Beginning Korean I is the first course in a two-semester Beginning Korean sequence, designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of Korean. The course introduces Hangul (the Korean writing system), fundamental pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, equipping students for basic communication in everyday situations. Additionally, the course explores foundational cultural practices, fostering cross-cultural awareness and respectful interaction in diverse social contexts.

Performance study - individual instruction.

This course introduces the basics of Modern Standard Arabic and one dialect. It begins with a study of the Arabic script and sounds using the Alif Baa textbook, and then students will use Al-Kitaab I, 3rd edition (chapters 1-5). Students will acquire vocabulary and usage for everyday interactions in Arabic. In addition to the traditional textbook exercises, students will write short paragraphs, and participate in role plays and conversations.

This seminar explores the history of formalized, institutional music education in Europe and North America, focusing on the Middle Ages to the present. Topics include monastic and cathedral schools; conservatories and their roots in orphanages and vocational schools; music programs in pre-school, K-12, and higher ed (including Mount Holyoke); approaches to music within disability education; formal training in jazz, popular, traditional, and experimental musics; and the politics of degrees and accreditation.

Introduces listening, speaking, reading, and writing modern Japanese; hiragana, katakana, and approximately 50 Kanji. Supplements class work with audio and video.

This course investigates the intersection of opera and social justice in the context of American society over the past two decades. We will examine operatic works produced since the early 2000s via lectures, discussions, readings, and multimedia presentations, exploring how composers, librettists, directors, and performers have engaged with and responded to various social justice movements such as those related to civil rights, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, immigration, and indigenous rights.

Introduces listening, speaking, reading, and writing modern Japanese; hiragana, katakana, and approximately 50 Kanji. Supplements class work with audio and video.

This course examines Islamic religious beliefs and practices from the origins of Islam to the present, focusing on such central issues as scripture and tradition, law and theology, sectarianism and mysticism. Attention will be given to the variety of Islamic understandings of monotheism, prophethood, dogma, ritual, and society.