IPSL Global Engagement

Westminster serves as the institution of record for IPSL-Global Engagement

www.westminsteru.edu/ipsl

Faculty: Thomas Winston Morgan

Program Goals:

IPSL's global programs engage students, educators, and grassroots organizations around the world in hands-on, community-based Service-Learning to promote equitable relationships, social justice, sustainable change, and a commitment to our shared humanity.

Objectives:

Through ethical, community-based Service-learning programs, IPSL provides opportunities for students to make people-to-people connections with social change organizations all over the world. Opportunities through IPSL include engaged studies abroad, internships, fieldwork, preceptorships, immersive language study, graduate study, and global participatory action research (GPAR).

IPSL Courses

IPSL-01: Independent Directed Study

IPSL recognizes the vital role independent study can play in a student's education. Independent study allows the student to explore a topic of interest under the close supervision of a faculty member who has agreed to direct the student's work. The course may include directed readings, applied work, assisting the faculty member with a research project, carrying out an independent research project, or other activities deemed appropriate by the supervising faculty member and the department. Regardless of the nature of the experience, the work must culminate in a formal project or paper, and a presentation.

IPSL-02: Community Organization Social Activism

This course deals with the origin and background of non-governmental organizations in the country of study, including how these groups have been created to respond to essential social problems and the ways that civil society in this country has found to exercise fundamental rights and respond to needs not covered by the state. The different types of organizations studied are: Non-Governmental Organizations, Foundations, Civil Associations, Social and Popular Movements. We will study the history, the birth and the issues on which these social organizations work. We will investigate their contribution to the development of skills and opportunities for the 21st century for growth in the midst of differences. Coursework is complemented by volunteering in a community project and engagement with diverse cultures and viewpoints. Students reflect on national and international practices using the curriculum framework and drawing on discussions with host country nationals.

IPSL-03: Language Across Curriculum

This course is designed for students with all proficiency levels in a language spoken in the country where the course is taken. This is a streamlined, focused course designed to produce maximum functional fluency in a specific area of interest. Course topics and vocabulary are carefully compiled to provide students the language patterns they need to successfully navigate professional/social situations while living and studying in the country. This course helps students achieve proficiency not only in conversational language but also in skill areas necessary for further study, such as phonetics, grammar and sentence structure.

IPSL-04: Sponsored Research

Through a pre-approved, supported, and scaffolded research project, this graduate course introduces the in-country history of and current effective practices in community and civic engagement, including domestic and international volunteerism, community building and organizing, and social activism. Coursework is complemented by service efforts in the community; students reflect on service using both local and international lenses through reflection activities.

IPSL-05: International Service Learning

There is ample evidence demonstrating that peaceful social movements are highly successful in creating positive change worldwide. Even in countries where voluntary action is more informally structured, there exist still community organizing and social activism in one form or another. It is therefore critical that students seeking to build their careers in global change know what these models are and how they work to be effective in their chosen fields. Regardless of their career path, students learning and developing community organizing and activism skills expand the slate of abilities to help them more engage effectively in empowerment and leadership in a variety of settings. Through ethical, community-based Service-learning programs, IPSL provides opportunities for students to make people-to-people connections with social change organizations all over the world. Opportunities through IPSL include engaged studies abroad, internships, fieldwork, preceptorships, immersive language study, graduate study, and global participatory action research (GPAR).

IPSL-08: Special Topics

A changing topics course

IPSL-101.10: Global/Community-Based Studies

International Service-Learning (ISL) is a pedagogical methodology that enables students to apply knowledge and skills learned in traditional learning environments (e.g. the classroom) to meaningful community-based service abroad. IPSL 101 offers structured learning experiences that combine Service in a community abroad with explicit learning objectives, preparation, and reflection.

IPSL-20: Afro Colombian History Culture

This course is an interdisciplinary examination of the history, politics, race, class, gender and cultural expression of the African Diaspora in the Caribbean region with special focus on Afro-Colombians. Special attention will be given to issues in the creation of a multicultural society, such as the dynamics of cultural identity, social and political issues. We will approach this course from a holistic perspective within a framework of Afro-Caribbean Studies. We situate multidisciplinary interpretations of history and culture within their socio-historic contexts, and assess these interpretations, especially from less-privileged and less-represented perspectives. In the case of the Caribbean, this means critical readings of European and American history and finding the voices and cultural expressions of the people of Indigenous, African, and Afro-Mestizo ancestry. This interdisciplinary subject provides students with the opportunity to study issues relevant to the distinctive physical, political and socio-economic challenges facing Colombia. Such study integrates perspectives from various disciplines including, Cultural Studies and Ethics, Economics, Government and Politics, History, International relations, Physical and Human Ecology, and Sociology, as tools for understanding Colombian society and culture.

