and responding to compliments, and planning a party or other social events. Grammatical coverage includes adjectives, noun patterns, the uses and forms of verbs of giving and receiving and Te-form verbs, and location and connective clause particles.Japanese 104In this intermediate course students learn additional Te-form verbs as well as negative verb forms, adverbs, and a variety of time expressions. Cultural topics introduced at this level include dining in and dining out, transportation, and the custom of gift-giving. By the end of the series students should be able to perform appropriately in a number of social situations in Japan, communicate with Japanese people about common every day routines, and act appropriately in a variety of business and social settings.Japanese 201-204The second-year series is suitable for those who have a basic command of Japanese grammar and syntax (Japanese 101-104 at SLA or one year of college Japanese or equivalent) and can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Japanese. Designed to expand and refine students' basic repertoire of language skills, the 200 series combines systematic reviews of first-year grammar and vocabulary with conversation practice organized around themes of general cultural interest. Discussions highlight important aspects of contemporary life in Japan. Through in-class activities ranging from presentations to film viewings, oral and written exercises and interactive role-playing, students enhance their speaking abilities, improve their reading and writing skills and deepen their knowledge of Japanese culture.Japanese 300Japanese 300 (Advanced Conversation) is a continuing class for students who possess advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Japanese and wish to maintain and improve their language skills in a structured setting.Korean 101Coming Soon...Korean 102Coming Soon...Korean 103Coming Soon...Korean 104Coming Soon...Korean 201-204The second-year series is suitable for those who have a basic command of Korean grammar and syntax (Korean 101-104 at SLA or one year of college Korean or equivalent) and can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Korean. Designed to expand and refine students' basic repertoire of language skills, the 200 series combines systematic reviews of first-year grammar and vocabulary with conversation practice organized around themes of general cultural interest. Discussions highlight important aspects of contemporary life in Korea. Through in-class activities ranging from presentations to film viewings, oral and written exercises and interactive role-playing, students enhance their speaking abilities, improve their reading and writing skills and deepen their knowledge of Korean culture.Korean 300Korean 300 (Advanced Conversation) is a continuing class for students who possess advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Korean and wish to maintain and improve their language skills in a structured setting.Portuguese 101In this beginning class, students acquire a basic knowledge of Brazilian Portuguese for a variety of practical situations. Grammar presented includes regular present tense verbs of the first and second conjugations, articles, prepositions, the number and gender of nouns, question words, and the immediate future. Contemporary themes in Brazilian culture are studied through short readings and dialogues that introduce useful vocabulary and idioms. By the end of the class, students will know how to introduce themselves and greet others, talk about daily routines and future plans, order meals, make purchases and change currency, and discuss events in the recent past.Portuguese 102This lower-intermediate level is appropriate for those who have an elementary command of Portuguese. Students learn how to give physical and character descriptions, express emotions, and distinguish between completed and habitual actions in the past. Grammar covered at this level includes indefinite and possessive pronouns, comparisons, negation, ordinal numbers, and the perfect preterit and imperfect tenses. Through dialogues, conversation and group exercises, students explore topics such as apartment hunting, travel and tourism in Brazil, and Brazilian music, television, and cuisine.Portuguese 103This lower-intermediate class introduces more uses of the imperfect tense and gives students further practice in choosing between the preterit and imperfect tenses in past narration. Relative pronouns, adverbs, and regular and irregular participles are presented, as well as the present subjunctive. Students learn how to express commands, wishes, and prohibitions, and begin to read newspaper and magazine articles and excerpts from contemporary literature. The readings and dialogues focus on various aspects of Brazilian culture, including the role of technology, the Brazilian economy, and the social functions of music and poetry.Portuguese 104In this class, students complete a systematic review of all indicative and subjunctive tenses. The forms of the conditional and imperative, indirect discourse with statements, questions and commands, and the use of