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
-
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
-
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
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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?
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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.
