Classes & certificates

This practical beginner's course (A1.1), designed by UW–Madison for adult language learners, explores the cultural richness of the Francophone world while helping you master the basics of French. Learn to talk about life, family, work and travel with this popular course.

This practical high beginner's course (A1.2), designed by UW–Madison for adult language learners, explores the cultural richness of the Francophone world while improving your ability to converse about real-life topics. Focuses on the present tense with an introduction to past tenses.

This practical high beginner's course (A1.2), designed by UW–Madison for adult language learners, explores the richness of German culture while improving your ability to converse about real-life topics. Focuses on the present tense with an introduction to the past tense.

In this course, you will have the opportunity to practice conversational French while learning about French and Francophone cultures in an informal and relaxed group atmosphere.

In this advanced Spanish Book club, participants will read eight short stories by Latin American writers. These diverse narratives explore the unseen and often unspoken stuggles that shape the characters' lives, offering a profound reflection on human experience and society. 

This practical high beginner’s course (A1.2), designed by UW-Madison for adult language learners, explores the richness of Lusophone cultures while improving your ability to converse about real-life topics. Focuses on Brazilian Portuguese and introduces the past tense.

This practical beginner's course (A1.1), designed by UW–Madison for adult language learners, explores the cultural richness of the Lusophone world while helping you master the basics of Brazilian Portuguese. Learn to talk about life, family and travel with this popular course.

Boost your confidence in Spanish with this short intermediate (A2/B1) book club that will deepen your understanding of the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures. 

Boost your confidence in Spanish with this short low intermediate (A2.1) course that provides the perfect transition from Spanish 3 to Spanish 4. Review essential grammar, learn new expressions and expand your vocabulary as you discuss a short novel with your instructor and other participants.

Explore relationships between the arts and issues in society; both in history and in the present day. No previous experience in art or music is required. Students can choose to complete any combination of the activities offered in the course. Options include listening and art activities (no experience necessary!), and short written reflections. Topics include Industrialization and Labor, the Great Depression, Science, Technology, and the Environment, Gender and Civil Rights, Ukrainian Freedom, Black Lives Matter, the Cajon, Protest and Inequality. Start at any time! and work at your own pace! Take up to a year to complete the course! This course is totally asynchronous and requires no in-person meetings. Feedback and discussions with the instructor take place over email.

This comprehensive study of music theory provides a complete set of tools handy for either a lifelong interest in music or preparing to take college entrance exams. Explore theoretical concepts in the context of real-world projects through the repertoires of famous composers.

Continue to learn German conversation and grammar in a fun and relaxed environment. Polish your German listening, speaking, reading and writing skills , and learn about the history and traditions of German-speaking people. Prerequisites: German 3 or instructor's consent.

Continue to learn German conversation and grammar, the history and traditions of German-speaking people, and tips for travelers as you immerse yourself in a fun and relaxed environment. Prerequisites: German 2 or instructor's consent.

Continue to refine your French conversational skills, practice your pronunciation, and brush up on grammar with a convivial group and an experienced instructor at the French House on UW–Madison's campus.

If you've ever wanted to compose your own music, this course is for you! Beginners: Complete six composition activities modeled after exercises assigned to great composers. Experienced composers: Stretch your ideas in new or already completed pieces. Prerequisite: basic music notation skills.

Improve your professional proficiency in Spanish and gain the cultural knowledge you need to do business with clients and colleagues from across Spain and Latin America. Learn to communicate professionally via email, telephone and videoconferencing in this practical skills-based certificate.