the passive voice are then introduced. Students learn about giving interviews, conducting business transactions, and practical issues related to travel in Brazil. Through oral and written exercises and structured group activities, students reinforce and expand their vocabulary and use of idiom. Discussion and reading topics at this level focus on the Brazilian carnival, sports in Brazilian culture, immigration, and the cultivation of coffee.Portuguese 201-204The second-year series is suitable for those who have a basic command of Portuguese grammar and syntax (Portuguese 101-104 at SLA or one year of college Portuguese or equivalent) and can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Portuguese. Designed to expand and refine students' basic repertoire of language skills, the 200 series combines systematic reviews of first-year grammar and vocabulary with conversation practice organized around themes of general cultural interest. Discussions highlight important aspects of contemporary life in Portugal and Brazil. Through in-class activities ranging from presentations to film viewings, oral and written exercises and interactive role-playing, students enhance their speaking abilities, improve their reading and writing skills and deepen their knowledge of Portuguese culture.Portuguese 300Portuguese 300 (Advanced Conversation) is a continuing class for students who possess advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Portuguese and wish to maintain and improve their language skills in a structured setting.Russian 101This beginning class is designed to help students acquire a basic practical knowledge of Russian. Initial lessons cover the alphabet, cursive writing, pronunciation and forms of introduction and greeting. Grammatical coverage includes personal pronouns and present tense verb conjugations; adverbs; gender and number in nouns, possessive pronouns and adjectives. Elements of Russian culture are introduced through short readings and dialogues featuring high-frequency vocabulary and idioms. By the end of the class students should know how to give and get basic information, describe people and objects, and talk about one's occupation.Russian 102This lower-intermediate class is appropriate for those who know the Russian alphabet and pronunciation and have a basic command of the grammar presented in Russian 101. Grammatical material covered at this level includes the prepositional and genitive cases; cardinal and ordinal numerals; reflexive verbs and pronouns; and past tense verb forms. Students learn how to describe an apartment, ask permission and express prohibition, use negatives, go shopping and talk about location. Vocabulary and exercises are organized around the themes of Russian history, folklore, art and homelife.Russian 103In this lower-intermediate class students learn additional tenses, both future and past, relative clauses, as well as the accusative and dative cases. Additional uses of the genitive case are presented and special uses of motion verbs are introduced. Dialogues and discussion focus on shopping, study and marriage customs within Russia. Vocabulary and the use of idiom continue to be reinforced and expanded through dialogues and oral and written exercises. By the end of the class, students will have increased the vocabulary necessary for talking about personal interests and opinions and likes and dislikes and should be able to narrate stories involving both simple completed actions and ongoing or habitual actions in the past.Russian 104This intermediate class begins with a systematic review of all material met in previous levels, including verb forms, case endings and gender and number in nouns and adjectives. New grammar at this level includes reflexive possessive pronouns, the comparative and superlative forms, the instrumental case, perfective and imperfective aspects and more on motion verbs. From the readings, dialogues and written exercises students acquire the necessary vocabulary for discussing film, science, education, food, work and travel and for talking about obligation and making plans for the future.Russian 201-204The second-year series is suitable for those who have a basic command of Russian grammar and syntax (Russian 101-104 at SLA or one year of college Russian or equivalent) and can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Russian. Designed to expand and refine students' basic repertoire of language skills, the 200 series combines systematic reviews of first-year grammar and vocabulary with conversation practice organized around themes of general cultural interest. Discussions highlight important aspects of contemporary life in Russian speaking cultures. Through in-class activities ranging from presentations to film viewings, oral and written exercises and interactive role-playing, students enhance their speaking abilities, improve their reading and writing skills and deepen their knowledge of Russian culture.Russian 300Russian 300 (Advanced Conversation) is a continuing class for students who possess advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Russian and wish to maintain and