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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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, 2024–June 30, 2025 – – $209
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, 2024–June 30, 2025 – – $209
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, 2024–June 30, 2025 – – $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. -
Music, Art, and Society
- July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025 – – $255
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. -
How Music Works: The Tools of Music Theory
- July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025 – – $280
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. -
Create Your Own Music
- July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025 – – $280
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. -
Basics of French Pronunciation
- July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025 – – $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 2
- Jan. 7, 2025–March 18, 2025 – – $279
- Jan. 7, 2025–March 18, 2025 – – $279
- Jan. 22, 2025–April 9, 2025 – – $279
- Jan. 22, 2025–April 9, 2025 – – $279
- Feb. 20, 2025–May 8, 2025 – – $279
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
- Jan. 7, 2025–March 18, 2025 – – $279
- Jan. 7, 2025–March 18, 2025 – – $279
- Jan. 22, 2025–April 9, 2025 – – $279
- Jan. 22, 2025–April 9, 2025 – – $279
- Feb. 6, 2025–April 24, 2025 – – $279
- Feb. 18, 2025–May 6, 2025 – – $279
- April 1, 2025–June 10, 2025 – – $279
- April 2, 2025–June 11, 2025 – – $279
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. -
Spanish 0
- Jan. 7, 2025–Feb. 11, 2025 – – $144
- Jan. 7, 2025–Feb. 11, 2025 – – $144
- Feb. 11, 2025–March 18, 2025 – – $144
- Feb. 12, 2025–March 19, 2025 – – $144
- March 27, 2025–May 1, 2025 – – $144
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. -
Spanish for Reading and Translation: Comprehensive
- Jan. 8, 2025–April 30, 2025 – – $585; Graduate students $485
- May 14, 2025–Sep. 3, 2025 – – $585; Graduate students $485
- Aug. 27, 2025–Dec. 17, 2025 – – $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. -
Italian 1
- Jan. 8, 2025–March 19, 2025 – – $269
- Jan. 21, 2025–April 8, 2025 – – $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. -
French 1
- Jan. 8, 2025–March 19, 2025 – – $269
- Feb. 4, 2025–April 22, 2025 – – $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. -
Language Reading Knowledge Exam
- Jan. 9, 2025 – – $65
- May 15, 2025 – – $65
- Aug. 28, 2025 – – $65
- Jan. 8, 2026 – – $65
These translation exams test reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish and meet the requirements of UW–Madison graduate programs. Register at least one week prior to your chosen exam date. No refunds after registration. Honorlock will proctor these exams. -
German 3
- Jan. 14, 2025–April 8, 2025 – – $269
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. -
Spanish for Reading and Translation: Basic
- Jan. 15, 2025–April 30, 2025 – – $475; Graduate students $375
- May 14, 2025–Aug. 27, 2025 – – $475; Graduate students $375
- Sep. 3, 2025–Dec. 17, 2025 – – $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
- Jan. 15, 2025–April 30, 2025 – – $475; Graduate students $375
- May 14, 2025–Aug. 27, 2025 – – $475; Graduate students $375
- Sep. 3, 2025–Dec. 17, 2025 – – $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
- Jan. 15, 2025–April 30, 2025 – – $475; Graduate students $375
- May 14, 2025–Aug. 27, 2025 – – $475; Graduate students $375
- Sep. 3, 2025–Dec. 17, 2025 – – $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
- Jan. 15, 2025–April 30, 2025 – – $475; Graduate students $375
- May 14, 2025–Aug. 27, 2025 – – $475; Graduate students $375
- Sep. 3, 2025–Dec. 17, 2025 – – $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. -
German 1
- Jan. 16, 2025–April 10, 2025 – – $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.
Featured Training Programs
Language programs
Online and in-person classes in world languages improve skills and cultural understanding for conversation, travel or business.
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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