100 Level Language Courses

ARAB 111 A01: Beginners’ Arabic I, Instructor: Hind Atallah

Curious about Arabic but not sure where to begin? ARAB 111 is designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of the language. Students begin with the Arabic alphabet and sound system before building foundational skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Modern Standard Arabic. Through conversations, role-plays, games, and other interactive activities, they learn to introduce themselves, exchange basic personal information, and communicate in simple everyday situations while gaining insight into Arabic-speaking cultures. Instruction is in both English and Arabic, with Arabic introduced from the first day and used progressively as students build their skills and confidence. An online companion platform also allows students to practise course material at home and work through additional activities at their own pace.

For eligible students, ARAB 111 may also count toward the Language Other than English (LOE) requirement and the Certificate in International Learning.

ARAB 112 LEC B01: Beginners' Arabic II; Instructor: TBA

This course is a continuation of Beginners’ Arabic I and aims to continue to develop your skills of pronunciation, reading, writing and conversation in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), the language read and understood by educated Arabs from Iraq to Morocco, through systematic instructions and drills. This term will cover lessons 6-13 from from Al-Kitaab fii Ta`alum al`Arabiyya: A Textbook for Arabic, Part One. Each lesson will include vocabulary, grammar, drills, and video examples of conversation situations. These lessons aim to create a bridge between the classroom and real-life situations. By the end of the course, students will be able to talk about their hobbies, extended family members, and studies, and narrate events in all verb tenses.

This course counts towards the Certificate in International Learning.

ARAB 113 A01: Arabic I For Heritage Learners, Instructor: Neemat Khursan

This course is designed for heritage students who may understand or speak some Arabic but have limited experience reading, writing, or working with Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). The language of instruction will be English, with Arabic gradually increasing based on the pace of the class and students’ overall level. We’ll start with the foundations of Arabic, from the alphabet and basic grammar to vocabulary and everyday conversations and use real-life situations to connect what we learn in class to the Arabic-speaking world. By the end of the semester, you’ll go from the basics to being able to read simple Arabic texts, communicate about yourself and familiar topics, write a short paragraph on familiar topics, and maintain a 2–3 minute conversation about familiar topics in Arabic.

ARAB 114 LEC B01: Arabic II For Heritage Learners; Instructor: TBA

ARAB 114 is a continuation of Beginners Arabic I for Heritage Learners. Students will continue to learn pronunciation, reading, writing, and conversation.This course aims to develop your skills in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), the language read and understood by educated Arabs from Iraq to Morocco, through systematic instruction and drills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. There will be five hours of instruction per week.

During this term, we will cover lessons 6 -13 from Al-Kitaab fii Ta`alum al`Arabiyya: A Textbook for Arabic, Part One. Each lesson includes vocabulary, grammar, drills, and video examples of conversation situations. These lessons aim to create a bridge between the classroom and real-life situations.

By the end of this course, successful students will be able to:

• Discuss their hobbies, extended family members, and fields of study in Arabic
• Narrate past, present, and future events using appropriate verb tenses
• Engage in more elaborate conversations and situational dialogues using an expanded vocabulary
• Produce longer written compositions with grammatical accuracy and coherence
• Comprehend longer spoken and written passages on familiar topics

FREN 111 A01-07/X01: Beginners' French I (DELF A1), Multiple sections, Instructors: Geraldine Barandiaran-Munoz, Mathieu Martin-LeBlanc, Jeffrey Longard, Jessica Holtby and Sanja Zakanji

Start from scratch, speak from day one
Embark on your French language journey, an ideal starting point for beginners. Designed for students with no prior knowledge of the language, this course uses an engaging combination of task-based learning and blended learning to build your confidence in speaking, reading, and writing. Beyond learning foundational grammar, you will dive into diverse Francophone cultures and discover meaningful ways to connect with the local Francophone community right here in Edmonton.

