German 101 – First Semester German
(4 credits)
- Section 001: MTWRF 9:55-10:45 am 378 Van Hise Hall
- Section 002: MTWRF 11:00-11:50 am 475 Van Hise Hall
- Section 003: MTWRF 12:05-12:55 pm 390 Van Hise Hall
- Section 004: MTWRF 1:20 – 2:10 pm 383 Van Hise Hall
- Section 005: MWR 3:30-4:50 pm 378 Van Hise Hall
(This course is also offered for graduate students as German 401.)
Presumes no knowledge of the German language. In the course students learn basic vocabulary around topics such as classroom objects, daily routines, descriptions of people and objects, simple narration in present time, etc. German 101 covers material presented in the textbook Vorsprung from Kapitel 1 to Kapitel 5. Students read and discuss “real” texts (written by and for native) speakers from the start. Grammar is explained using examples from these texts as well as from a graphic novel, told in installments, that traces the journey of an American exchange student, Anna Adler, to the university in Tübingen as well as her adventures once there. The course also offers basic cultural insights and comparisons that are further elaborated on in second-year courses. Testing is done in increments of chapter quizzes; there is no mid-term and no traditional final exam. Students also complete writing & reading assignments as well as matching assessments, all with a take-home component. There are two oral projects. Class participation is encouraged and an attendance policy is in place. This course cannot be audited.
Required texts:
- Lovik, Guy, and Chavez. Vorsprung, 4th edition (Cengage) and bundled e-book license (access to Mindtap). Check the course Canvas site for information on options for purchasing the required materials or Cengage Unlimited (subscription service).
Recommended texts:
- Cecile Zorach and Charlotte Melin. English Grammar for Students of German. Olivia & Hill Press (latest edition).
- (Good) German/English English/German dictionary.
Please contact jmschuel@wisc.edu with any questions.
Scandinavian Studies 101 – First Semester Norwegian
(4 credits)
- Section 001: MTWRF 9:55-10:45 am 386 Van Hise Hall Instructor: TBD
- Section 002: MTWRF 1:20-2:10 pm 387 Van Hise Hall Peggy Hager
Prerequisites: None. Open to undergraduates.
Norwegian 101 is a first semester language course that presumes no knowledge of the Norwegian language. It is open to freshman. The course develops basic skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing Norwegian. We offer a thematic, communicative approach to language teaching that strives to put language in the context of culture. Classroom time focuses on communication and listening, as well as introducing basic grammatical concepts. Homework centers on reinforcing vocabulary, reading, grammar exercises and writing. Thematic units covered in Norwegian 101 include social language and identity, schools and education, food and meals, daily-life and leisure. We are currently using a curriculum package published by Nancy Aarsvold and Kari Lie Dorer called Sett i gang I (Edition II). First semester Norwegian covers chapters 1-11 in this text..
The final grade is determined as follows: 10% attendance and participation; 20% homework, essays, written work; 15% in-class quizzes; 50% exams; 5% oral exam
Required texts:
- Sett i gang I (Edition II) (chapters 1-12) (authors: Kari Lie Dorer and Nancy Aarsvold)
Audio and online exercises: Free and online.
Slavic 101 – First Semester Russian
(4 credits)
- Section 001: MTWRF 9:55-10:45 1510 Microbial Sciences
- Section 002: MTWRF 11:00-11:50 159 Van Hise Hall
- Section 003: MTWRF 12:05-12:55 335 Van Hise Hall
- Section 004: MTWRF 1:20-2:10, 386 Van Hise Hall
- Section 005: MTWRF 8:50-9:40 TBD (This section is not currently available for enrollment.)
Prerequisites: None. Open to first-year students.
Language of Instruction: Russian
Five hours a week focusing on speaking, listening, reading and writing Russian, with an introduction to Russian culture. No previous knowledge of Russian expected.
German 111 – First Semester Dutch
MTWR 9:55 AM-10:45 am 491 Van Hise Hall Prof. Jolanda Vanderwal Taylor (4 credits)
(face-to-face with substantial multimedia component online)
Prerequisites: None. Open to first-year students.
(Also offered as 311 for graduate students).
One of the advantages of studying at the UW is being able to take courses in Dutch. Although the study of Dutch linguistics and literature has steadily expanded at major American universities in recent years, many universities do not offer this language. Since Dutch is a Germanic language—linguistically related to both German and English—and since the Dutch have always had close ties, Dutch is a logical choice as an additional language for American students from a range of majors or areas of interest.