IPSL-21: Conflict Peace Colombia

The course provides a framework for exploring the comparative peace and reconciliation processes in four different regions: Northern Ireland, South Africa, Rwanda, and Colombia. This course explores the meaning of political reconciliation, the role of forgiveness in politics and the debates surrounding the creation of War Crime Tribunals, Truth Commissions and Administrative Purges. Since we are in a post-conflict society (Colombia), this course will transcend theory. Through a series of meetings with researchers, policy makers, and diplomats, we will see how different countries have confronted legacies of violence, abuse and other human-caused disasters. Examples include paths to peace in South Africa's struggle after Apartheid, Northern Ireland's attempt to end decades of sectarian violence between Catholics and Protestants, Rwanda's ethnic-centered violence, and Colombia's return to peace after years of violence and intimidation as a result of the international narcotics trade.

IPSL-31: Greek History Culture Language

This course is designed to familiarize students with Greek history and culture. Its aim is to explore the 5000 years of Greek history, understanding why Greece is still considered the cradle of our civilization, stopping at its greatest moments, discovering those elements that made Greece stand out through the ages, exploring ancient Greek art and culture and understanding the ways and the degree it shaped the western world. The course will connect the dots from prehistoric times and the era of the great heroes and legends, like Hercules, Odysseus and the Trojan War, with the achievements of Ancient Greece, the troubled years of Medieval and Byzantine Greece until its independence after the Greek Revolution of 1821, and Greece in the 21st century. Taking place in a large, vibrant port city of Thessaloniki, with a history of over 2500 years, the students will be able to experience Greece's living history firsthand and learn the basics of the Modern Greek language in context with the course content.

IPSL-32: Rise of Social Solidarity in Greece

This course explores the concept of solidarity, or social unity, in the context of austerity and refugee burdened Greece. Austerity measures motivated community efforts including soup kitchens and free pharmacy distribution clinics. At the height of the European refugee crisis, civilian volunteers offered clothing, food, transportation and shelter to immigrants and refugees entering Greece. This course explores how these two crises moments have challenged established forms of sociality and motivated a movement towards national and global solidarity. Drawing on literature, engaging with ongoing NGO and government efforts, in addition to directed discussions with Greeks.

IPSL-33: Creative Thinking Entrepreneurship

This course is about productive thinking and is designed to assist students in developing critical and creative thinking skills that are essential ingredients to enhance their innovation and decision-making skills. These skills include the ability to make well- reasoned decisions, solve problems skillfully, and make carefully thought-out judgments about the worth, accuracy, and value of information, ideas, claims and proposals. Students will apply various modes of thinking to address critical business issues and workplace applications.

IPSL-34: Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle

This course focuses on the Mediterranean Diet and the Mediterranean way of life. It is designed to help students develop an understanding about the specific diet and its health benefits, the main ingredients and produce, research the theory of the Mediterranean way of life, and to provide an international perspective through a rich study abroad program with valuable experiences that students can draw from and finally, through cooking workshops, offer students hands on experience on the secrets and makings of the Mediterranean cuisine. We will also examine the cultural and emotional interconnections that influence what, and how we eat, and how we socialize with, and around food. Greek cooking offers an incredibly rich and diverse array of foods and beverages that are the culmination of literally thousands of years of living, cooking, and eating. While each Greek meal is fresh and inviting, it is also a trip back through Greece's history.