FREN 112 A01/ X01: Beginners' French II (DELF A2); Multiple sections, Instructors: Jeffrey Longard and Karen Turman

Take your French out of the textbook and into the real world.
Ready to take your foundational skills to the next level? FREN 112 focuses on "Living in French," preparing you to confidently navigate everyday life, engaging conversations, and real-world cultural situations. Through our dynamic format centered on task-based learning and blended learning, you will actively apply your skills and dive deeper into daily Francophone culture.

Prerequisite: FREN 111 or consent of the Department.

GERM 111 LEC A01: Beginners' German I; Multiple sections taught by instructors: Crystal Sawatzky or Anna Antonova

German 111 is an introduction to the German language and German-speaking cultures. The main goal of this course is to help you develop basic communication skills in German. To do so, we will get you to use German as much as possible because this is the most effective way to learn a language. Thus, the course places a strong emphasis on the development of your communicative ability in relation to the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, as well as cultural literacy. You will learn to talk about topics such as family and friends, university, leisure time, and making plans. This course follows a blended-learning model which is a combination of in-class, face-to-face instruction and interaction, and online self-paced, individual learning.

This is an elementary German course intended for students who have little or no prior knowledge of German.

This course counts toward the Certificate in International Learning.

GERM 112 LEC B01-04: Beginners' German II, multiple sections; Instructors: Crystal Sawatzky and Anna Antonova

German 112 continues the instruction that began in German 111 by helping you to extend your basic communication skills in German. The course places a strong emphasis on the development of your communicative ability in relation to the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, as well as cultural literacy. You will learn how to talk about topics such as sightseeing, planning a trip, describing your living arrangements, going shopping in a supermarket, and ordering food in a restaurant. We will also read a short novel. This course follows a blended-learning model which is a combination of in-class, face-to-face instruction and interaction, and online self-paced, individual learning.

This is an elementary German course intended for students who have successfully completed German 111 (pre-requisite) or have comparable prior knowledge of German (completed Level A1 - CEFR).

This course counts toward the Certificate in International Learning.

IRISH 111 LEC A01: Beginners' Irish I, Instructor: Rory Donnan

This course is intended for students with no previous knowledge of Irish and is designed to develop basic skills in listening, reading, speaking, writing, and intercultural competence. This is a course which requires active participation from students who are willing to partake in the class and undertake individual and group tasks. This is a fun and engaging course which will provide an insight into the Irish Language and build confidence in speaking and using the Irish Language in everyday conversation.

Note: This course should not to be taken by students with native or near native proficiency.

IRISH 112: Beginners' Irish II, Instructor: Donnan, Rory

ITAL 111 LEC A: Beginners' Italian I, multiple sections, Instructors: Patrizia Bettella and Lisa Lawrence

This course is for students with no previous knowledge of Italian. They will learn to express themselves in oral and written Italian, be able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions, basic phrases, introduce themselves and others, ask and answer questions about personal details, interact with others about familiar topics, acquire basic grammatical structures and vocabulary and will have developed cultural competency of the Italian context.

ITAL 112: Beginners' Italian II

 NORSE 111 LEC A01: Beginners’ Old Norse 1, Instructor: Natalie Van Deusen

Since Old Norse is not a spoken language, instruction in this course will be in English. After covering the basics of grammar and syntax in Old Norse, we will delve into the myths and sagas written in Iceland during the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries.  This course assumes zero knowledge of anything related to Scandinavia. By the end of the semester, you’ll go from the absolute basics to being able to read and translate a saga!

Note: NORSE 111 is a cross-listed course with Ancient and Medieval Studies in the Department of History, Classics, and Religion. 

NORSE 112: Beginners' Old Norse II 

NORW 111 LEC A01: Beginners' Norwegian I, Instructor: John Eason

Start learning Norwegian from scratch! Designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of the language, NORW 111 develops practical communication skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while introducing you to contemporary Norwegian culture and everyday life. We’ll explore topics such as university and work, daily routines, family and friends, food, leisure activities, clothing, and travel, giving you the language you need to communicate in everyday situations.

