About Course Names/Levels
Most courses use numbers to indicate a skill level, and letters to indicate a series.*
Language 2B will start where Language 2A left off, for example.
Students are welcome to jump into courses they think will suit their level, even if they have not taken the previous courses at SLI. Please note, though, that the 1A courses are for students who are truly new to the language. If you are coming back to your language after a break, please talk with the director or your teacher before joining 1A. There may be a better option for you.
*Please note that the class numbers and letters used here do NOT necessarily correspond to the CEFR levels used in Europe to assess language proficiency, nor are we a source of official proof/documentation of language proficiency.
​If you are not sure what level is appropriate, read on, or contact the SLI director for help.​
DAN 1A, Sec 2 indicates a Beginning level Danish course, and at least 2 of these 1A courses are offered this quarter; this one is called Section 2 because the other class falls earlier in the week.​​
Overview
In the space of a 3-quarter year, a student can take course A, then B, and finally C.
The A-level courses usually begin in the fall, but may also be offered during other quarters. Summer classes, if available, are called level 1D, 2D, 3D etc.​​
Each series below = 3 quarters of classes (roughly 27 class days across 9 months).
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Language 1A 1B 1C = Beginning (1st year) Series
Language 2A 2B 2C = Intermediate (2nd year) Series
Language 3A 3B 3C = Advanced (3rd year) Series
Language 4A 4B 4C = Expert (4th year) Series
​​​​​A "Section" number is used when identical classes meet at different times and/or different days. Sections may, or may not, have different instructors as well.
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​NOR 3C signifies an Advanced Norwegian course being offered after 3A and 3B. There is only one 3C course available this quarter, so there is no Section number.​
Examples​
SWE 2B, Sec 1 means students have Intermediate Swedish skills, that it is the second course in the series, and at least 2 of these courses are offered this quarter; this one falls earlier in the week than the other, so it is called Section 1.
Go with the Flow
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Despite the apparently rigid system outlined above, some students might take the 2B class (for example) twice or three times, or the 3A class each spring. This is fine! Many people like to review classes before going on. So if that's your druthers, feel free! The only time we ask that you talk with us first is when you want to take 1A again. As it is reserved for students genuinely new to the language, it may or may not be appropriate for those who have taken it before. Contact us and we'll help! admin@scanlang.org​
Levels
BEGINNER (1A, 2A, 3A) Absorbing language info and trying things out.
To qualify, you need no background at all. We start from scratch. Please have a willingness to have fun and be ready to focus your full attention in each class every week. "At home" work is often given, but there are no tests and no grades.
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* Pronunciation is extremely important item on the agenda!
* Learn and understand how elementary nouns, verbs, adjectives work.
These are the "tools," the nuts and bolts of the language.
(In class, we do not assume you are familiar with grammar terms).
* Read, write, and translate simple sentences, gradually gaining skill and confidence, and continuing on to paragraphs and pages.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​INTERMEDIATE (2A, 2B, 2C) Expanding your abilities.
* Develop a solid ability to pronounce many words according to the rules discussed in class.
* Add a working ability with more complex sentences, idioms, phrases
* Read and write and spell (learn the art of using a dictionary well), and more work on speaking and understanding.
* Expand your command of questions and answers as the basis for conversation. * Generate descriptions of pictures or words.
* Add to and develop a vocabulary sufficient for simple expression on any topic—both active (conversational use) and passive (an ability to get the gist from context).
* Grow more comfortable with "in-the-moment" speaking
​​​ADVANCED (3A, 3B, 3D) Practicing and polishing.
*Focus on very good pronunciation
*Minimize difficulty translating sentences, paragraphs and articles which include more idiomatic phrases.
*Become more accurate with regard to spelling, word order, and form
*Be able to carry on a conversation with few problems
*Understand others' speaking on various subjects
*Express answers to questions that are asked in the target language with more detail and completeness.​
EXPERT Getting faster and more nuanced
(Can be taken over and over. No numbers or letters are associated with these classes).
*Improve your speed in conversation
*Expand reading comprehension to include complex, in-depth materials
*Polish your spelling (especially useful for Danish students!)
*Listen to rapid native or near-native speech and get all or most of the meaning
*Use vocabulary correctly in terms of politeness and appropriateness for various social situations​
How Other Classes are Labeled
Some classes are for more than one level, or they focus on one particular activity or aspect of language-learning.
EXAMPLES
Spelling for Danes (DAN 2A-3A): This class focuses on the intricacies of spelling in Danish. It is geared toward those at the early Intermediate (2A) through early Advanced levels (3A)
Swedish Book Club (SWE 1B-2C): In this class, students read a book in Swedish together. It is appropriate for slightly advanced beginners (1B) through those who have taken the entire second year of Swedish (2C).
Extra Practice & Word Games for Norwegians (NOR 1A) This is a way to increase your grasp of Norwegian vocabulary and grammar through games and other activities that are designed for complete beginners (1A). A good complement to the NOR 1A Language Class.
STILL NOT SURE?
Contact our Director if you have any questions about which class or level fits your needs.
Melissa Lucas
425-773-5370 admin@scanlang.org
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