Languages   

This course is designed for people who have completed at least 2 years of Conversational Spanish. A more complex look at Spanish Grammar is a part of this class.  Learn even more about different Spanish cultures throughout the world. Improve your reading and comprehension as well. In this conversation course, you will be given the opportunity to communicate using the Spanish you have been learning through former classes. This practice will enhance your travel, work, and everyday interactions with Spanish-speaking people.

Prerequisite: Completion of "Spanish Intermediate B" is necessary to take this class. You can also enroll with instructor permission. Please reach out to our office to receive instructor permission 925-424-1467.  

Required Text: Advanced Spanish Grammar, by Marcial Prado available online. Please purchase the book prior to the first class meeting.

• Advanced Spanish Grammar (Amazon)
• Advanced Spanish Grammar (Barnes and Noble) 

Please note that this is a HYBRID course; you can come in-person or Zoom in online from home. 

Age range: 20+

Beginning Conversational Spanish starts with language fundamentals including the alphabet, pronunciation, basic vocabulary and grammar rules. Emphasis is placed on simple conversational situations. Students learn sentences and phrases they need to express themselves in Spanish at work and while traveling.

Required Text: Practical Spanish Grammar, by Marcial Prado (ISBN: 0-471-13446-5) available online. Please purchase the book prior to the first class meeting.

• Practical Spanish Grammar (Amazon)
• Practical Spanish Grammar (Barnes and Noble)

Age range: 20+

Planning a trip to France? This practical and engaging course is designed for travelers with no prior French experience who want to feel more confident navigating real-life situations abroad. We’ll cover essential language skills such as greetings, polite expressions, and how to get around using public transportation. You’ll learn how to check into hotels, buy tickets to museums and events, and—most importantly—how to read and order off a French menu!

The course also includes cultural insights into common courtesies, safety tips, and helpful strategies for visiting popular attractions and discovering off-the-beaten-path experiences. Whether you’re heading to Paris or Provence, this class will help you make the most of your journey.

By the end of the course, students will be able to navigate common travel settings with recognition of appropriate responses and what they are being asked for. Read basic signs, menus and understand cultural norms in France.  No prior French required.

Materials: Students will be provided with a packet and are asked to bring a pen or pencil. The packet is at no cost to students.

Age range: 18+

This course is perfect for anyone new to Korean! You will start by learning the Korean alphabet (Hangul) and basic words and phrases to use in everyday conversations. We will cover speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while also exploring fun aspects of Korean culture – like food, traditions, and modern life. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey into the Korean language & culture!

Age range: Ages 17+ are welcome.

Required books: 

• Sogang Korean 1A Student's Book
• Sogang Korean 1A Workbook

This course is for those who have completed Beginning Korean Language & Culture 1 or already know some basics. You will build on your skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while expanding your vocabulary and grammar. Dive into everyday conversations and explore exciting cultural topics like Korean holidays, music, and dramas. Ages 17+ are welcome. Join for interactive activities that will boost your confidence and deepen your appreciation for Korean culture. Let’s level up your Korean!

Age range: Ages 17+ are welcome.

Required books: (These are the same books used for Beginning Korean Language and Culture 1.)

• Sogang Korean 1A Student's Book
• Sogang Korean 1A Workbook

Class continues after Beginning Conversational Spanish series. Students build upon their prior knowledge to develop the foundational vocabulary necessary to carry on basic conversations such as greetings, farewells, addresses, phone numbers, directions, and interaction with other Spanish speakers. Students also learn more about how Spanish culture differs in various Spanish speaking countries throughout the world. Students' conversation and reading abilities will improve with this intermediate series. 

Required Text: Practical Spanish Grammar, by Marcial Prado (ISBN: 0-471-13446-5) available online. Please purchase the book prior to the first class meeting.

• Practical Spanish Grammar (Amazon)
• Practical Spanish Grammar (Barnes and Noble)

Age range: 20+

Class continues after Beginning Conversational Spanish and Intermediate Spanish A. Students build upon their prior knowledge to develop the foundational vocabulary necessary to carry on basic conversations such as greetings, farewells, addresses, phone numbers, directions, and interaction with other Spanish speakers. Students also learn more about how Spanish culture differs in various Spanish speaking countries throughout the world. Students' conversation and reading abilities will improve with this intermediate series. 

Required Text: Practical Spanish Grammar, by Marcial Prado (ISBN: 0-471-13446-5) available online. Please purchase the book prior to the first class meeting.

• Practical Spanish Grammar (Amazon)
• Practical Spanish Grammar (Barnes and Noble)

Age range: 20+

This carefully designed introductory course provides students with the foundational skills to speak, read, and type Mandarin Chinese at a basic level. The course emphasizes the use of the Pinyin Romanization system to support accurate pronunciation and effective language learning. Students will also begin working with simplified Chinese characters, learning how to recognize and type them using Pinyin-based input methods.

Designed for individuals with little or no prior knowledge of the Chinese language, this course offers a supportive environment for developing essential communication skills. In addition to language instruction, students will explore key elements of Chinese culture, enriching their understanding of the language in context.

Materials: All course materials are provided free of charge and shared via Google Classroom.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Use the Pinyin Romanization system as a pronunciation guide for Mandarin Chinese

• Recognize and type simplified Chinese characters using Pinyin input methods

• Develop basic skills in speaking, reading, and typing Mandarin Chinese

• Gain an introductory understanding of Chinese culture and traditions

Age range: 16+

Are you interested in taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), living or studying in Japan, or working in the animation and gaming industry? This class is for the academically inclined individual not afraid to take a deep dive into the complicated world of Japanese grammar, reading, and writing. We will cover both hiragana, katakana, and an introduction to Kanji. Let’s study Japanese!    

Instructor Belardino: The instructor is half Japanese, lived in Japan for almost twenty years, is credentialed, and is a certificated language teacher. She is also a member of the American Association of Teachers Japanese and the California Association of Japanese Language Teachers.    

Required Books: 

Genki Textbook Volume 1, 3rd edition (Genki (1)) (Multilingual Edition) (English and Japanese Edition)

                                                                              Genki I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese Workbook (Japanese and English                                                                                          Edition)

The textbook introduces the Japanese language in a manner that is extremely easy to understand. If you have any sort of disability, please let the instructor know, and she will be more than happy to accommodate your needs.

Age range: 14+

Please note: This is a live remote class. You will meet on zoom during the scheduled days and times. The instructor will email the zoom link and important information before the first class meeting. Any sort of recording, either via Zoom or third party software, is strictly prohibited for this course. Thank you for your understanding. Her goal is to transform the “remote” environment into a safe, engaging, space where students can freely ask questions, and have an enjoyable learning experience. She does request that all students who sign up for her classes turn their cameras on to optimize the virtual learning experience.