IPSL-35: Mediterranean Outdoor Exploration

This course focuses on Leadership, through instruction and experiences in Outdoor settings. The "About Limits: Mediterranean Outdoor Exploration & Leadership" course is to prepare participants to have the academic background skills and necessary experiences to analyze, plan, implement, lead and supervise teams, not only in an outdoor environment but also in academia or a corporate setting, through experiential and physical challenges. It is designed to help students develop conditional leadership skills, understand group development and communication, and empower facilitation techniques in an outdoor environment. In addition, the course provides opportunities to sharpen the creative decision-making process, meet challenges for problem solving and sound judgment, and all this in the wild Greek mountains. Moreover, the program emphasizes the environmental ethics and "Leave No Trace" approach. We will, also, analyze the main domains of a risk management plan through outdoor activities and discuss how this knowledge could be transferred in a business or corporate environment. Finally, the course uses team bonding activities and tries to teach and enhance decision making skills through games in the outdoors. The Greek mountains offer an incredibly rich and diverse natural environment with physical challenges, breathtaking scenery accompanied with endless chats over delicious meals by the fire.

IPSL-40: Guatamala One Health Ecology Culture

This course captures the interconnectedness of people, the environment, and animals that we use for food in-situ. These topics are examined through a One Health lens, through site visits and hands-on service projects with local Guatemalan farms, cooperatives, and community-based agricultural initiatives. Students have the opportunity to reflect upon their service and experiential learning via reading reviews and reflection workshops throughout the course. Students live, study, work, and make new and interesting connections such as with local community organizers, other volunteers and students and international researchers, who enrich and strengthen the outreach of the organization to the surrounding communities. Students should have a strong interest in nutrition and food politics, as well as environmental conservation and public health. Experience with the Spanish language is highly recommended but not required.

IPSL-50: Environmental Social Justice Peru

Biological diversity is one of the most valuable assets our society has in order to achieve Sustainable Development. This course provides knowledge of the theory and practice of this concept. Topics aim to stimulate a critical examination of the potential of biological resources and interactions in meeting sustainability goals while also understand the need for a constant economic growth and social equity. This course is specifically created to address the complex issues of Environmental Sustainability as they relate to biodiversity conservation with its main focus in Peru.

IPSL-51: Incan Architecture Urban Devlpmt Andes

The course is intended to introduce students to the general, quantitative and qualitative aspects of the evolution of architecture and urban planning in the Andes in South America. We will cover the aspects of territorial, agricultural and civic management under Andean societies and its development through the height of its glory under the Inca culture. The course covers conceptual aspects such as the evolution of Andean society, its historical background, the geography, environment, and overall community health of the central Andes, the interaction between society and its territory and environment. We will review the history of the origins of the American Caral civilization, early urban planning, ceremonial temples of the formative period, the first cities of the ceremonial centers upon the emergence of the urban theocratic centers, the Moche city, the rise of the Andean Wari Empire, the late states and feudal estates, coastal cities, high Andean settlements, Moche architecture and urban planning, the capital city of Chimu, the city of Chanchan, the Pachacamac ceremonial center, through the development of the Inca Empire and the colonial development of the city of Cusco.

IPSL-52: Indigenous Knowledge Traditional Healing

Traditional healers are found in every society. Their knowledge and leadership have been key in the survival of ancient communities since the beginning of humanity. This course provides information that underscores this concept. Topics aim to stimulate a critical examination of the role of traditional healers in Peru going back to the Pre-Inca Cultures, through the Inca Empire and finishing in our current society. This course examines the historical, political, economic and social forces shaping the health and wellness of Indigenous peoples and communities in Peru and around the world. We examine health, healing and wellness in its broadest interpretation, and as such, consider histories of state violence and colonialism, struggles for sovereignty/land rights and self-governance, structural violence and environmental racism, truth and reconciliation politics, ecological struggles over energy, water and pollution, and contemporary bio-politics in urban and rural settings.

IPSL-60: Ethics Community Health South Africa

Through the interdisciplinary coursework in this program, students learn about contemporary public health issues in South Africa through hands-on training with IPSL's partner organization in Cape Town, South Africa. By uniting service with traditional learning, students gain knowledge about the historical, political, economic, cultural, and geographic forces that shape the history of public health interventions in South Africa. The service places students at the nexus of Community-based Health, Social Enterprise, Volunteer Development, and the struggle for Social and Racial Justice. Through lectures from scholars and scholar-practitioners, readings, hands-on service, and selected site visits in the region, students critically examine topics related to health promotion and provision, traditional healing, rural health and social justice in South Africa.

