World Languages Series CTYOnline offers world languages series in Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish. Each series features interaction with an instructor, teaching assistants, and other students, using Internet-based conferencing software and virtual classrooms with small class sizes. Materials are tailored to the different age groups. Broadband Internet access is necessary for all world languages courses, so check technical requirements carefully before enrolling; if a placement test is needed, contact ctyonline@jhu.edu How do courses in the CTYOnline world languages series work? Courses in the CTYOnline world languages series include a number of elements to ensure that students can engage in interactions with native speakers, understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics, and have access to rich, multimedia course materials. Virtual Classroom, Real Time Students log in to the real time, virtual classroom led by the instructor twice a week for one hour sessions (usually in the evenings). We will also work with schools to provide a daytime schedule if the need arises. The classroom includes audio and live video interaction with the instructor, interactive whiteboard, audio, web tours, chat, polling, and many other features to enhance online learning. Students use their headsets with microphones and speakers to interact with instructors and classmates over a broadband Internet connection. Individualized Conversation Practice Students have two individualized conversation practices with instructors (15 minutes) and teaching assistants (30 minutes) each week using telephone or voice over IP (Skype). These practice sessions emphasize every day conversational speaking, role-playing, and pronunciation. Software, Textbooks, and Other Course Materials Depending on the course, students must purchase course materials that may include CD-ROMs, textbooks, workbooks, or an online access code. Some materials may span more than one course as the student progresses through levels of study and moves on to the next course. CTYOnline Course Website Students log into their course website, which includes the complete syllabus, extensive multimedia learning materials, quizzes, tests, gradebook, recordings of the virtual classroom sessions available for review, messaging capabilities to communicate with instructors and teaching assistants, discussion forums for asynchronous interactions, course calendars, news items, and more. The online course website is a complete roadmap for the course. World Languages Readers Workshops The Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish Literature Readers Workshops are offered in 5-week sessions. Students will read the materials and listen to audios before meeting with their instructor and classmates in a virtual classroom each week. Workshops include fun activities and games, and no tests or grades are provided. Placement Testing World languages students who are unsure which course to take may request a placement test from CTYOnline to ensure proper placement. Contact ctyonline@jhu.edu 47
Arabic Arabic for Elementary School Students Basic Series (Parts I, II, III, IV) info on the web, and successful completion of prior Arabic Course Codes: ARL1, ARL2, ARL3, ARL4 This beginning series for younger student is designed for students without any prior exposure to the Arabic language. The course covers basic grammar and topics about everyday life and takes a fun, interactive approach with course materials appropriate to elementary school children. Students practice conversational Arabic and interact with the instructors and other students using Internet-based software. Arabic for Elementary School Students Intermediate Series (Parts I and II) info on the web, and completion of the prior Arabic course or by placement test Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during spring, summer, and Course Code: ARL5, ARL6 The intermediate Arabic courses are designed for 2nd to 6th grade students who have had prior knowledge and experience with the language and culture at the elementary level. The courses provide an opportunity to achieve their goals of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills to an intermediate level, reinforcing critical fundamental areas of language learning, expanding content in grammar, oral exercises, and culture. Students will be encouraged to take full advantage of all materials provided to them in hopes of aiding their learning and retention of this new language with greater confidence and enjoyment. I thought the class was well run and very challenging. I was amazed at how much my son learned in such a short amount of time. It was a wonderful experience. CTYOnline Parent 48
Arabic World Languages Arabic Language Basic Series (Parts I, II, and III) info on the web, and successful completion of prior Arabic Language For details, please visit the online course Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during spring, summer, and Recommended School Credit: AR11 is one academic year credit; AR12 and AR13 are each one-half academic year credit Course Codes: AR11, AR12, AR13 This introductory series of 12-week courses is designed to help students master the modern standard Arabic language. Students are introduced to the entire Arabic alphabet; consonants, long vowels, and short vowels. Students will study basic grammar and vocabulary, read simple texts, and write elementary sentences. Audio-oral practice will hone students correct pronunciation. Arabic Language Intermediate Series (Parts I, II, III and IV) info on the web, and completion of the prior Arabic Language course or placement test Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during spring, summer, and Course Codes: AR21, AR22, AR23, AR24 This series of 12-week intermediate courses is designed to enhance a student s listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Students create conversational dialogues to perform in their virtual classroom and present their own cultural tours using Arabic words. Students learn advanced vocabulary and grammar and become more familiar with Arabic dialects. Students further their knowledge about