improve their language skills in a structured setting.Spanish 101In this beginning class, students acquire a basic knowledge of Spanish for a variety of practical situations. Grammar presented at this level includes number and gender of nouns, negation, subject pronouns, adjectives, articles, and regular present tense verbs. Contemporary themes in Hispanic cultures are studied through short, annotated readings and dialogues introducing high-frequency vocabulary and idioms. By the end of the class, students will know how to introduce themselves and greet others, exchange personal information, describe basic likes and dislikes, and talk about family and daily routines in the present tense.Spanish 102This level is appropriate for those who have learned Spanish pronunciation well and have a basic command of Spanish nouns and adjectives and the present tense conjugation. The present progressive is explained, regular preterit tense forms are introduced and students learn how to distinguish between simple, completed past actions and habitual or ongoing ones. Additional grammatical coverage includes direct object pronouns, demonstrative adjectives and pronouns, reflexive constructions, and numbers. Group activities and interactive tasks give students the opportunity to discuss such topics as art and film, health and the environment, and eating and drinking customs in Hispanic cultures.Spanish 103This lower-intermediate class introduces new reflexive verbs and the reciprocal construction with se, more uses of the imperfect tense, and written and spoken commands. The present perfect tense and the subjunctive are also presented. Students learn how to describe personalities and express emotions, and practice choosing between the preterit and imperfect in past narration. The readings and dialogues at this level discuss religious and secular holidays, marriage customs and business protocol in Spanish-speaking cultures. By the end of the class, students know how to distinguish between completed and ongoing actions and can read and narrate stories in the past tenses. This class introduces uses of the subjunctive to express emotion, doubt and desires in the present and past tenses.Spanish 104More uses of the subjunctive are studied and reviewed in this class. The forms and uses of the simple future are introduced, along with those of the conditional. Through readings, written and oral exercises, students are given ample opportunity to practice and reinforce these new forms. Discussion and reading topics at this level focus politics and technology in Central and South America and Hispanic cinema and government history. Additional activities include reading newspaper excerpts and contemporary short stories.Spanish 201-204The second-year series is suitable for those who have a basic command of Spanish grammar and syntax (Spanish 101-104 at SLA or one year of college Spanish or equivalent) and can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Spanish. Designed to expand and refine students' basic repertoire of language skills, the 200 series combines systematic reviews of first-year grammar and vocabulary with conversation practice organized around themes of general cultural interest. Discussions highlight important aspects of contemporary life in Spanish speaking cultures. Through in-class activities ranging from presentations to film viewings, oral and written exercises and interactive role-playing, students enhance their speaking abilities, improve their reading and writing skills and deepen their knowledge of Spanish culture.Spanish 300Spanish 300 (Advanced Conversation) is a continuing class for students who possess advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Spanish and wish to maintain and improve their language skills in a structured setting.Turkish 101In this beginning class, students acquire a basic practical knowledge of Turkish for a variety of everyday situations. Beginning with the alphabet and phonetic rules of Turkish, students learn such grammar as the present tense of verbs; the formation of nouns and pronouns in the locative, dative and accusative cases; and adjectives, question forms, and numbers. By the end of the class, students will know how to introduce themselves and greet others, distinguish between the formal and informal, ask and answer simple questions, and talk about common daily activities.Turkish 102This lower intermediate class is appropriate for those who have learned the basic phonetic rules of Turkish and have a good command beginning Turkish grammar. Students learn how to use the definite past, the past progressive and the future past tenses. Possessive pronouns, verbal nouns, the ablative case, time expressions and key particles such as var, yok and ise are also introduced. By the end of the class, students will have a vocabulary of 400 to 500 Turkish words and will be able to carry on simple conversations at a lower intermediate level.Turkish 103In this lower-intermediate class, students learn how to use imperatives, make suggestions and polite requests, and accept and refuse invitations. Negation, the optative and aorist tenses