Courses other than German
In the spirit of the European Union, the GAI now offers classes for languages other than German. Our classes are open to the public, and anyone interested in learning a new language is welcome to enroll. We uphold the same standards of professional excellence for all of our language classes. Prospective students are welcome to visit a class before registering.
To reserve your place in a class, click "register now" at the upper right side of this page and pay securely on-line with your debit or credit card, or download the registration form (PDF) to register by fax or mail. Credit card payments are also gladly accepted over the phone at 651-222-2979.
Course Descriptions
Russian 100: Assumes no prior knowledge of Russian. This 18-week course is designed for the serious language student who wants to rapidly gain skills in speaking and Russian comprehension. The level-1 curriculum covers pronunciation, a broad range of vocabulary related to everyday life, and basic reading, writing, and grammar skills.
The instructor, Halina Solakhava, is a native of Belarus and professional language teacher who incorporates modern instructional methodology and great creativity into every class. Textbook used for levels 100, 102, & 103.
Italian 100: Assumes no prior knowledge of Italian. The 18-week course follows an immersion-style curriculum that builds all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) at a rapid pace. Italian 101 is oriented towards the serious language student who wants to gain a comprehensive Italian proficiency, beyond the level of tourist or community education.
Eric Dregni is the course instructor, a professional, well-loved Italian teacher in the Twin Cities. Text materials include student book and workbook, used for levels 100, 102, & 103.
Latin 1-A: Do you aspire to understand European languages in greater depth? Have you ever wanted to read Caesar or Cicero in the original Latin? Are you looking to challenge your mind with something new?
This 12 week course, largely equivalent to the first semester of university Latin, covers the basic vocabulary, syntax, and history of the Latin language during the mid-late Roman Empire. We shall relate Latin to modern European languages, study the meaning and structure of an inflected language and begin writing basic documents in Latin. This course is an excellent foundation for medical and law students, as well.
Required Materials: Students are responsible for procuring the texts independently before the first class meeting.
Wheelock's Latin (Wheelock's Latin) by Frederic M. Wheelock and Richard A. Lafleur (Paperback - May 31, 2005)
Workbook for Wheelock's Latin by Paul T. Comeau and Richard A. Lafleur (Paperback - May 30, 2000)
Optional Materials:
38 Latin Stories Designed to Accompany Frederic M. Wheelock's Latin (Latin Edition) by Anne H. Groton and James M. May (Paperback - Dec 1, 1998)
Minimus (Latin for Children): This course is for students in 2nd through 5th grade (or the equivalent non-graded home-school levels). Students will learn Latin through the eyes of “Minimus,” a Roman mouse. We shall study the life of an actual roman family whose home and possessions have been excavated in Italy.
In addition to Latin grammar, syntax and history, this course offers cross-curricula applications in Art, Music, Science, Social Studies, & Writing
Required Materials:
Minimus Pupil's Book: Starting out in Latin by Barbara Bell and Helen Forte (Paperback - Jan 28, 2000) $23.00
Optional Materials:
Minimus Audio CD by Barbara Bell (Audio CD - Mar 6, 2006) – Audiobook $22.00
ACT / SAT Prep: This course prepares middle school and high school students for all verbal and writing aspects of the ACT and SAT. However…this course will be fun! We shall get to the Latin and Greek roots of things, learn words of other origins and determine “What do I do on the essay?”
We shall write, beginning with humorous essays and building to essays based upon actual ACT and SAT sample questions. We will learn and use test-taking strategies and put aside any squeamish feelings about these exams. Register for this course only if you want test preparation to be fun and interesting!