Middle Eastern culture and enjoy breathtaking virtual cultural tours into Arabic countries. Arabic Language Advanced Series (Parts I, II, III and IV) New Courses! info on the web, and completion of the prior Arabic Language course or placement test Course Codes: AR31, AR32, AR33, AR34 The upper level advanced courses are designed to expand and improve students proficiency in written and spoken modern standard Arabic. Students explore a variety of aspects of the Arab culture through readings, cultural tours, and videos. Readings will focus on the history, customs and traditions, and modern life in Arab cultures, aiding students in gaining effective communicative capabilities. The textbook used in this course introduces students to more detailed concepts in Arabic grammar that will improve their writing skills and accuracy and fluency when reading Arabic text found in newspapers and academic books. There is a sense of enthusiasm, liveliness, and energy that makes a student want to learn and remember... She gave me a sense of being truly inspired, and I will never forget her for that. CTYOnline Student 49
Chinese Chinese for Elementary School Students Basic Series (Parts I and II) info on the web; completion of Part I is prerequisite to enrolling in Part II or by placement test Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during spring, summer, and Course Codes: CHL1, CHL2 Young students with little or no knowledge of Chinese are introduced to everyday spoken Chinese and simplified forms of Chinese characters. The characters are used in conjunction with pinyin to reinforce listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. By the end of this two-part series, students will be introduced to most of the important grammatical structures of spoken Chinese and a vocabulary of about 700 lexical items. Students will have the language skills required to survive most simple daily conversational situations. The series takes a fun, interactive approach with course materials appropriate to elementary school children. Chinese for Elementary School Students Intermediate Series (Parts I, II, III, and IV) info on the web, and successful completion of the prior Chinese Course Codes: CHL3, CHL4, CHL5, CHL6 The intermediate levels of Chinese for Elementary Students are for young students who want to reinforce their Chinese speaking, listening, reading, writing, and grammar skills. Students become familiar with the characters and vocabulary so that pinyin is gradually omitted. Conversation topics are based on daily life. The Chinese culture related to the topic is integrated into each lesson and reading materials. By the end of the four-part series, students are required to write almost exclusively in main characters and form descriptive sentences. Chinese for Elementary School Students Advanced Series (Parts I, II, III, IV) info on the web, and successful completion of the prior Chinese Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during spring, summer, and Course Codes: CHL7, CHL8, CHL9, CHLX The advanced levels of Chinese for Elementary Students are designed for young students who want to build on their skills attained by completing the intermediate levels of Chinese for Elementary Students or the equivalent. In this series, students continue to learn new vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures, and strengthen reading comprehension, listening, and conversation skills. In addition, students work on writing responses to essay questions in Chinese. By the end of the program, students should achieve a level of proficiency that will enable them to engage in discussions, use computers to type a paragraph, and complete hand-written assignments, all in Chinese. 50
Chinese World Languages Chinese Language Basic Series (Parts I, II, and III) info on the web, and completion of the prior Chinese Language Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during spring, summer, and Recommended School Credit: CH11 is one academic year credit; CH12 and CH13 are each one-half academic year credit Course Codes: CH11, CH12, CH13 In these 12-week, college-level, basic Chinese language courses, students are introduced to Chinese phonetics, the Chinese writing system, the pinyin system, and Chinese grammar. Online classes are held twice per week during the evening, and separate conversational sessions with instructors are arranged with each student. The lively and interactive multimedia courseware is Chinese Odyssey, developed at Johns Hopkins University. It contains a wide range of activities that develops and solidifies students listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar skills. Students will learn both Chinese language and culture. Chinese Language, Intermediate Series (Parts I, II, III, and IV) info on the web, and completion of the prior Chinese Language Course Codes: CH21, CH22, CH23, CH24 The 12-week Intermediate Chinese Language courses are ideal for study abroad preparation, as well as SAT-2 Subject Test- Chinese and AP Chinese test preparation. Online classes are held twice per week during the evening, and separate conversational sessions with instructors are arranged with each student. At this level, Chinese characters are used in conjunction with pinyin only on vocabulary lists throughout the book. More complicated grammar and interactive practice situations help students learn to communicate in everyday Chinese life. The lessons include colloquial dialogues, clear and detailed explanations of grammar rules and language usage, coordinated grammar and communication exercises, and cultural material. Students are required to write almost exclusively in characters. The instructor is extremely dedicated, and it really seems, through her enthusiasm and her connections with her students, that she really loves what she does. CTYOnline Parent Learning Chinese in a Virtual Classroom 51