IPSL-70: Environmental Sustainable Development

This course will provide current basic knowledge of the fundamental features and functions of the natural environment, including: natural resources; geo/natural disaster-hazards; the human impact on the environment; and the role in solving problems related to human activities in hazard adaptation and mitigation, in decision-making policies on sustainable development, resource use and environmental protection. The goals of the course are to improve awareness of (and provide techniques for) the sustainable use of natural resources, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Content will emphasize interdisciplinary and integrated approaches.

IPSL-71: Global Health Environment Vietnam

Global health has been defined as an area for study, research, and practice that places priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide. This course examines major global health challenges, programs and policies, with practical examples in Vietnam. Students will be introduced to Southeast Asia's diversity of determinants of health and diseases. Students will explore and analyze current and emerging health priorities, including infectious zoonotic diseases, poverty, environmental pollution, dioxin/Agent Orange and the "American" (Vietnam) War's legacy. Health inequity, health systems reforms, health policy advocacy, and major initiatives for disease prevention and health promotion in Vietnam will be examined with an eye toward comparative study with health in a "developed" nation.

IPSL-72: Public Space in Urban Planning

In this dynamic course on public space inclusion in Vietnamese urban planning, you will explore the critical role that public spaces play in fostering vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable cities. Guided by expert instructors and drawing upon multimodal learning approaches, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, strategies, and best practices for effectively incorporating public spaces into urban planning processes. Through a combination of theoretical insights, case studies in various Vietnamese cities, and interactive discussions, you will delve into the various dimensions of public space design, activation, and management. You will examine the social, cultural, economic, and environmental aspects of public spaces, considering how they shape community identity, encourage social interaction, enhance livability, and promote environmental sustainability. Throughout the course, you will engage in hands-on exercises and collaborative projects to develop practical skills in analyzing, conceptualizing, and designing inclusive public spaces. You will explore innovative approaches such as participatory design, placemaking, and tactical urbanism, and learn how to integrate diverse perspectives, including those of marginalized communities, into the planning process.

IPSL-73: Sustainable Tourism

Course Description (do not include registration instructions, requisites, or schedule cycle information): Sustainability is a key concept of 21st century planning in that it broadly determines the ability of the current generation to use resources and live a lifestyle without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. Sustainability affects our environment, economics, security, resources, health, economics, transportation and information decision strategy. It also encompasses decision making, from the highest administrative office, to the basic community level. This course will cover many aspects of sustainable tourism across a range of the topical fields involved in researching or implementing sustainable tourism projects. The major topics to be discussed include general knowledge of tourism and sustainability and operations and marketing for sustainable tourism. Discussions will aim to bring understanding of alternative forms of tourism such as ecotourism and community-based tourism and "pro-poor" tourism approaches. Students can direct their focus to particular interests such as community engagement, cross- cultural education and communication, volunteer development and management, etc.

Languages

IPSL Language courses may be taken for 1 to 9 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Chinese/Mandarin

CHN-225.1: Chinese Language Basic A1

This introductory level course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Chinese. Through a combination of interactive classroom activities, audiovisual materials, and practical exercises, students will acquire basic vocabulary and grammar, and develop essential skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in simple everyday conversations, comprehend basic written texts, and write short messages and descriptions.

CHN-226.1: Chinese Basic+ A2

Building upon the foundation laid in the A1 level, this course aims to strengthen student's proficiency in Chinese. Emphasizing communicative competence, students will expand their vocabulary, learn more complex grammatical structures and enhance their listening and speaking skills through role-plays, discussions and presentations. Reading comprehension and writing abilities will also be further developed, enabling students to handle a wider range of topics and express themselves more fluently.

CHN-325.1: Chinese Intermediate B1

At the intermediate level, this course focuses on deepening students' understanding and command of Chinese language and culture. Through authentic materials, multimedia resources, and interactive activities, students will refine their grammatical knowledge, expand their vocabulary, and develop a greater ability to engage in discussions and express opinions. Reading and listening comprehension skills will be honed through exposure to various texts and audio sources, while writing skills will be enhanced through composing coherent paragraphs and short essays.

CHN-326.1: Chinese Intermediate B2

This advanced level course is designed for students who have already acquired a solid foundation in Chinese. It aims to further polish their language skills to a near-native level. Students will delve into more complex linguistic structures, idiomatic expressions, and cultural nuances. Through authentic materials, such as literature, newspapers, and films, students will deepen their reading and listening comprehension abilities. Speaking and writing skills will be refined through in-depth discussions, debates, and composition tasks, enabling students to express themselves accurately and fluently in a variety of contexts.