and the passive form are also introduced. Students begin to acquire writing skills, and reinforce and expand their command of Turkish vocabulary and idiom. By the end of the class, students should be able to write and talk about daily routines, past experiences, and future plans, and discuss shopping, food, and travel.Turkish 104This intermediate class begins with a systematic review of the grammar and vocabulary learned in previous levels. New uses of the past, present, and future tenses are introduced, together with reflexive verbs and pronouns, necessitative and causative verbs and additional particles. Through readings and written and oral exercises, students are given ample opportunity to practice and reinforce the new forms and vocabulary. Additional activities at this level include watching Turkish films and reading newspaper excerpts and short stories.Turkish 201-204The second-year series is suitable for those who have a basic command of Turkish grammar and syntax (Turkish 101-104 at SLA or one year of college Turkish or equivalent) and can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Turkish. Designed to expand and refine students' basic repertoire of language skills, the 200 series combines systematic reviews of first-year grammar and vocabulary with conversation practice organized around themes of general cultural interest. Discussions highlight important aspects of contemporary life in Turkey. Through in-class activities ranging from presentations to film viewings, oral and written exercises and interactive role-playing, students enhance their speaking abilities, improve their reading and writing skills and deepen their knowledge of Turkish culture.Turkish 300Turkish 300 (Advanced Conversation) is a continuing class for students who possess advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Turkish and wish to maintain and improve their language skills in a structured setting.Ancient Greek 101This class is designed to lay the groundwork for a basic reading ability in Ancient Greek. In the first quarter, primary emphasis is placed on mastering the most common forms of the Greek noun and verb. A secondary emphasis will be laid on acquiring a working vocabulary. To hone their skills, students will do translation exercises from both English to Greek and Greek to English. Particular points of grammar to be covered include the system of Greek accentuation; the first and second declensions of nouns; the most important case usages; prepositions; the present active forms of regular verbs; and the present tense of the irregular verb 'to be.'Ancient Greek 102As students become familiar with a broad range of vocabulary and grammatical constructions, the translation exercises become more complex; some of the Greek readings are adapted from ancient authors. In level 102, the present middle and passive forms of the verb are introduced. In addition to the active and passive voices familiar from modern languages, Ancient Greek features a middle voice: originally employed to mark the subject's intensive degree of personal involvement in a verbal action, the middle voice came to be used in a wide variety of characteristically Greek idioms. Another important feature of Greek is the relationship between tense and aspect in verbs; whereas tense relates to the time of action, aspect describes the type of action: simple action, continuous action, or state.Ancient Greek 103In the third quarter, students learn the remaining patterns of Greek nouns, as well as the small but very important group of verbs conjugated with the suffix -mi in the first person singular. Also introduced are the participles - or verbal adjectives - which play a prominent role in Greek of all periods. Because Greek participles express distinctions of aspect rather than tense, they lend a peculiar subtlety to the description of action in Greek that cannot be captured in English.N.B. Greek 103 makes a good point of entry for students who have had some Greek but need to review participles, verbs in -mi, and the Subjunctive and Optative moods. Ancient Greek 104In Ancient Greek 104, the subjunctive and optative moods are introduced. These forms of the verb are used in a variety of clauses expressing unreal or hypothetical states. Among the most important of these are conditional (if-then) clauses, but there are many others as well. The perfect and pluperfect tenses are also introduced, completing the Greek scheme of verbal aspect. Whereas the stem of the present tense system expresses continuous action, and the stem of the aorist system expresses simple action with no implication as to its duration, the stem of the perfect system expresses a verbal idea as a state - a fascinating and very archaic feature of the Greek language. Finally, the imperative mood, or command-form of the verb, is introduced.Ancient Greek 201-204: Grammar & CompositionThe 201-204 series is appropriate for anyone who has had one year of Greek at the college level and who wishes to deepen his or her knowledge of Greek idiom and usage. Using North and Hillard’s Greek Composition, students will engage in in-depth study of Greek