Chinese Chinese Language, Advanced Series (Parts I, II, III, and IV) info on the web, and completion of the prior Chinese Language Recommended School Credit: one-half academic year Course Codes: CH31, CH32, CH33, CH34 Each 12-week Advanced Chinese Language course solidifies students competence in modern Chinese communication. In this third year of Chinese Odyssey, students will participate in sophisticated verbal and written discussions in Chinese. Online classes are held twice per week during the evening, and separate conversational sessions with instructors are arranged with each student. Lesson topics include etiquette and marriage customs, traditional Chinese medicine, and analyzing Chinese economic, political, and environmental policies and reforms. Chinese Essay Writing Coming Soon! Open to: Grades 2 12 info on the web, and Grades 2 6: completion of CHLX or 4 years Chinese study Grades 7 12: completion of CH21 or 2 years Chinese study. Placement test available upon request. Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during spring, summer, and. Course Code: CHEW This course will guide students in the creative delivery of their ideas in written Chinese. Students will begin reviewing vocabulary and grammar, including sentence structure, and then move on to the writing process. Activities include reading articles that require students to synthesize, determine cause and effect, and draw comparisons and conclusions. Students will be encouraged to support their ideas with specific examples. Writing assignments may include a short narrative story, a, and a persuasive essay. This course is ideal for students with strong speaking skills who desire more practice in their Chinese reading and writing. Students will be separated by grade into two groups: grades 2 6 and grades 7 12, if enrollment permits. AP Chinese Language and Culture Prerequisites: Qualifying reading/verbal or math score, three or more years of Chinese language instruction, and a satisfactory result on the CTYOnline Chinese language placement test Textbook Purchase Required: For details, please visit online course Recommended School Credit: One academic year Course Length: Academic year session (30 weeks) requires 3 5 hours per week, with breaks for holidays. Course Code: APCL AP Chinese Language and Culture course is designed to provide students with various opportunities to further improve their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills to be ready for the AP Chinese exam held every May. Students enrolled in this course will also have the maximum exposure to Chinese cultural elements that are integrated in the process of learning the language. Online classes are held once per week during the evening, and separate conversational sessions with instructors are arranged with each student. This course includes a laboratory component designed to meet College Board standards and has been reviewed and approved by the College Board. This course is only offered during the 30-week academic session. 52
Spanish World Languages Spanish Language for Elementary Students Basic Series (Parts I, II, III and IV) info on the web, and completion of the prior Spanish course or by placement test Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during spring, summer, and Course Codes: SPL1, SPL2, SPL3, SPL4 This course series provides a step-by-step process through basic Spanish vocabulary, sentences, and expressions drawn from everyday life. It introduces students into the indigenous cultures that form an important part of the Spanish-speaking world. Students begin using verb conjugations by practicing their conversations with their peers and instructor about such topics as school, sports, music, and games. A work book reinforces each lesson, both written and auditory. Spanish Language for Elementary Students Intermediate Series (Parts I, II, III and IV) info on the web, and completion of the prior Spanish course or by placement test Course Code: SPL5, SPL6, SPL7, SPL8 The intermediate Spanish courses are designed for 2nd to 6th grade students who have had prior knowledge and experience with the language and culture at the elementary level. The courses provide an opportunity to achieve their goals of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills to an intermediate level, reinforcing critical fundamental areas of language learning, expanding content in grammar, oral exercises, and culture. Students will be encouraged to take full advantage of all materials provided to them in hopes of aiding their learning and retention of this new language with greater confidence and enjoyment. Spanish Language for Elementary Students Advanced Series (Parts I and II) info on the web, and completion of the prior Spanish course or by placement test Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during spring, summer, and Course Code: SPL9, SPLX The Spanish courses for advanced students are focused on Spanish literature. They are designed for 2nd to 6th grade students who have had prior knowledge and experience with the language and culture. The courses provide the students an opportunity to achieve their goals of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills from the literary point of view at the advanced level. The students knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world will be expanded through the introduction of contemporary children s novels that appropriate to this level. The students will also review and obtain a deeper appreciation of the grammar structures learned at the intermediate Spanish level. Students should be prepared to handle more challenging aspects of the language, as well as begin the process of analyzing literature. 53