The course follows a blended-learning model, combining interactive, face-to-face classes three days a week with independent online study on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In class, we’ll focus on using Norwegian through dialogues, conversations, pair and small-group activities, listening practice, and cultural materials, while online exercises provide additional practice and reinforcement.

The course uses Norsk sammen!, a beginning Norwegian textbook that I wrote specifically for my students at the University of Alberta. It is provided free of charge—no textbook purchase is required. I designed the book and accompanying online materials to work together with what we do in class, with recurring characters, dialogues, readings, and activities that build progressively as your Norwegian develops. Music, film, and other cultural materials are incorporated throughout the course to connect the language we’re learning with Norwegian society, culture, and everyday life.

NORW 112 LEC B01: Beginners' Norwegian II; Instructor: John Eason

Continue your Norwegian language journey! NORW 112 builds directly on Beginners’ Norwegian I, further developing practical skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while expanding your knowledge of Norwegian culture and everyday life. We’ll explore topics such as leisure activities, clothing and shopping, appearance and personality, health and well-being, travel, holidays, and adventures, giving you the language you need to communicate in an increasingly wide range of everyday situations.

Like NORW 111, the course follows a blended-learning model, combining face-to-face classes three days a week with independent online study on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In class, we’ll focus on using Norwegian through dialogues, conversations, pair and small-group activities, listening practice, and cultural materials, while online exercises provide additional practice and reinforcement.

The course uses Norsk sammen!, a beginning Norwegian textbook that I wrote specifically for my students at the University of Alberta. It is provided free of charge—no textbook purchase is required. I designed the book and accompanying online materials to work together with what we do in class, with recurring characters, dialogues, readings, and activities that build progressively as your Norwegian develops. Music, film, and other cultural materials are incorporated throughout the course to connect the language we’re learning with Norwegian society, culture, and everyday life.

SWED 111 LEC A01: Beginners' Swedish I, Instructor: John Eason

Start learning Swedish from scratch! Designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of the language, SWED 111 develops practical communication skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while introducing you to contemporary Swedish culture and everyday life. We’ll explore topics such as university and work, daily routines, family and friends, food, leisure activities, clothing, and travel, giving you the language you need to communicate in everyday situations.

The course follows a blended-learning model, combining interactive, face-to-face classes three days a week with independent online study on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In class, we’ll focus on using Swedish through dialogues, conversations, pair and small-group activities, listening practice, and cultural materials, while online exercises provide additional practice and reinforcement.

The course uses Svenska tillsammans!, a beginning Swedish textbook that I wrote specifically for my students at the University of Alberta. It is provided free of charge—no textbook purchase is required. I designed the book and accompanying online materials to work together with what we do in class, with recurring characters, dialogues, readings, and activities that build progressively as your Swedish develops. Music, film, and other cultural materials are incorporated throughout the course to connect the language we’re learning with Swedish society, culture, and everyday life.

SWED 112 LEC B01: Beginners' Swedish II, Instructor: John Eason

Continue your Swedish language journey! SWED 112 builds directly on Beginners’ Swedish I, further developing practical skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while expanding your knowledge of Swedish culture and everyday life. We’ll explore topics such as leisure activities, clothing and shopping, appearance and personality, health and well-being, travel, holidays, and adventures, giving you the language you need to communicate in an increasingly wide range of everyday situations.

Like SWED 111, the course follows a blended-learning model, combining face-to-face classes three days a week with independent online study on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In class, we’ll focus on using Swedish through dialogues, conversations, pair and small-group activities, listening practice, and cultural materials, while online exercises provide additional practice and reinforcement.

The course uses Svenska tillsammans!, a beginning Swedish textbook that I wrote specifically for my students at the University of Alberta. It is provided free of charge—no textbook purchase is required. I designed the book and accompanying online materials to work together with what we do in class, with recurring characters, dialogues, readings, and activities that build progressively as your Swedish develops. Music, film, and other cultural materials are incorporated throughout the course to connect the language we’re learning with Swedish society, culture, and everyday life.