CHN-425.1: Chinese Language Advanced C1

This Chinese C1 course focuses on advanced language skills, aiming to enhance proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Topics may include complex conversations, cultural nuances, advanced grammar structures, and literary texts. Students are expected to engage in discussions, express opinions, and comprehend authentic materials. Emphasis is placed on fluency, accuracy, and cultural understanding at an advanced level.

CHN-426.1: Chinese Language Advanced C2

The Chinese C2 course is designed for learners who have achieved a near-native level of proficiency in the language. The course aims to refine and perfect language skills to a highly advanced level. Overall, this CEFR Chinese C2 course aims to equip learners with the linguistic, cultural, and critical skills necessary to function at an expert level in Chinese-speaking environments and to engage effectively with Chinese language and culture at an advanced level.

French

FRN-225.1: French Language Basic A1

This introductory level course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of French. Through a combination of interactive classroom activities, audiovisual materials, and practical exercises, students will acquire basic vocabulary and grammar, and develop essential skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in simple everyday conversations, comprehend basic written texts, and write short messages and descriptions.

FRN-226.1: French Language Basic + A2

Building upon the foundation laid in the A1 level, this course aims to strengthen student's proficiency in French. Emphasizing communicative competence, students will expand their vocabulary, learn more complex grammatical structures and enhance their listening and speaking skills through role-plays, discussions and presentations. Reading comprehension and writing abilities will also be further developed, enabling students to handle a wider range of topics and express themselves more fluently.

FRN-325.1: French Intermediate B1

At the intermediate level, this course focuses on deepening students' understanding and command of French language and culture. Through authentic materials, multimedia resources, and interactive activities, students will refine their grammatical knowledge, expand their vocabulary, and develop a greater ability to engage in discussions and express opinions. Reading and listening comprehension skills will be honed through exposure to various texts and audio sources, while writing skills will be enhanced through composing coherent paragraphs and short essays.

FRN-326.1: French Intermediate B2

This advanced level course is designed for students who have already acquired a solid foundation in French. It aims to further polish their language skills to a near-native level. Students will delve into more complex linguistic structures, idiomatic expressions, and cultural nuances. Through authentic materials, such as literature, newspapers, and films, students will deepen their reading and listening comprehension abilities. Speaking and writing skills will be refined through in-depth discussions, debates, and composition tasks, enabling students to express themselves accurately and fluently in a variety of contexts.

German

GER-225.1: German Language Basic A1

This introductory level course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of German. Through a combination of interactive classroom activities, audiovisual materials, and practical exercises, students will acquire basic vocabulary and grammar, and develop essential skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in simple everyday conversations, comprehend basic written texts, and write short messages and descriptions.

GER-226.1: German Language Basic + A2

Building upon the foundation laid in the A1 level, this course aims to strengthen student's proficiency in German. Emphasizing communicative competence, students will expand their vocabulary, learn more complex grammatical structures and enhance their listening and speaking skills through role-plays, discussions and presentations. Reading comprehension and writing abilities will also be further developed, enabling students to handle a wider range of topics and express themselves more fluently.

GER-325.1: German Intermediate B1

At the intermediate level, this course focuses on deepening students' understanding and command of German language and culture. Through authentic materials, multimedia resources, and interactive activities, students will refine their grammatical knowledge, expand their vocabulary, and develop a greater ability to engage in discussions and express opinions. Reading and listening comprehension skills will be honed through exposure to various texts and audio sources, while writing skills will be enhanced through composing coherent paragraphs and short essays.

GER-326.1: German Intermediate B2

This advanced level course is designed for students who have already acquired a solid foundation in German. It aims to further polish their language skills to a near-native level. Students will delve into more complex linguistic structures, idiomatic expressions, and cultural nuances. Through authentic materials, such as literature, newspapers, and films, students will deepen their reading and listening comprehension abilities. Speaking and writing skills will be refined through in-depth discussions, debates, and composition tasks, enabling students to express themselves accurately and fluently in a variety of contexts.

