Languages

High school students, ages 16–17, may enroll in Continuing Education classes, including American Sign Language, if they submit a completed dual-enrollment form approved by their high school principal or designee. Students must be 16 at the time of enrollment and the first day of class, per North Carolina Administrative Code 23 NCAC 02C.0305, Education Services for Minors.

Introduction to American Sign Language

This slower-paced course provides a basic introduction of American Sign Language (ASL) fundamental concepts and functions through a culturally enriched learning environment. Participants learn the basic functioning of fingerspelling and how to introduce themselves through this manually spoken language. No textbook is required. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 10 hours. $70

Beginning American Sign Language

This course provides a basic introduction of American Sign Language (ASL) linguistics, syntax, semantics, parameters, signed vocabulary, and functions of the language through a culturally enriched learning environment. Students are required to pass an expressive formative evaluation that assesses their acquired skill set. 20 hours. $74

Beginning American Sign Language II

Continue to build on the signing skills you learned in Beginning American Sign Language I. This course puts greater emphasis on refining grammatical structure and concepts. Since the course is taught primarily voice-off, students interactively engage in signed conversations, as well as acquire more receptive skills. Students must pass an expressive and receptive formal evaluation. Beginning ASL I or permission from the program coordinator is required to enroll. 20 hours. $74

Beginning Arabic I

This introductory course is intended for students with little or no knowledge of Arabic. The course presents essential vocabulary and grammar to help students develop pronunciation, listening, reading, and writing skills necessary for basic communication and comprehension. Customs and cultural insights are also presented. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 24 hours. $85

Italian Is Fun Book I

This introductory course is intended for students with little or no knowledge of Italian. Students learn essential vocabulary and grammar to develop the pronunciation, listening, reading, and writing skills necessary for basic communication and comprehension. Customs and cultural insights are also presented. Italiano Essenziale I, Fundamentals of Italian, ISBN 978-1567654349, is the required textbook. 48 hours. $129

Italian Is Fun Book II

A continuation of the introductory level, this course features increased emphasis on vocabulary enrichment, grammar, and reading comprehension. Students listen, speak, write, and read in Italian in a series of communicative activities. Students expand their knowledge of Italian culture, art, and history, while practicing conversational exchanges to greatly expand their working vocabulary. It is recommended that students have an elementary understanding of Italian or a minimum of two years of exposure to the language. Italiano Essenziale II, ISBN 9781567654356, is the required textbook. 48 hours. $129

Portuguese Beginning II

Designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills, this course is a continuation of the study of the language and cultures of Brazil and Portugal. Portugues Basico Para Estrangeiros: Principiante Intermediario Avancado: Um Metodo Facil E Rapido Para Se Aprender Portugues (Portuguese Edition) by Rejane de Oliveira, ISBN 0-9638790-0-6, is the suggested textbook book. 24 hours. $74

Beginning Spanish Language Program

This program is designed for students, adult learners, and working professionals who wish to develop proficiency in Spanish to enhance their academic and career opportunities. Students should have a basic level of Spanish language exposure. This college-level, faster-paced course provides students with an integrative approach to language learning, focusing on pronunciation, diction, grammar, vocabulary, and reading, as well as beginning conversation and writing. ACP Plazas Chapters 1-10, ISBN 978-1-42827-869-1, is the required textbook, and a Spanish/English dictionary is recommended. 70 hours. $184

Spanish is Fun Book I

This beginning Spanish language course enhances students’ job opportunities and adds to their intercultural understanding, while developing skills in communication, reading, writing, and listening. This course is designed for students with no previous experience in Spanish language or whose experience does not make placement in a higher-level Spanish course advisable. Spanish Is Fun Book I, Lively Lessons for Beginners, 4th edition, ISBN 978-1-56765-815-6, is the required textbook. 48 hours. $129

Spanish is Fun Book II

A continuation of the introductory-level course, this course features increased emphasis on vocabulary enrichment, grammar, and reading comprehension. Spanish Is Fun Book II, Lively Lessons for Advancing Students, 2nd edition, ISBN 978-1-56765-485-1, is the required textbook. 48 hours. $129

Spanish Literature

This intermediate/advanced level course includes poetry, prose, fiction, and nonfiction, from 20th and 21st century Latin-American writers. Students study these works for vocabulary and grammar usage, as well as for elements of style and interpretation of meaning. Students read some of the best contemporary literature while improving their ability to communicate in Spanish. 48 hours. $129

Cuba Travel Program

Durham Tech is offering a travel program to Cuba October 10–18. The program also has an accompanying Continuing Education course on Saturday mornings beginning in June to prepare students for their time in Cuba. More information on the travel program — including information session dates, the class meeting dates, cost information, and deadlines — can be found on the Travel/Study Abroad page. Base price: $3,741 (price is subject to change)

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