Our Classes

Winter 2012 Schedule: Adults with Disabilities; Arts & Crafts; Birding; Business & Finance; Career Training; Citizenship; Computer Skills; Computer Skills - Avenidas; Cooking; English Enrichment; English as a Second Language; GED^® (General Education Development); Health & Fitness; History; Home & Environment; Literature & Writing; Music; Online Courses; Parenting & Family; Photography; Woodworking; World Languages; 55 Plus (Older Adults); Winter
Schedule
This schedule valid through March 12
Download Schedule PDF »

I heard about the Italian Conversation class from a friend and would definitely tell my friends to try it out. I was very satisfied with this class and have been able to expand my Italian conversation skills. I’ve been taking Adult Ed language (French and Italian) courses on and off at Palo Alto high School since 2002 and have found them to be enjoyable and helpful in my travels, language, art and music/opera appreciation Sada Chidambaram

The instructor for the Italian: Level III class, Stefania Filigheddu, is fabulous. She is lively, smart, very kind and helpful. I loved listening to Stefania speak Italian and I even enjoyed doing the homework. There is nothing that I would suggest changing about this course. Also, I was able to use my new skills while in Italy. Thanks Stefania! Beth Mills
Elementary school teacher, PAUSD

Buonissimo! Studying Italian at the Palo Alto Adult School has been a fabulous learning experience. I’m dying to go to Italy to put my new language skills to use. Amy Greene
High-Tech Marketing Manager

The Beginning German class was exactly what I wanted. Claudia Lee is a great instructor and made class fun and engaging. The book "German in 10 Minutes a Day" was fun and useful. I will definitely take another class here. Tara Gurtler
Molecular Biologist

I registered for an Intermediate Spanish class in order to 'brush up' on the language. I had taken three years of high school Spanish but had forgotten much of it. Our instructor was friendly, helpful and eager to teach us the important vocabulary and verb tenses we would need in the 'real world'. My experience at PAAS was extremely positive and I hope to take another class in the near future. Rebecca Patton Garcia
Teacher

I have taken all the Spanish classes offered by PAAS and recently took Graciela McCord's Advanced Spanish class. Graciela's thorough knowledge of the literature we read and her ability to elicit thoughtful analysis by students is key. The class is small, so there is plenty of opportunity to talk and read. I have progressed steadily in my knowledge and confidence in speaking Spanish. Marcie Cox
Interior Designer

I really enjoyed taking the Beginner Chinese class. The numerous cultural references and interactive dialogue were extremely engaging. It was an easy decision to sign up for another class so that I can continue to learn and practice my Mandarin in a classroom of peers. Brian Sterling
Software Developer

World Languages

Palo Alto Adult School offers classes in six different languages: Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese. Our classes cover Beginning to Advanced instruction based on community interest and demand.

CHINESE: Beginning: 8 wks · Jan 9–March 12
Monday · 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 407 · $96

Instructor: Wing Hung Wu (Lucia), lucia_wwh@sbcglobal.net Register Now »
Prerequisite: None

Textbook: Chinese Express: Lessons 1–5

The class focuses on the whole set of standard phonetics. Accuracy of pronunciation with tones is highly stressed. The basics of Chinese sentence structure, vocabulary and phrases will be introduced for conversation topics on greetings, self introduction and questioning using “what.” Conversation interactions with the instructor and classmates will be conducted every week. Characters are not emphasized at this stage. Textbook required ($18). No class January 16 and February 20.
CHINESE IA: 10 wks · Jan 11–March 14
Wednesday · 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 401 · $120

Instructor: Wing Hung Wu (Lucia), lucia_wwh@sbcglobal.net Register Now »
Prerequisite: Beginning Chinese or equivalent.

Textbook: Chinese Express: Lessons 6–10

This class will continue to reinforce accuracy in pronunciation for reading and conversa-tions, listening and understanding through various exercises. Conversation interactions with the instructor and classmates will be conducted every week. At the end of this course, you will be able to conduct conversations comfortably and recognize about 150–200 characters on the discussed topics. Textbook required ($18).
CHINESE IB: 10 wks · Jan 10–March 13
Tuesday · 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 407 · $120

Instructor: Wing Hung Wu (Lucia), lucia_wwh@sbcglobal.net Register Now »
Prerequisite: Chinese IA or equivalent.

Textbook: Chinese Express: Lessons 16–20

Acquire a more native tone through tongue twisters; expand vocabulary & improve sentence structure through translation exercises, reading more complex passages and practicing lengthy conversations. Accuracy of listening and understanding will be emphasized. Recognize 200 characters. Textbook required ($18).
FRENCH: Beginning 2nd Quarter (Start with Lesson 5): 10 wks · Jan 12-March 15
Thursday · 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm P-8 · $120

Instructor: Pary Sarraf Register Now »
Prerequisite: One quarter of Beginning French.