Japanese

JPN-225.1: Japanese Language Basic A1

This introductory level course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Japanese. Through a combination of interactive classroom activities, audiovisual materials, and practical exercises, students will acquire basic vocabulary and grammar, and develop essential skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in simple everyday conversations, comprehend basic written texts, and write short messages and descriptions.

JPN-226.1: Japanese Language Basic + A2

Building upon the foundation laid in the A1 level, this course aims to strengthen student's proficiency in Japanese. Emphasizing communicative competence, students will expand their vocabulary, learn more complex grammatical structures and enhance their listening and speaking skills through role-plays, discussions and presentations. Reading comprehension and writing abilities will also be further developed, enabling students to handle a wider range of topics and express themselves more fluently.

JPN-325.1: Japanese Intermediate B1

At the intermediate level, this course focuses on deepening students' understanding and command of Japanese language and culture. Through authentic materials, multimedia resources, and interactive activities, students will refine their grammatical knowledge, expand their vocabulary, and develop a greater ability to engage in discussions and express opinions. Reading and listening comprehension skills will be honed through exposure to various texts and audio sources, while writing skills will be enhanced through composing coherent paragraphs and short essays.

JPN-326.1: Japanese Intermediate B2

This advanced level course is designed for students who have already acquired a solid foundation in Japanese. It aims to further polish their language skills to a near-native level. Students will delve into more complex linguistic structures, idiomatic expressions, and cultural nuances. Through authentic materials, such as literature, newspapers, and films, students will deepen their reading and listening comprehension abilities. Speaking and writing skills will be refined through in-depth discussions, debates, and composition tasks, enabling students to express themselves accurately and fluently in a variety of contexts.

Korean

KOR-225.1: Korean Language Beginner A1

This Korean A1 level course is designed for absolute beginners who have little to no prior knowledge of the Korean language. The course aims to provide learners with a basic foundation in Korean language skills, focusing on essential vocabulary, grammar structures, and basic communication strategies. The goals of this Korean A1 level course is to equip learners with the necessary skills and confidence to communicate in simple, everyday situations and lay the groundwork for further language study.

KOR-226.1: Korean Language Beginner + A2

This Korean A2 level course is designed for learners who have a basic understanding of Korean and are able to communicate in simple, routine situations with some confidence. The course builds upon the foundation established in the A1 level, expanding vocabulary, grammar knowledge, and communication skills. By the end of this Korean A2 level course, learners should be able to communicate effectively in most everyday situations, understand the main ideas of simple texts and conversations, and express opinions and ideas with reasonable fluency and accuracy. They should also have a better understanding of Korean grammar and culture, laying the groundwork for further language study at the B1 level.

KOR-325.1: Korean Language Intermediate B

This Korean B1 level course is designed for learners who have a solid understanding of Korean and are able to communicate fluently and accurately in a variety of situations. At this level, learners are capable of expressing themselves with increased proficiency, understanding more complex texts and conversations, and engaging in discussions on various topics. By the end of a Korean B1 level course, learners should be able to communicate effectively and confidently in most situations, understand complex texts and conversations with ease, and engage in discussions on a wide range of topics with native or proficient speakers. They should also have a deeper understanding of Korean grammar and culture, preparing them for further language study at the B2 level.

KOR-326.1: Korean Language B2

This Korean B2 level course is designed for learners who have a strong understanding of Korean and are able to communicate fluently and accurately in a wide range of situations. At this level, learners are capable of expressing themselves with a high degree of proficiency, understanding complex texts and conversations, and engaging in discussions on various topics with native or proficient speakers. By the end of a Korean B2 level course, learners should be able to communicate effectively and confidently in most situations, understand complex texts and conversations with ease, and engage in discussions on a wide range of topics with native or proficient speakers. They should also have a deeper understanding of Korean grammar and culture, preparing them for advanced language study or professional use.

Russian

RUS-225.1: Russian Language Beginner A1

This CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Russian A1 level course is designed for absolute beginners who have little to no prior knowledge of the Russian language. The course aims to provide learners with a basic foundation in Russian language skills, focusing on essential vocabulary, grammar structures, and basic communication strategies. The goal of this A1 level course is to equip learners with the necessary skills and confidence to communicate in simple, everyday situations and lay the groundwork for further language study.