RUSS 111 LEC A01: Beginners' Russian I, Instructor: Kai Lin

RUSS 111 is an introduction to the Russian language and culture. The primary objective of this course is to help you develop fundamental communication skills in Russian. We will focus on listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural literacy. Upon completing the course, you will be able to read and comprehend short texts, as well as engage in brief conversations on everyday topics. The objectives of this course will be learned from a combination of face-to-face instruction and online independent study. It is crucial for your success to keep up with the materials on a daily basis.

RUSS 112: Beginners' Russian II, Instructor: TBA

SPAN 111 LEC A01-09/X01: Beginners' Spanish I, multiple sections, Instructors: Laura Velazquez, Katarina Primorac, Sandra Gaviria, Mathieu Martin-LeBlanc, Jesus Toapanta, Soroor Aghaei Afshar, and Carmela Bruni-Bossio.

The objective of this course is to develop basic proficiency in Spanish. To do so, we will get you to use Spanish as much as possible because this is the most effective way to learn a language. Thus, the course places a strong emphasis in the development of your ability to use the language in real life situations by working on language skills and knowledge within specific communicative situations.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases
• Introduce themselves and others and ask and answer questions about personal details
• Interact with others about familiar topics in a simple way
• Understand simple oral and written texts
• Recognize and describe some cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world

SPAN 112 LEC B01-08/X50: Beginners' Spanish II, multiple sections, Instructors: TBA

The objective of this course is to continue developing basic proficiency in Spanish. To do so, we will get you to use Spanish as much as possible because this is the most effective way to learn a language. Thus, the course places a strong emphasis in the development of your ability to use the language in real life situations by working on language skills and knowledge within specific communicative situations.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

•  Understand and use sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance
• Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters
• Describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need
• Understand simple oral and written texts on a variety of familiar topics
• Recognize and describe some cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world

UKR 111 LEC A01: Beginners' Ukrainian I, Instructor: Alla Nedashkivska

Never studied Ukrainian before? This course is for you. Designed specifically for students with no previous knowledge of Ukrainian (or only very minimal exposure), UKR 111 introduces the language through everyday communication and contemporary Ukrainian culture. Students develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while learning to introduce themselves, talk about family and university life, shop, order food, ask for directions, and communicate in everyday situations.

Our approach: The course follows an innovative blended-learning model, combining interactive classroom activities with short online self-study modules. Students learn through role plays, conversations, games, videos, music, and authentic cultural materials that encourage communication from the very first day of classes.

Materials & assignments: Free PodorozhiUA open educational resource, authentic media, online activities, quizzes, oral and written assessments.

Where can Ukrainian take you? Whether you are looking for an engaging elective, fulfilling the University’s Language Other than English (LOE) requirement (for eligible students), or beginning a Minor in Ukrainian or the Major in Modern Languages and Cultural Studies, UKR 111 opens the door to further study of Ukrainian language and culture. The course also may count toward the MLCS Certificate in Translation Studies and the Certificate in International Learning.

UKR 112 LEC B01: Beginners' Ukrainian II, Instructor: TBA

Ready to build on what you’ve learned? UKR 112 continues developing your communication skills through topics such as travel, restaurants, shopping, films, sports, and leisure activities. Students gain confidence expressing opinions, giving advice, making comparisons, and writing short texts while exploring contemporary Ukrainian language and culture.

Our approach: The course combines interactive classroom learning with short online self-study modules using an innovative blended-learning approach. Through role plays, conversations, games, videos, music, and authentic cultural materials, students strengthen their communication skills in meaningful, real-world contexts.

Materials & assignments: Free PodorozhiUA open educational resource, authentic media, online activities, quizzes, oral and written assessments.

Keep your journey going. Continue building your Ukrainian as an elective or as part of a Minor in Ukrainian, the Major in Modern Languages and Cultural Studies, or while pursuing the MLCS Certificate in Translation Studies, or the Certificate in International Learning.