Spanish Spanish Language, Basic Series (Parts I, II, III, and IV) info on the web, and completion of the prior Spanish Language Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during summer session Course Code: SP11, SP12, SP13, SP14 Each 12-week course is designed for students in grades 7 12 with little or no previous knowledge or exposure to Spanish. Students will be introduced to the sound system and grammatical structure of the Spanish language with ageappropriate curriculum. The focus will be on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. By the end, students will have a basic understanding of grammar, including word formation, verb conjugations, idiomatic expressions, and cognates. Students will acquire a knowledge of the geography, culture, and people of regions where Spanish is spoken. Spanish Language, Intermediate Series (Parts I and II) info on the web, and completion of the prior Spanish Language Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during summer session Course Codes: SP21, SP22 These courses are designed for 7th to 12th grade students who have prior knowledge with the Spanish language at the elementary level. The courses provide students the opportunity to speak, listen, read, and write at an intermediate level and expand their understanding of grammar structures, oral exercises, and culture. Students are given tools to recognize, understand, and pronounce multiple Spanish words, including those expressing preferences, and to write descriptive narratives. The material will increase their ability to understand and summarize main ideas in authentic advanced, written, Spanish texts and spoken and recorded Spanish. Spanish Language, Intermediate Series (Parts III and IV) info on the web, and completion of the prior Spanish Language Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during summer session Course Codes: SP23, SP24 The main objective of these courses is to expand the knowledge of the Spanish narrative. This is done by offering a comprehensive introduction to Peninsular and Latin American literature with special attention to specific grammar points such as preterit, imperfect, perfect, subjunctive, future, conditional, and progressive tenses. The four basic language skills (listening, reading, speaking, and writing) will be developed during the course through practice and the application of specific learning strategies. Students will read and analyze representative literary works and engage in literary analysis and Spanish grammar. Spanish Language, Advanced Series (Parts I and II) info on the web, and completion of the prior Spanish Language Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during summer session Course Codes: SP31, SP32 These advanced courses use a unique approach to developing Spanish composition through descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive writing. Reading materials will serve as the foundation for discussions and analysis. The textbook includes grammar, usage, and vocabulary. Students will be prepared to become better writers both in the classroom and in real life environments by creating letters, newspaper articles, and more. 54
Spanish World Languages Spanish Language Essay Writing New Course! Open to: Grades 2 12 Prerequisites: Qualifying reading/verbal or math score and Grades 2 6: completion of SPL4 or 2 years of Spanish study Grades 7 12: completion of SP14 or 2 years of Spanish study Placement test available upon request. Textbook Purchase Required: For details, please visit online course Course Length: 12 weeks Course Code: SPEW This course provides a unique approach to developing Spanish composition skills by focusing on descriptive, narrative, persuasive, informational, and comparative paragraph writing. High interest reading materials serve as the foundation for engaging discussions and compositional analysis. To prepare the student for advanced coursework, the course also includes grammar, usage, punctuation, vocabulary, and spelling. Students will become better writers, both in the classroom and in real-life situations. AP Spanish Language and Culture Prerequisites: Qualifying reading/verbal or math score and at least three years of Spanish language study Textbook Purchase Required: For details, please visit online course Recommended School Credit: One academic year Course Length: Academic year session (30 weeks long) requires 3-5 hours per week, with breaks for holidays. Course Code: APSP This AP Spanish Language and Culture course is conducted primarily in Spanish with authentic materials from the Spanishspeaking world. This course is designed to provide students with various opportunities to improve their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills that are necessary for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Examination. The instructional philosophy of this course includes the integration of the four required language skills that are critical to the successful usage of Spanish: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course is only offered during the 30-week academic session. AP Spanish Literature and Culture New Course! Prerequisites: Qualifying reading/verbal or math score and at least three years of Spanish language study Textbook Purchase Required: For details, please visit online course Recommended School Credit: One academic year Course Length: Academic year session (30 weeks long) requires 5-7 hours per week, with breaks for holidays. Course Code: APSL AP Spanish Literature and Culture is designed to introduce students to the formal study of Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and U.S. Hispanic literature from the middle ages to the present day. The course aims to develop students critical reading and analytical writing skills in Spanish to perform successfully on the AP Test in Spanish Literature, as well as their ability to make interdisciplinary connections and explore linguistic and cultural comparisons. This class will be conducted entirely in Spanish and student will be expected to communicate in Spanish appropriate to this level. It covers the entire official AP Spanish Literature and Culture required reading list. Students will be required to write essays to continue improving analytical writing, and participate and active discussions to analyze the different works on poetry, prose, and drama. This course is only offered during the 30-week academic session. My instructor was engaging and lively and always there for us if we had questions. She told us that if you want to understand the language, you have to understand the people and their cultural beliefs. That really inspired me. CTYOnline Student 55
