"What I like most about GCN? – the teachers. They are native speakers and so qualified to not only teach but to bring a special life to the language through occasional personal stories and perspectives that immeasurably enhance the experience. From time to time, my first teacher shared personal moments in her life, reflecting the culture of Mexico. My current teacher, (who brings the interesting perspective of a lawyer), sometimes uses YouTube videos of events from his home –Colombia, to make points about language in a way that is quite fascinating." John, Current Student
Please read below for detailed descriptions on each class. If you are registering for Beginning 2 or higher, please use this online assessment to determine your level. Register online or call us at 612.436.8274. All class sessions last for 2 hours.
Stresses simple conversation and vocabulary for everyday use. By the end of the course, students will be able to express themselves in the present tense and conjugate -ar, -er, -ir and irregular verbs. Assumes no prior exposure to Spanish. Placement testing is not required for Beginning 1 classes - just register!
Develops vocabulary, expands on the present tense, and introduces basic past tense and reflexive verbs. Topics include immigration, expression of emotion, travel, and aspects of Spanish-speaking culture. The prerequisite for the class is familiarity with Spanish, including the present tense.
Covers the imperfect tense, indirect and direct object pronouns, present perfect tense and the future tense. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand a variety of expressions, vocabulary, and cultural aspects of the language. Prerequisites for the class include basic vocabulary, present tense verbs and familiarity with preterit tense.
Register for an Intermediate Class if you scored between 20-40 on the online assessment.
Develops a sophisticated understanding of the differences between preterit and imperfect verb tenses, the use of por and para, and formal and informal commands. The class emphasizes pronunciation, vocabulary and reading. By the end of the course students should be able to read, write and converse adequately in Spanish.
Introduces and expands upon present subjunctive tense. Students will learn how and when to use the subjunctive in adverb, adjective and noun clauses. The instructor will incorporate grammar lessons with cultural themes and background to give students a broader understanding of Latin American issues. During the course, students will be expected to work on advanced grammar.
Develops knowledge of past subjunctive, conditional tense and relative pronouns. The course includes various exercises in reading, writing and conversation to develop a complete understanding of the proper use of all grammar forms.
Suited for an intermediate language learner who is interested in practicing speaking and listening skills. The instructor will teach reading comprehension, interpretation and appropriate practices in formal speaking settings. The class will also focus on culturally-specific idioms and common sayings from different regions of the Spanish-speaking world. Students should have completed our Beginning 3 class or test into a similar level. Ideal for students at the Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 levels.
This advanced grammar course prepares students to focus on accuracy, fluency and meaningful use of grammar structures in context. This is accomplished through speaking, writing and listening activities, along with a brief review of the structures taught in the Intermediate levels. There is a special focus on complex sentences, subordination, direct and indirect style, and adverbial clauses. Emphasis is placed on grammar skills related to writing and speaking skills, such as coherence, transitions, and control of tense shifts. Emphasis is also placed on meta-cognitive skills needed to analyze and explain grammatical structures and usage.
This course helps students identify their own errors and weaknesses, develop strategies to correct them in order to increase accuracy and fluency. A variety of authentic materials and homeworks assigments are employed in the course.
This class covers the finer points of the language needed to master more formal speech including adverbs, prepositions, articles and the proper use of accents in formal writing. Students will explore works of literature & poetry while engaging in theme-based conversations. Ideal for the Advanced Spanish Learner interested in maintaining language skills & further developing knowledge about Latin American peoples and traditions. Immersion teachers welcome!
*All students registering for this class must complete placement testing before registering. This class is designed for more advanced Spanish students - students should have completed our Intermediate 2 class or test into a similar level.