Required textbook: Textbook and access to new online interactive multimedia materials, a substantial component of the course, supplied at no cost to students enrolled in this course.
Please contact jvtaylor@wisc.edu with any questions.
Scandinavian Studies 111 – First Semester Swedish
MTWRF 12:05-12:55 pm 1116 DeLuca Biochemistry Building Instructor: TBD (4 credits)
Prerequisites: Open to first-year students.
Language of Instruction: Swedish
This course is an introduction to the Swedish language. Students will learn the foundations for reading, speaking, and writing Swedish and will learn about the culture of Sweden.
For more information about this course contact us at info@gns.wisc.edu.
Scandinavian Studies 121 – First Semester Danish
MTWRF 11:00-11:50 am 4279 Helen C. White Hall Instructor: TBD (4 credits)
Prerequisites: Open to first-year students.
Language of Instruction: Danish
This is an introductory course in basic Danish, so we will be working with the important basic skills of language acquisition, i.e., speaking, listening reading and writing. The most important aspect of learning a new language is using it, and we will base our strategy on the communicative language teaching approach. Class time is crucial for practicing communication skills, so attendance is essential, and participation will be part of your grade. The course will also contain presentations and information about Denmark and the Danes, and you will be encouraged to make comparisons between the Danish and the American culture in order to gain a deeper understanding of differences and similarities. We will use technology regularly to work interactively with the language and to enhance our understanding of the Danish society. We will watch movies and listen to music to gain a historical and current perspective on Danish culture.
For more information see the instructors website.
Scandinavian Studies 131 – First Semester Finnish
MTWRF 11:00-11:50 am 375 Van Hise Hall Instructor: TBD (4 credits)
Finnish 131 is a first semester language course that presumes no knowledge of the Finnish language. It is open to freshman. The course develops basic skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. We offer a thematic, communicative approach to language teaching that strives to put language in the context of culture. Classroom time focuses on communication and listening, as well as introducing basic grammatical concepts. Homework centers on reinforcing vocabulary and grammar through reading, writing, and other exercises. Thematic units covered focus on daily life and activities in Finland, with an emphasis on vocabulary of importance to the student, or future visitor to Finland.
Slavic 301 – Intro to Intensive Polish
MWF 12:05-12:55 pm 483 Van Hise Hall Ewa Miernowska (3 credits)
Prerequisites: Junior standing. Open to first and second-year students with consent of instructor.
Language of Instruction: Polish
The course teaches MODERN STANDARD POLISH. It practices reading, writing, speaking, and oral comprehension at the beginning (September, October) and intermediate level (November, December). The focus will be on oral communication, on learning grammatical patterns and building up active vocabulary. Great course for Polish native speakers who want to quickly review Polish grammar. After completing this course students can take Fourth semester of Polish (Slavic 208) or Advanced Polish class (Slavic 277).
Required Texts:
- Textbook Polish 301 at University Book Store
- Oscar E. Swan, Polish Verbs and Essentials of Grammar, McGraw-Hill, 2009
- Dictionary (suggested Collins Polish Dictionary)
GNS 331 – First Semester Kazakh
MTWR 8:50-9:40 am Van Hise 499 Dr. Gulnara Glowacki (4 credits)
This course provides students with an introduction to the Kazakh language, which is a Turkic language spoken by about 11 million people in Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Russia, and Iran. Students will work within four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The primary goal of the course is to learn to communicate in Kazakh in authentic situations and Kazakh will be used as the primary language in classroom instructions, with minimal use of English for explanations of grammar.
GNS 339 – First Semester Turkish (Meets with Second Semester Turkish)
M-F 11:00-11:50 am Chamberlin 2134 (tentative) Dr. Nalan Erbil (4 credits)
Designed for students who are interested in learning the modern Turkish language (“Istanbul Turkish”) and cultures, and who have limited or no previous language use. This course introduces basic grammar & vocabulary building competence in novice level listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Turkish. Authentic materials will be provided to simulate real-life situations. Students will identify basic products, practices, and perspectives of Turkish speaking cultures. Negotiating cultural nuance and intercultural competence within the social justice paradigm will be emphasized.
Scandinavian Studies 404 – Modern Icelandic
MTWRF 11:00-11:50 am 3425 Sterling Hall Instructor: TBD (4 credits)
Prerequisites: Open to all students. No prior knowledge of Icelandic or other Nordic languages is required.