syntax, producing their own Greek versions of passages in English. An optional review of all Greek morphology (grammatical forms) is built into the class, making it ideal for those whose Greek is rusty but who don’t need to start over again from the very beginning. The 200 and 210 series are designed to complement each other (students who enroll concurrently in two Mini Classes with the same final digit - e.g., 201 and 211 - may take them together for the single Standard Class price).Ancient Greek 211-214: Intermediate ReadingThe 211-214 series concentrates on building reading skills: Readings come from the Anabasis of Xenophon. The Anabasis recounts the adventures of the Athenian Xenophon and the 10,000 Greek mercenaries who accompanied the Persian prince Cyrus in his abortive bid to wrest the crown from his brother Artaxerxes. The work is a classic of travel writing and forms an excellent entrée into the reading of unadapted Greek prose. The 200 and 210 series are designed to complement each other (students who enroll concurrently in two Mini Classes with the same final digit - e.g., 201 and 211 - may take them together for the single Standard Class price).Ancient Greek 300: Homer’s OdysseyTaken together, Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey define the genre of epic across the full spectrum of its tragic and romantic potentialities: if the Iliad is the west’s first and greatest epic of war, then the Odyssey is its most compelling representation of Everyman’s journey through life. Odysseus’ ten-year voyage is a timeless tale of suffering, nobility, vice, vengeance, and – in the end – of requited love. In this class, we read the second book of Homer’s Odyssey. As we read we will pay a good deal of attention to the accurate reading of the Homeric hexameter, a sine qua non of appreciating the beauty of the poem. Recommended background: Two years of Greek at the college level.Latin 101This beginning class is designed to lay the groundwork for a basic reading ability in classical and medieval Latin. Primary emphasis will be laid on mastering the building-blocks of the Latin verbal system and developing a basic vocabulary. Readings adapted from the writings of classical authors are included from the beginning, and increase in length and sophistication as the quarter proceeds. Grammatical material to be introduced in this first quarter includes the present system of all four verb conjugations (including the irregular verbs sum and possum); the first three noun declensions; the first and second declensions of adjectives; and the demonstrative pronouns hic, ille, and iste.Latin 102In the second quarter, students will build on their knowledge of the Latin verb to master the perfect system of all verb conjugations. They will also get their first exposure to the passive voice, in which the logical object of a verb is made its grammatical subject ('the cat is bitten by the dog'). The personal, possessive, and reflexive pronouns are introduced, as well as numerals. Numerous uses of the multifarious ablative case are covered, including the ablative of means, the ablative of manner, the ablative of accompaniment, and the ablative of separation. Important constructions involving relative pronouns are also covered.Latin 103In the third quarter, reading selections continue to increase in length and sophistication. Grammatical coverage includes the fourth and fifth declension of nouns; further constructions using the ablative case, including the notorious ablative absolute construction; and the comparative and superlative forms of adjectives. The characteristic Latin use of the infinitive in indirect statement will prove to be an invaluable addition to the student's grammatical arsenal ('I believe him to be a genius' / 'I believe him to have been a genius' / 'I believe him to be a going-to-be genius'). Toward the end of the quarter, the subjunctive mood and several important subjunctive constructions are introduced, including expressions of purpose and result.Latin 104In the fourth quarter, further uses of the subjunctive mood are introduced, including conditional ('if-then') sentences, subordinate clauses using cum, and clauses of fear. Other important features of Latin grammar to be covered include the comparative and superlative forms of adverbs; the deponent verbs (they look like passives but behave like actives); the very frequent verb fio (as in 'fiat lux!'); constructions of time and place; the so-called supine (not as abject as it sounds); and the forms and use of the gerund and gerundive.Latin 201-204: Grammar & CompositionThis series is appropriate for anyone who has had one year of Latin at the college level. The focus of the Latin 201-204 series is accurate knowledge of Latin idiom and usage. To this end, students will engage in the arduous and rewarding exercise of translating English into Latin, using Bennet’s New Latin Composition. An optional review of all Latin morphology (grammatical forms) is built into the class, making it ideal for those whose Greek is rusty but who don’t need to start over again from the very beginning. The 200 and 210 series