Language study requires practice and conscientious preparation on a daily basis in order to participate fully in highly interactive classes. Classes are conducted with very little use of English.
The Critical Languages Program does not offer courses beyond the second year.
Arabic, Italian, and Hebrew are offered as regular courses. Course schedules may be found under Critical Languages (CLNG).
Swahili and Hindi are offered as self-instructional courses, contingent upon student tutor availability. Students meet three times a week in small groups with a student tutor who is a native speaker of the language. The student tutor is not a "teacher" in the usual sense. Students, therefore, are expected to exercise the self-discipline and motivation required of independent work. Courses follow established curricula and are not self-paced. In addition to being highly motivated and self-directed, students must be willing to make a daily commitment to the rigorous study and practice of the language through the use of written, recorded and computer materials. Course grades are determined by mid-term and final evaluations, administered by external examiners.
Students enrolled in the self-instructional courses must contact Mary Beth Barth by 4 p.m. the first day of classes in order to schedule the class. On rare occasions, due to scheduling conflicts, a student is unable to take the class.
For additional information on the self-instructional format or languages currently offered, visit Critical Languages web site.
Students wishing to continue a language studied in high school should register for the appropriate course (for placement, see the Program's director, Mary Beth Barth). Credit will not be granted to students taking a course at a lower level than the course for which they completed the prerequisites.
For the academic year 2009-10, the following courses are offered:
110F-120S First-Year Italian 130F-140S Second-Year Italian 107F-108S First-Year Modern Hebrew 207F-208S Second-Year Modern Hebrew 115F-116S First-Year Arabic 215F-216S Third-Year Arabic 121F-122S First-Year Swahili* 221F-222S Second-Year Swahili* 125F-126S First-Year Hindi* 225F-226S Second-Year Hindi*
*For the self-instructional courses, students should see Mary Beth Barth, Director of Critical Languages Program, in Christian A. Johnson 302, by 4:00 p.m. on the first day of classes for course information and schedule (TBA).
107F First Term Hebrew.
An introduction to the Hebrew language iintroducing the very basic Hebrew grammar, reading, writing and mainly oral communication.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Guez.
108S Second Term Hebrew.
Continued study of Hebrew grammar, oral conversation and writing skills introducing simple texts of Israeli culture as a base for learning and simple discussion. Prerequisite, Hebrew 107 or placement.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Guez.
110F First Term Italian.
Introduction in speaking, writing, reading and listening comprehension. Textbook readings and exercises with a strong emphasis on interactive verbal production. Classes supplemented by a small group drill session and Language Center projects and activities. Intended for beginners.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Schultz.
115F First Term Arabic.
Introduction in speaking, writing, reading and aural comprehension. Textbook readings and exercises with a strong emphasis on interactive verbal production. Highly interactive with supplemental Language Center projects and activities.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Koukjian.
116S Second Term Arabic.
Continued study with emphasis on verbal proficiency, reading and listening comprehension. Highly interactive with supplemental Language Center projects and activities. Prerequisite, Arabic 115 or placement.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Koukjian.
120S Second Term Italian.
Continued study of speaking, writing, reading and listening comprehension. Textbook readings and exercises with a strong emphasis on interactive verbal production. Classes supplemented by a small group drill session and Language Center projects and activities. Prerequisite, Italian 110 or placement.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Schultz.
[121F]
First Term Swahili.
Introduction in speaking, writing, reading and aural comprehension. Textbook readings and exercises with a strong emphasis on interactive verbal production. Highly interactive with supplemental Language Center projects and activities. Self-instructional format.
Maximum enrollment, 10.
[122S]
Second Term Swahili.
Continued study with emphasis on verbal proficiency, reading and listening comprehension. Highly interactive with supplemental Language Center projects and activities. Self-instructional format. Prerequisite, Swahili 121 or placement.
Maximum enrollment, 10.
[125F]
First Term Hindi.
Introduction in speaking, writing, reading and aural comprehension. Textbook readings and exercises with a strong emphasis on interactive verbal production. Highly interactive with supplemental Language Center projects and activities. Self-instructional format.
Maximum enrollment, 10.
126S Second Term Hindi.
Continued study with emphasis on verbal proficiency, reading and listening comprehension. Highly interactive with supplemental Language Center projects and activities. Self-instructional format. Prerequisite, Hindi 125 or placement.
Maximum enrollment, 10.
.
130F Third Term Italian.
Intensive review of grammar and syntax. Incorporates films, readings and other activities to reinforce verbal practice and conversation. Prerequisite, Italian 110 and 120 or placement.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Schultz.
140S Fourth Term Italian.
Focus on increased vocabulary use, verbal proficiency, and written ability utilizing literary and cultural readings. Prerequisite, Italian 110, 120 and 130 or placement.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Schultz.
207F Third Term Hebrew.
More advanced cultural Hebrew texts that will be the focus of conversation and discussion in class. The aim is to increase student vocabulary and writing ability. More advanced grammar and conversation. Prerequisite, Hebrew 107 and 108 or placement.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Guez.
208S Fourth Term Hebrew.
More intensive in reading, writing and oral communication. Student will use different sources of written texts, such as Israeli newspaper, media, history and cultural texts. Prerequisite, Hebrew 107, 108 and 207 or placement.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Guez.
215F Third Term Arabic.
Intermediate level study with emphasis on verbal proficiency, reading and listening comprehension. Highly interactive with supplemental Language Center projects and activities. Prerequisite, Arabic 115 and 116 or placement.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Koukjian.
216S Fourth Term Arabic.
Advanced level study with emphasis on verbal proficiency, reading and listening comprehension. Highly interactive with supplemental Language Center projects and activities. Prerequisite, Arabic 115, 116 and 215 or placement.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Koukjian.
[221F]
Third Term Swahili.
Intermediate level study with emphasis on verbal proficiency, reading and listening comprehension. Highly interactive with supplemental Language Center projects and activities. Self-instructional format. Prerequisite, Swahili 121 and 122 or placement.
Maximum enrollment, 10.
[222S]
Fourth Term Swahili.
Advanced level study with emphasis on verbal proficiency, reading and listening comprehension. Highly interactive with supplemental Language Center projects and activities. Self-instructional format. Prerequisite, Swahili 121, 122, 221 or placement.
Maximum enrollment, 10.
[225F]
Third Term Hindi.
Intermediate level study with emphasis on verbal proficiency, reading and listening comprehension. Highly interactive with supplemental Language Center projects and activities. Self-instructional format.
Maximum enrollment, 10.
[226S]
Fourth Term Hindi.
Advanced level study with emphasis on verbal proficiency, reading and listening comprehension. Highly interactive with supplemental Language Center projects and activities. Self-instructional format.
Maximum enrollment, 10.
