Watch this short video about why our online Language program is one of the best in the country! 

We have made our most popular class even better with a completely revised curriculum. This beginning-level language class (A1.1) explores the cultural richness of the Spanish-speaking world while helping you master the basics of Spanish with a proven communicative approach that emphasizes speaking competency while also building skills in listening, reading and writing. This practical course will quickly have you talking about life, family, work and travel. See Outline for complete details. Participants with no previous experience with Spanish are encouraged to begin with Spanish 0.

Prerequisite: None.

Find out if this is the right level for you with these placement tests: Spanish 1 self-placement test, Spanish 2 self-placement test.

Course format

Instructional videos and interactive online materials in the Canvas course platform introduce new grammar and vocabulary and teach pronunciation, listening and reading skills. Participants should budget 3-4 hours a week to work through the workbook and the online asynchronous materials in preparation for the live online conversation groups. Participants practice speaking live with the instructor in small groups of 3-6 students in 30-minute weekly sessions. Groups will vary weekly, so participants should be available the entire one-hour time slot. Online course materials are available one week before the first live conversation class and remain accessible for one month after the course ends.

Want to know more about learning a language online? Read Dr. Julie Dahl's blog post about our online course format.

A printable workbook (PDF) is included in the price. All other materials are available through the course platform.

Sections anticipated for summer 2023 (See upcoming dates for open sections and more detail):

Tuesdays, June 6–Aug. 22, 5:30–6:30 p.m. CT (No virtual conversation on July 4)

Tuesdays, June 6–Aug. 22, 6:45–7:45 p.m. CT (No virtual conversation on July 4)

Mondays, June 12–Aug. 28, 5:30–6:30 p.m. CT (No virtual conversation on July 3)

Mondays, June 12–Aug. 28, 6:45–7:45 p.m. CT (No virtual conversation on July 3)

Mondays, July 3–Sept. 11, 5:30–6:30 p.m. CT

Mondays, July 3–Sept. 11, 6:45–7:45 p.m. CT

Sections anticipated for fall 2023 (See upcoming dates for open sections and more detail):

Tuesdays, Sept. 5–Nov. 12, 5:30–6:30 p.m. CT

Tuesdays, Sept. 5–Nov. 12, 6:45–7:45 p.m. CT

Wednesdays, Sept. 13–Nov. 29, 5:30–6:30 p.m. CT (No virtual conversation on Nov. 22)

Wednesdays, Sept. 13–Nov. 29, 6:45–7:45 p.m. CT (No virtual conversation on Nov. 22)

Tuesdays, Oct. 3–Dec. 12, 8:30–9:30 a.m. CT