Humanities
Music
Have you ever wanted to compose your own music or learn more about the basic tools of music theory? Consider registering for one of our “start anytime” music classes! You’ll work on your own, with up to a year to complete the course — all online! For more information, please contact Dr. Jamie Henke at jamie.henke@wisc.edu.
Languages
If you’ve ever thought about wanting to learn a new language, look no further! Check out our selection of language classes in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, offered year-round. If you have questions, contact program coordinator Christopher Moore at christopher.moore@wisc.edu.
Humanities programs
Classes in the humanities satisfy your learning goals, expand your knowledge and enrich your experience as a lifelong learner.
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Spanish Writing: Brush Up the Basics
- July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 – – $219
This practical course has something for everyone. Brush up your Spanish writing by eliminating common errors and growing your command of basic language skills. Perfect the use of written accent marks, articles, gender, word order and tricky verb conjugations. -
Spanish Writing: Brush Up the Past Tenses
- July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 – – $219
Take your command of Spanish to the next level with this practical course. Brush up on those tricky past tenses, object pronouns and the subjunctive while learning to compose a well-written narrative. A Spanish-writing expert will give you personalized feedback on five writing assignments. -
Personalized Spanish Course
- July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 – – $2,499
Do you need Spanish training tailored to your schedule and your needs? Whether you need to increase your Spanish-language skills for work or everyday life, our Personalized Spanish Course offers you the flexibility and professionalism that you need to succeed. -
Basics of French Pronunciation
- July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 – – $195
Struggling with French pronunciation? Gain confidence speaking French with this short, flexible course that combines a clear understanding of the fundamentals of French pronunciation with practical exercises and personalized feedback from your instructor. -
Spanish for Reading and Translation: Comprehensive
- May 13, 2026–Sep. 2, 2026 – – $585; Graduate students $485
- Aug. 26, 2026–Dec. 16, 2026 – – $585; Graduate students $485
Gain the skills you need to translate Spanish texts from disciplines in the social sciences and humanities to English. This comprehensive course is more extensive than the basic course with additional instructor feedback, more advanced translations and a capstone project tailored to you. -
Spanish for Reading and Translation: Basic
- May 13, 2026–Aug. 26, 2026 – – $475; Graduate students $375
- Sep. 2, 2026–Dec. 16, 2026 – – $475; Graduate students $375
Gain the basic skills you need to read and translate Spanish texts to English. Learn fundamental Spanish grammar and vocabulary while translating texts from disciplines in the social sciences and humanities. This course is excellent preparation for a Spanish graduate-level reading knowledge exam. -
Italian for Reading and Translation
- May 13, 2026–Aug. 26, 2026 – – $475; Graduate students $375
- Sep. 2, 2026–Dec. 16, 2026 – – $475; Graduate students $375
Gain the basic skills you need to read and translate Italian texts to English. Learn fundamental Italian grammar and vocabulary while translating texts from disciplines in the social sciences and humanities. This course is excellent preparation for an Italian graduate-level reading knowledge exam -
German for Reading and Translation
- May 13, 2026–Aug. 26, 2026 – – $475; Graduate students $375
- Sep. 2, 2026–Dec. 16, 2026 – – $475; Graduate students $375
Gain the basic skills you need to read and translate German texts to English. Learn fundamental German grammar and vocabulary while translating texts from disciplines in the social sciences and humanities. This course is excellent preparation for a German graduate-level reading knowledge exam. -
French for Reading and Translation
- May 13, 2026–Aug. 26, 2026 – – $475; Graduate students $375
- Sep. 2, 2026–Dec. 16, 2026 – – $475; Graduate students $375
Gain the basic skills you need to read and translate French texts to English. Learn fundamental French grammar and vocabulary while translating texts from disciplines in the social sciences and humanities. This course is excellent preparation for a French graduate-level reading knowledge exam. -
French 3
- May 20, 2026–July 29, 2026 – – $269
This practical low-intermediate course (A2.1), designed by UW-Madison for adult language learners, explores the cultural richness of the Francophone world, while growing your speaking and comprehension skills. Learn to discuss real-life situations with the imperative, near future and past tenses. -
Spanish 3
- May 21, 2026–July 30, 2026 – – $287
This practical low-intermediate course (A2.1), developed fully by UW-Madison for adult language learners, explores the cultural richness of the Spanish-speaking world, while growing your speaking and comprehension skills. Learn to discuss past events and express opinions with real-life Spanish. -
Portuguese 1
- May 26, 2026–Aug. 4, 2026 – – $269
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. -
Italian 1
- May 26, 2026–Aug. 4, 2026 – – $269
- June 1, 2026–Aug. 10, 2026 – – $269
This practical beginner’s course (A1.1), designed by UW–Madison for adult language learners, explores the cultural richness of Italian culture while helping you master the basics of Italian. Learn to talk about life, family and travel with this popular course. -
German 1
- May 26, 2026–Aug. 11, 2026 – – $269
This practical beginner’s course (A1.1), designed by UW–Madison for adult language learners, explores the cultural richness of German culture while helping you master the basics of German. Learn to talk about life, family and travel with this popular course. -
German 2
- May 28, 2026–Aug. 13, 2026 – – $269
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. -
Spanish 0
- June 1, 2026–July 6, 2026 – – $148
- June 4, 2026–July 9, 2026 – – $148
- July 1, 2026–Aug. 5, 2026 – – $148
- July 7, 2026–Aug. 11, 2026 – – $148
This mini-course, developed by UW–Madison, sets you up for success in Spanish 1 with a slow introduction to the fundamentals of Spanish. Guided by an experienced instructor and proven strategies for adult language learners, you will feel success from day one. -
Portuguese 2
- June 1, 2026–Aug. 10, 2026 – – $277
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. -
French 1
- June 1, 2026–Aug. 10, 2026 – – $269
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. -
Spanish 2
- June 2, 2026–Aug. 11, 2026 – – $287
- June 3, 2026–Aug. 12, 2026 – – $287
- June 4, 2026–Aug. 13, 2026 – – $287
This practical high beginner’s course (A1.2), developed fully by UW-Madison for adult language learners, explores the cultural richness of the Spanish-speaking world while improving your ability to converse about real-life topics. Focuses on the present tense with an introduction to the past tense. -
Spanish 1
- June 2, 2026–Aug. 11, 2026 – – $287
- June 4, 2026–Aug. 13, 2026 – – $287
This practical beginner’s course (A1.1), developed fully by UW-Madison for adult language learners, explores the cultural richness of the Spanish-speaking world while helping you master the basics of Spanish. Learn to talk about life, family, work and travel with our award-winning approach.
Featured Training Programs
Explore our language programs →Language programs
Online and in-person classes in world languages improve skills and cultural understanding for conversation, travel or business.
Explore Booktalks →Tuesday Morning Booktalks
Join other book lovers for discussions of world literature.
She hadn’t realized how long it takes to become somebody else, or how lonely it can be living in a world not meant for you.
– Britt Bennett, The Vanishing Half: A Novel
This multi-generational novel from 2020 traces the fates of two twin sisters who run away at age 16 from their small, southern Black community. One sister returns with her daughter to her community and remains rooted in her Black identity, while her twin passes as white and lives miles away. The novel will trigger important discussions of families, racial identity and the way the past and present collide. (Tuesday Morning Booktalk)
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