RUS-226.1: Russian Language Beginner + A2

This CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Russian A2 level course is designed for learners who have a basic understanding of Russian and are able to communicate in simple, routine situations with some confidence. The course builds upon the foundation established in the A1 level, expanding vocabulary, grammar knowledge, and communication skills. By the end of a CEFR Russian A2 level course, learners should be able to communicate effectively in a range of everyday situations, express opinions and preferences more confidently, and have a better understanding of Russian grammar and culture.

RUS-325.1: Russian Language Intermed B1

This CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Russian B1 level course is designed for learners who have a moderate understanding of Russian and are able to communicate with some fluency in a variety of situations. This level marks an intermediate stage where learners can engage in more complex conversations, understand main ideas of more elaborate texts, and express opinions and ideas with greater detail. By the end of this CEFR Russian B1 level course, learners should be able to communicate confidently in most everyday situations, understand the main ideas of moderately complex texts and conversations, and express opinions and ideas with reasonable fluency and accuracy.

RUS-326.1: Russian Language B2

Spanish

SPN-225.1: Spanish Language Basic A1

This introductory level course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Spanish. Through a combination of interactive classroom activities, audiovisual materials, and practical exercises, students will acquire basic vocabulary and grammar, and develop essential skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in simple everyday conversations, comprehend basic written texts, and write short messages and descriptions.

SPN-226.1: Spanish Language Basic + A2

Building upon the foundation laid in the A1 level, this course aims to strengthen student's proficiency in Spanish. Emphasizing communicative competence, students will expand their vocabulary, learn more complex grammatical structures and enhance their listening and speaking skills through role-plays, discussions and presentations. Reading comprehension and writing abilities will also be further developed, enabling students to handle a wider range of topics and express themselves more fluently.

SPN-325.1: Spanish Intermediate B1

At the intermediate level, this course focuses on deepening students' understanding and command of Spanish language and culture. Through authentic materials, multimedia resources, and interactive activities, students will refine their grammatical knowledge, expand their vocabulary, and develop a greater ability to engage in discussions and express opinions. Reading and listening comprehension skills will be honed through exposure to various texts and audio sources, while writing skills will be enhanced through composing coherent paragraphs and short essays.

SPN-326.1: Spanish Intermediate B2

This advanced level course is designed for students who have already acquired a solid foundation in Spanish. It aims to further polish their language skills to a near-native level. Students will delve into more complex linguistic structures, idiomatic expressions, and cultural nuances. Through authentic materials, such as literature, newspapers, and films, students will deepen their reading and listening comprehension abilities. Speaking and writing skills will be refined through in-depth discussions, debates, and composition tasks, enabling students to express themselves accurately and fluently in a variety of contexts.

Vietnamese

VIE-225.1: Vietnamese Language Begin A1

This CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Vietnamese A1 level course is designed for absolute beginners who have little to no prior knowledge of the Vietnamese language. The course aims to provide learners with a basic foundation in Vietnamese language skills, focusing on essential vocabulary, grammar structures, and basic communication strategies. This goal of this CEFR Vietnamese A1 level course is to equip learners with the necessary skills and confidence to communicate in simple, everyday situations and to lay the groundwork for further language study.

VIE-226.1: Vietnamese Language Begin + A2

A CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Vietnamese A2 level course is designed for learners who have a basic understanding of Vietnamese and are able to communicate in simple, routine situations with some confidence. The course builds upon the foundation established in the A1 level, expanding vocabulary, grammar knowledge, and communication skills. By the end of this CEFR Vietnamese A2 level course, learners should be able to communicate effectively in most everyday situations, understand the main ideas of simple texts and conversations, and express opinions and ideas with reasonable fluency and accuracy. They should also have a better understanding of Vietnamese grammar and culture, preparing them for further language study at the B1 level.

VIE-325.1: Vietnamese Language Intrmed B1

This CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Vietnamese B1 level course is designed for learners who have a solid understanding of Vietnamese and are able to communicate fluently and accurately in a variety of situations. This level marks an intermediate stage where learners can engage in more complex conversations, understand main ideas of more elaborate texts, and express opinions and ideas with greater detail. By the end of this CEFR Vietnamese B1 level course, learners should be able to communicate effectively and confidently in most situations, understand complex texts and conversations with ease, and engage in discussions on a wide range of topics with native or proficient speakers. They should also have a deeper understanding of Vietnamese grammar and culture, preparing them for further language study at the B2 level.