Want to learn a new language? High school students, adult learners, and others are encouraged to explore the foreign language courses being offered at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) this fall.

The courses are appropriate for high school students who want to earn early college credit, working professionals who need to travel for their jobs or interact with colleagues from other countries, or local residents who want to take a few courses for personal interest.

“We welcome those who need to learn a language to advance in their careers or because they plan to travel to other parts of the world,” notes Dr. Gary Felsten, associate dean for academic affairs at IUPUC.

The university will also offer an intensive course in American Sign Language (ASL) for individuals who want or need to communicate with hearing-impaired children and adults.

For many degree-seeking students at IUPUC, learning a foreign language is part of their degree requirements, Felsten explains, adding that understanding and appreciating world languages is an important component of a well-rounded university education.

The courses, which begin the week of August 20, include:

• Basic Arabic I (NELC-A 131) | Tues. and Thur., 6-8:15 p.m.
  This introductory language course in modern standard Arabic will explore contemporary literature, newspapers, and radio. It will include a focus on grammar, reading, script, conversation, elementary composition, and culture.

• Beginning Spanish (SPAN-S 117) | Tues. and Thur., 3-4:15 p.m.
  Introductory sequence of courses designed for students with no prior Spanish skills. Emphasis on developing basic speaking, writing, listening, and reading as well as awareness of Hispanic culture.

• Communication for Grad Students and International Teaching Assistants (ENG-G 020) | Fri., 3-5:40 p.m.
  Although the focus of this course is on developing the speaking and presentation skills of international teaching assistants (ITAs), it is appropriate for anyone who needs to more fully develop their spoken language skills or wants to seek an ITA position with the university in the future. Skills include pronunciation, classroom interaction, presentations, seminar discussions, and basic teaching strategies.

• English as a Second Lanuage II (ENG-G 011) | Wed. and Fri., 12-1:50 p.m.
  The content for this course will focus on academic reading and grammar skills.

• Intensive Beginning American Sign Language (ASL-A 131) | Mon., Tues., Wed., & Thurs., 4:30-6:45 p.m.
  The emphasis for this course includes developing basic conversational skills in ASL as well as awareness of deaf culture.

• Intensive Beginnning Spanish I (SPAN-S 131) | Tues. and Thurs., 4:30-6:45 p.m.
  Intensive introductory language sequence of courses. Recommended for prospective majors and for students with prior training in Spanish or other Romance languages. Emphasis on developing basic speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills as well as awareness of Hispanic cultures.

• Intensive Beginnning Spanish II (SPAN-S 132 ) | Mon. and Wed., 4:40-6:45 p.m.
  Intensive introductory language sequence of courses. Recommended for prospective majors and for students with prior training in Spanish or other Romance languages. Emphasis on developing basic speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills as well as awareness of Hispanic cultures.

• Introduction to the English Language (ENG-G 205) | Wed., 6-8:40 p.m.
  An introduction to the English language and the principles and methods of linguistics. Designed to be the first course in English, no prior knowledge is assumed. The goals are to explain basic linguistic components of English (i.e., its sound system, word structure, sentence structure, etc.) and discuss the application of this knowledge to language acquisition, writing, and literature.

Visit www.iupuc.edu for more information. To register for classes, contact the Office of Admissions at 812.348.7390 or e-mail admissions@iupuc.edu.