Textbooks: Découverte et Création: Textbook ISBN: 0-395- 36912-6 and Workbook ISBN: 0-395-52942-5

Bonjour! Students with previous knowledge of French language are welcome in this course. You will become familiar with the basic fundamentals of French phonetics, pronunciation, useful vocabulary and daily conversational phrases, and reading. Textbook available online. Workbook may also be purchased in class.
FRENCH: Advanced Beginning 2nd Quarter (Start with Lesson 10): 10 wks · Jan 11-March 14
Wednesday · 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm P-8 · $120

Instructor: Pary Sarraf Register Now »
Prerequisite: Adequate French knowledge

Textbooks: Découverte et Création: Textbook ISBN: 0-395- 36912-6 and Workbook ISBN: 0-395-52942-5

Bonjour! This course is designed to improve pronunciation and phonetics, and develop vocabulary and grammatical rules necessary in mastering the basic skills needed in everyday conversation. Students will become familiar with different aspects of the French culture. Textbook available online. Workbook may also be purchased in class.
FRENCH: Low Intermediate - 2nd Quarter (Start with Lesson 14): 10 wks · Jan 10-March 13
Tuesday · 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm P-8 · $120

Instructor: Pary Sarraf Register Now »
Prerequisite: Three or four quarters of French

Textbooks: Découverte et Création: Textbook ISBN: 0-395- 36912-6 and Workbook ISBN: 0-395-52942-5

Vous aimez le Français! Continue your immersion in French language and culture, and master communication skills through participation in a variety of conversation topics. Enhance pronunciation and develop vocabulary and grammar. Students will become familiar with different aspects of the French culture. Students may purchase textbooks online. Textbook available online. Workbook may also be purchased in class.
FRENCH: Intermediate 2nd Quarter (Start with Lesson 22): 8 wks · Jan 9-March 12
Monday · 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm p-8 · $96

Instructor: Pary Sarraf Register Now »
Prerequisite: None

Textbooks: Découverte et Création: Textbook ISBN: 0-395- 36912-6 and Workbook ISBN: 0-395-52942-5

Améliorez votre français! Continue your immersion in French language and culture, and master communication skills through participation in a variety of conversation topics. En-hance pronunciation and develop vocabulary and grammar. Students will become familiar with different aspects of the French culture. Textbook available online. Workbook may also be purchased in class. No class January 16 and February 20.
ET SI NOUS PARLIONS FRANÇAIS?: 10 wks · Jan 11-March 14
Wednesday · 7-9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 404 · $120

Instructor: Malika Labidi, malikalabidi@yahoo.com Register Now »
Prerequisite: Advanced French skills.

Boost your mastery of French in this class focused on conversation. Discuss culture, current events and literature using a variety of media (newspapers, magazines, audio and videotapes). Improve your skills in grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading and writing. The instructor is a native French speaker.
GERMAN: Beginning: 9 wks · Jan 12–March 8
Thursday · 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 406 · $108

Instructor: Claudia Lee Register Now »
Textbook: Learn German the Fast and Fun Way
Willkommen! (Welcome!) Learn to speak, read and write the German language. Conversation is emphasized in this lively and relaxed class. Basic grammar is explained and Germanic culture is explored. Gain communication skills for use with friends and relatives as well as for business or pleasure travel. The textbook with CDs is available for purchase at the Adult School.
ITALIAN: Level I: 10 wks · Jan 11-March 14
Wednesday · 7:30-9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 408 · $90

Instructor: Laura Landolfi, lauralandolfi@sbcglobal.net Register Now »
Prerequisite: None

Textbook: Studio Italiano

Buongiorno! Acquire the foundation of the Italian language with correct pronunciation, basic grammar and vocabulary. Learn simple dialogue and phrases, readings and written and oral exercises. Special readings emphasize important cultural aspects of Italy. Homework assignments will be given. The required textbook is available in the Adult School office (approximately $45).
ITALIAN: Level II: 8 wks · Jan 25–March 14
Wednesday · 6-7:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 408 · $72

Instructor: Lidia Mazza Register Now »
Prerequisite: Level I or equivalent.

