Language & Travel   

The Arts of Islam introduces the architecture and arts of the western Islamic world dating from the seventh through the seventeenth centuries. We will review Islamic monuments on the Arabian Peninsula, throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Spain, Turkey, and Iran. Particularly, we will look at the art of the book, paintings, ceramics, and metalworks.

Formerly "French for Travelers," this course is for those who want to focus on pronunciation, politesse, and practicalities – the vocabulary and idioms helpful as an introduction to French and for travelers in French-speaking countries. The class is conducted mainly in English, with the aim of explaining how to say and understand basic French expressions. Note: flirting WITH French, not flirting IN French!

This course is for people who have studied some French in the past. We study basic French grammar, usage, and vocabulary. The focus is communicating with others in written and spoken French. If you are new to French, consider enrolling in "Flirting with French" (formerly "French for Travelers") for an introduction to the sounds of, and expressions in, French.

You know a fair amount of French, but you sometimes blank on a verb conjugation or wonder when to use which preposition? You want to express your thoughts in French with more facility? Be prepared for classes that focus on grammar, usage, creating French sentences, and improving listening skills, plus reading French writings to hone our skills.

On parle français dans cette classe, sans traduction (si nous avons de la chance). On doit avoir l'envie d'entendre et de parler mieux le français, et peut-être un jour le parler couramment. Il n’y a pas de textes.

Most American PBS viewers know Sue Perkins as one of the original hosts on the Great British Baking Show. She has also presented a number of travel series on British television. Over nine class meetings, we'll view her travels down the Ganges from its source and up the Mekong through South Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. We'll also take a whirlwind tour through Japan or travel along the TransAlaska highway, one of the worlds' most dangerous roads.