are designed to complement each other (students who enroll concurrently in two Mini Classes with the same final digit - e.g., 201 and 211 - may take them together for the single Standard Class price).Latin 211-214: Intermediate ReadingThe 211-214 series concentrates on building reading skills: the readings are taken from Aeneas to Augustus, an anthology of passages from Roman authors with notes and full vocabulary. The first half of the book (used in levels 211–212) features short, relatively easy prose selections; the second half of the book (used in levels 211–212) contains more sophisticated prose as well as selections from the poetry of Virgil, Ovid and Lucan. The 200 and 210 series are designed to complement each other (students who enroll concurrently in two Mini Classes with the same final digit - e.g., 201 and 211 - may take them together for the single Standard Class price).Latin 300: Pliny and MartialPliny the Younger published 10 books of his letters to various friends and acquaintances, including the historian Tacitus and the Emperor Trajan. Taken together, these letters offer a revealing portrait of upper-class life and concerns in second century Rome. The prose epistle was an important literary genre in antiquity – Cicero and Seneca the Younger have also left collections – and Pliny brings to all his letters an elegant prose style, sparkling wit, acute insight, and, above all, great humanity. As a result, his letters are always rewarding, even when they deal with topics that seem, at first glance, unpromisingly mundane or trivial. In this class, we will read a selection of Pliny’s letters, on topics such as the eruption of Vesuvius in 79, the murder of a slave-owner by his slaves, buying a statue, boar-hunting, ghosts, and disastrous public works projects. We will intersperse these with a selection of epigrams from one of Pliny’s acquaintances, the poet Martial. Suggested background: Two years of Latin at the college level. Humanities Workshop 106: Lyric & Elegiac PoetryIn this class, we will read representative poems and fragments, on a variety of themes (love/lust, war, politics, wine, marriage, and so on), by the major surviving archaic Greek lyric and elegiac poets, including Archilochus, Sappho, Alcaeus, Ibycus, and Anacreon. We will discuss topics such as the social occasions for poetic recitation; the various uses of the lyric and elegiac genres; themes, imagery, and language, both of individual poets and of the genres as a whole; the evolution – or continuity – of heroic (Homeric) values; and gender, sexuality, and homoeroticism. We will then look at how the ancient Romans extended these poetic traditions, sampling works by poets including Catullus, Horace, and Ovid. Of particular concern will be the development of elegy as a genre mainly devoted to erotic poetry. For the final class meeting, we will consider post-classical and, perhaps, even non-western lyric traditions. No prerequisites; all texts will be read in English translation. Textbook required:M.L. West (trans.), Greek Lyric Poetry (ISBN: 019954039X) Humanities Workshop 111: Homer’s IliadStanding at the fountain-head of western literature, the Iliad enjoys an unabated pre-eminence in the canon both for its artistry and for the profound influence that it has exerted on subsequent European literature. Set in the tenth year of the war between the Greeks and Trojans at Ilium (Troy), the action of the Iliad unfolds against the background of a heroic ethos personified in the figure of Achilles, who chooses undying fame over the prospect of a long life. Although the epic’s proper subject is the wrath of Achilles and its tragic consequences, it also explores such questions as honor, the workings of fate and the human craving for immortality. While theories regarding its authorship continue to provoke scholarly debate, the Iliad speaks for itself as the west’s first and greatest meditation on the theme of war. In this class we will read the translation of Richmond Lattimore. No Prerequisite. Humanities Workshop 112: Tragedy: From Aeschylus to O'NeillIn this course, we will explore the tragic genre in the western world, from ancient Greece to twentieth-century America. The first half of the quarter will lay the groundwork, focusing on representative works of the three great Athenian tragedians, Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. In addition to discussing the plots, poetry, and themes of the texts themselves, we will also examine the history and development of the tragic genre, the social contexts for performance, the theatrical space, and the mechanics of performance – that is, what ancient theater-goers would have seen and heard from their seats. In the second half of the quarter, we will look at the evolution of the Greek tragic form and themes (and theatrical space), first in imperial Rome (Seneca), then in the Elizabethan period (Shakespeare), and finally in the twentieth century (O’Neill and Ibsen). If time permits, we will also briefly consider opera’s place in the tradition. No prerequisites.