Textbook: Studio Italiano

Bentornati! (Welcome back!) This class will increase your knowledge of basic conversation and grammar skills learned in the previous class and will be conducted partially in Italian. Students will gain confidence in reading, writing and speaking through increasingly complex practice and exercises, as well as continue their learning of Italian life and culture. Homework assignments will be given. The textbook is required and available in the Adult School office (approximately $45).
ITALIAN: Level III: 8 wks · Jan 25-March 14
Wednesday · 7:35-9:05 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 408 · $72

Instructor: Lidia Mazza Register Now »
Prerequisite: Level II or equivalent

Textbook: Studio Italiano

Continuiamo a imparare l’italiano! Keep building the Italian skills you developed in Levels I and II. This class will help you enhance your Italian understanding and speaking, improve your grammar and vocabulary, and much more. The class is conducted in Italian and based on interactive participation of students. The textbook is required and available at the Adult School office (approximately $45).
JAPANESE: Beginning I - 2nd Quarter (Book I): 10 wks · Jan 11-March 14
Wednesday · 7-9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 405 · $120

Instructor: Sawako Tajima
CANCELLED

Prerequisite: Understanding of Lessons 1– 9 of Book I and kana reading/writing

Textbook: Japanese for Busy People I (revised 3rd edition, Romanized version)

Konnichiwa! Are you planning a trip to Japan? Do you like anime? This is your chance to learn situational Japanese. Emphasis is placed on speaking simply and correctly, and will involve reading and writing of kana characters. Required textbook is available at the Adult School office ($33).
JAPANESE: Beginning II - 2nd Quarter (Book I): 8 wks · Jan 9-March 12
Monday · 7-9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 405 · $96

Instructor: Sawako Tajima Register Now »
Prerequisite: Understanding of Lessons 1– 22 of Book I and kana reading/writing.

Textbook: Japanese for Busy People I (revised 3rd edition, Romanized version)

The goal of this class is to increase your ability to express yourself. We will work on your speaking skills, and building your grammar and vocabulary. Acquire a working knowledge of the spoken language in everyday life and explore Japanese culture. Ganbarimasho! Required textbook is available at the Adult School office ($33). No class January 16 and February 20.
JAPANESE: Intermediate - 2nd Quarter (Book II): 10 wks · Jan 12-March 15
Thursday · 7-9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 405 · $120

FULL

Understanding of Book I and Lessons 1–4 of Book II; kana reading/writing.

Textbook: Japanese for Busy People II (revised 3rd edition)

Improve your comprehension and learn more expressions. We will work on speaking/listening skills, and building grammar/ vocabulary as well. Familiarize yourself with kanji characters, and gain more confidence. Isshoni benkyo simasho! Required textbook is available at the Adult School office ($34).
SPANISH: Beginning: SECTION A (1st quarter)
10 wks · Jan 10-March 13
Tuesday · 8-10 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 402 · $120
Register Now »

SECTION B (1st quarter)
10 wks · Jan 10-March 13
Tuesday · 6-8 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 402 · $120

FULL

SECTION C (2nd quarter)
8 wks · January 9-March 12 (No class January 16 and February 20)
Monday · 6-8 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 402 · $96
Register Now »

SECTION D (2nd quarter)
10 wks · Jan 12-March 15
Thursday · 7-9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 402 · $120
Register Now »

Leonardo McCord Salazar Register Now »
Prerequisite: None

Textbook: ¡Bienvenidos a Guadalajara!

Do you wish you could understand the Spanish all around you? Explore the essentials of conversational Spanish. Principles of grammar will be fully explained. You will develop both reading and writing skills. Mr. McCord Salazar is a native speaker of Spanish. The required textbook is available in the Adult School office. Note: Quarter level reflects your Spanish skill level. (1st quarter is for people who speak no Spanish, and so on.)
SPANISH: Low Intermediate - 2nd Quarter: 10 wks · Jan 11-March 14
Wednesday · 7–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 403 · $120

Instructor: Sara Tevis, tevvy67@hotmail.com Register Now »
Prerequisite: Three quarters of Beginning Spanish or equivalent.

¿Habla Vd. español? Continue studying Spanish with this course that focuses on conversational skills. Add to your knowledge of grammar and culture of the contemporary Hispanic world. Required textbook may be purchased at the Adult School office.
SPANISH: High Intermediate Conversation - 2nd Quarter: 10 wks · Jan 11-March 14
Wednesday · 7–9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 402 · $120

Instructor: Leonardo McCord Salazar Register Now »
Prerequisite: Beginning and Low Intermediate Spanish (six quarters or equivalent).

You’re ready for more if you know the basics of Spanish grammar and have an active vocabulary of 2,000 words. Learn new grammatical structures and the not-so-dreaded Spanish subjunctive. You will develop speaking, listening and reading skills by discussing short works of contemporary Spanish/ Latin-American literature. Two textbooks are required.
ADVANCED SPANISH CONVERSATION AND LITERATURE: 10 wks · Jan 11-March 14
Wednesday · 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 406 · $120

Instructor: Graciela McCord Register Now »
Prerequisite: Advanced Spanish skills.

Converse only in Spanish and read contemporary Spanish/Latin-American plays, novels and short stories. Increase vocabulary and awareness of the Spanish-speaking world through group discussion. Repetition of the course is encouraged, as new literature is introduced each quarter. Graciela McCord is a native speaker of Spanish. Purchase of a textbook is required.

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