Reading & Literature Workshops Arabic Readers Workshop Open to: Grades 2 12 Prerequisite: For details about levels and prerequisites, please visit the online course Course Length: 5 weeks Course Codes: ARB1 [Basic], ARI1 [Intermediate], ARA1 [Advanced] These wonderful short stories will open a world of adventure, fun, and entertainment for students studying the Arabic language. Engaging books embody characters common in Arab cultures and take students on a journey through Arabic literature. The course gives students the opportunity to practice and improve all areas of language use, by reading, listening, and speaking Arabic at all levels. Students will explore moral themes with engaging characters and exciting settings. Weekly story discussions will strengthen and improve reading, comprehension, and listening skills as well. Students will be separated by grade into two groups: Grades 2 6 and Grades 7 12. Chinese Readers Workshop Open to: Grades 2 12 Prerequisite: For details about levels and prerequisites, please visit the online course Course Length: 5 weeks Course Codes: CRB1 [Basic], CRI1 [Intermediate], CRA1 [Advanced] These wonderful short stories will open a world of adventure, fun, and entertainment for students studying the Chinese language. Engaging books embody characters common in the Chinese cultures and takes students on a journey through Chinese legendary stories. The course gives students the opportunity to practice and improve all areas of language use, by reading, listening, and speaking Chinese at all levels. Students will explore moral themes with engaging characters and exciting settings. Weekly story discussions will strengthen and improve students reading, comprehension, and listening skills as well. Students will be separated by grade into two groups: Grades 2 6 and Grades 7 12. Spanish Readers Workshop Prerequisite: For details about levels and prerequisites, please visit the online course Course Length: 5 weeks Course Code: SRB1 [Basic], SRI1 [Intermediate], SRA1 [Advanced] These are short engaging courses intended to provide students with general knowledge and an appreciation of Spanish stories. The courses will also provide for the further development of language skills at all levels. The courses are designed to enhance the reading and comprehension skills of Spanish readers. The fun narration of each story includes Spanish idioms and challenging phrases that will allow readers to become accustomed to more advanced Spanish literary language. The stories themselves can also familiarize readers with basic Spanish cultural knowledge. Each story presented in these courses has an interesting plot that will engage readers to not only understand the story, but also learn Spanish phrases and improve reading comprehension. Spanish Literature Readers Workshop Prerequisite: For details about levels and prerequisites, please visit the online course Course Length: 5 weeks Course Codes: SLT1 [Basic], SLT2 [Intermediate], SLT3 [Advanced] These fun courses are an introduction to various short stories where the student will examine narratives as a form of reflection of the culture and history of Spanish-speaking people and their countries. Courses develop language skills and provide students with a general knowledge and appreciation of Spanish/Latino culture. Students are given opportunities to practice and improve all areas of language use, by reading, listening, and speaking Spanish at all levels. 56
English Language Learning English Language Learning Former U.S. Secretary of Education Diane Ravitch says an English Language Learner (ELL) is a student whose home language is not English and who has not yet acquired proficiency in English. Students can qualify for CTY with a very high verbal score and still be English Language Learners. CTYOnline created these courses to help ELL students use English more confidently in their future CTY courses. These are above-grade-level courses and appropriately challenging for CTY students. We have also integrated these courses with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) content area vocabulary. Vocabulary and Grammar for English Language Learners Using STEM Open to: Grades 3 and up Format: Web-based, see page 32 Prerequisite: Qualifying math score, see eligibility info on the web, and score on placement test indicating at least basic English speaking, listening, and reading skills. Textbook Purchase Required: For details, please visit the online course Course Length: 12 weeks, offered during spring, summer, and Course Code: ESL1, ESL2, ESL3, ESL4 This series is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of English Language Learners (ELLs) interested in pursuing studies in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The courses focus on English speaking, listening, reading, and writing proficiency, using STEM content area vocabulary. The interactive lessons give students the opportunity to take risks and have fun while improving their English grammar, reading, and composition skills. The virtual classroom includes live audio and video interaction with the instructor and online classmates, interactive whiteboard, multimedia learning materials including games, and other features to enhance online learning. Each course prepares students for the next level, and upon completion, students should be able to write varied sentences, effective paragraphs, and many different styles of essays. Students should request the ELL placement test from ctyonline@jhu.edu to be placed in the correct level. Crafting the Essay for English Language Learners Formats: Web-based, see page 32 Challenge Level: College freshman Prerequisite: Qualifying reading/verbal score, see eligibility info on the web Textbook Purchase Required: For details, please visit the online course Course Length: This 30-week course requires 3 hours per week. Course Code: CDBL This 30-week course uses the same curriculum as the 20-week version of Crafting the Essay. In addition, it emphasizes grammar, such as verb tenses, pronouns and antecedents, and subject-verb agreement, focusing on the needs of English language learners. Students work on both sentence level grammatical structures and larger content and structural issues. By the end of this course, most students should be prepared for Writing Analysis and Persuasion, but some may need further grammatical work offered in From Structure to Style. Please visit the online course for a demonstration lesson. 57