Humanities Workshop 121: Virgil’s AeneidThe masterpiece of Rome’s greatest poet, Virgil’s Aeneid occupies a central place in Western literature. Working within the tradition established by Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, Virgil’s epic tells the story of the Trojan prince Aeneas, who set out from the ruined city of Troy to establish a new home but who was resisted at every point by the hostility of the goddess Juno. Finally reaching Italy, Aeneas was forced to fight a bitter war against indigenous peoples to lay the foundations on which Rome was destined to rise. Virgil’s theme is ostensibly the founding of Rome; at the same time, he incorporates the origins of the imperial dynasty founded by the emperor Augustus and the history of Rome up to his own day, including Augustus’ own war against Cleopatra. In this class we will read the acclaimed new translation of Virgil’s Aeneid by Robert Fagles. No Prerequisite.Humanities Workshop 122: Ovid's MetamorphosesThe Metamorphoses of the Roman poet Ovid was an instant classic in antiquity and has never lost its vogue. Featuring approximately 250 tales from Greco-Roman mythology—and history—spun together into a more-or-less continuous narrative, this unorthodox epic has been a source of inspiration for painters, poets, and composers for more than 2000 years. From Daedalus to Daphne, Hyacinth to Hercules, Jason to Julius Caesar, Ovid spins a narrative that is unfailingly inventive, witty, and fresh. For this class, we will read all 15 books of the Metamorphoses. Class discussion will focus not only on what happens in the tales, but also on topics such as the poem’s place in both the epic tradition and the rest of Ovid’s output, Ovid’s incorporation of other literary genres, how Ovid adapts tales and what themes he draws out of them, his narrative techniques, and the inclusion/intrusion of contemporary events into the mythological world of the poem. In addition, we will look at (or listen to) and discuss specific works by later artists that offer interpretations or adaptations of tales in the Metamorphoses; to this end, participants will be encouraged to bring in examples to share with the rest of the class. No prerequisites. Required text: A.D. Melville (translator), Ovid, Metamorphoses, ISBN 0199537372. Humanities Workshop 128: Apuleius’s Golden AssApuleius’s Golden Ass is the only complete Latin novel to survive from antiquity. In it, the narrator Lucius is magically transformed into a donkey as a result of his irrepressible curiosity, and he then wanders – or, more often, is dragged – through Roman Greece, searching for a way to regain his human form. In the course of his wanderings, Lucius acquires a string of owners; is subjected to beatings, burdens, and back-breaking labor; and encounters bandits, soldiers, a zoophilic matron, and even the goddess Isis. In one extended episode, he overhears a story about a woman who marries a mysterious invisible creature (the famous tale of Cupid & Psyche). The novel has something for everyone: an engaging story that is by turns comic, spooky, touching, and bawdy; “pop-cultural” references from the ancient literary canon (including Cicero’s speeches and Homer’s Odyssey) and the seeds of later works such as Beauty and the Beast, Don Quixote, and Au Hasard Balthazar; and, overall, a richness and elusiveness that readers interested in such diverse subjects as folklore studies, comparative religion, philosophy, Jungian analysis, sociology, and architecture have attempted to unlock. In this class, we will read P.G. Walsh’s translation. No prerequisite. Humanities Workshop 131: ShakespeareWhen we study Shakespeare, are we studying literature or theater? Shakespeare – like most playwrights – never intended his works to be read and studied as words on a page but rather to be caught on the fly in live performances. We will consider Shakespeare’s plays as both literary works and as scripts meant for live performance, constantly asking ourselves two questions: ‘What does the text really say?’ and ‘What does the audience see, hear, and think?’ We will consider how directors make interpretive choices in performance, and how those choices change or challenge our understanding of the plays. This general-interest class assumes no prior acquaintance with the plays. No Prerequisite. Humanities Workshop 141: Rome through the CenturiesThere’s no place like Rome: Dominated successively by kings and consuls, emperors and popes, the town on the Tiber boasts a history as vivid and varied as any in the world. Where else, after all, does just about any old church sport Classical columns, Byzantine mosaics, a Romaneque belfy, Renaissance frescoes and a Baroque façade – the whole affair heaped atop an Iron Age necropolis? Even if this is an exaggeration, there can be no doubt that Rome furnishes the most remarkable specimen of urban stratification in the Western world. In this class, we will survey Rome’s urban history chronologically, from cluster of huts to modern metropolis, using photographs, maps and graphic reconstructions to unravel the tangled skein of the Eternal City’s history, topography and architecture. No Prerequisite. |
| << back to SLA Home next >> |