Languages Available
Arabic
Arabic speakers are in demand in a wide range of professions. At The New School, Arabic is taught as a living language, with instruction in both Modern Standard Arabic (the language of formal discourse and correspondence, contemporary literature, and the mass media) and colloquial spoken Arabic (regional dialects used in everyday discourse and popular cultural media such as music and movies). This innovative approach enables students to communicate in Levantine Arabic (the spoken language in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine) as well as read and read modern Arabic.
See
upcoming semester offerings.
Chinese (Mandarin)
Mandarin Chinese is used by more than 800 million people in China, Taiwan, Singapore, the United States, and around the world. People who can read, write, and converse in Mandarin Chinese are recruited for many fields and industries. The New School offers courses in Mandarin at the beginning through the advanced level. There is a minor in
Chinese Studies.
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upcoming semester offerings.
French
The official language of France, several other European countries, and many regions in the Americas and Africa, French attracts a large number of second language learners. The New School offers courses in French at the beginning through the advanced level. There is a minor in
French Studies. Many people study French to support planned careers in art or art history, fashion, international affairs, or food studies.
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German
The German language is spoken in Germany, Austria, and in other communities across Europe and in the Americas. The reunification of Germany in 1990 renewed interest in contemporary German culture, from the thriving art and music scenes of its epicenter in Berlin to notable innovations in architecture, design, and engineering. Courses in German are offered through the continuing education module, including a reading course for graduate students.
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Italian
The standard Italian language used today is based on the 14th-century writings of the poet Dante. The New School offers courses in Italian at the beginning through the advanced level. Italian is a popular language of study among people interested in literature, art history, food studies, and fashion.
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Japanese
Japanese culture has become popular throughout the world due to the influence of Japanese technology, cuisine, and art forms such as animé, manga, harajuku, and ikebana. Business professionals frequently study Japanese language and culture. The New School offers courses in Japanese at the beginning through the advanced level. There is a minor in
Japanese Studies.
See upcoming semester offerings.
Korean
Korean language and culture courses are offered in support of a growing interest in Asia and its diverse politics and culture. Northeast Asian countries, including the two Koreas within the Korean Peninsula, have garnered attention and importance given recent political and cultural developments. Korean popular culture has become a global export in relation to a wide range of genres, including pop music, cinema, and fashion.
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Latin
Latin (history and language) is offered to support general studies of classical languages and literature. The Department of Foreign Languages offers a selection of courses reflecting contemporary approaches to Latin in relation to the histories of modern languages.
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Portuguese (Brazilian)
Beyond its home country in Europe, Portuguese is the language of millions of people in Brazil, Africa, and East Asia. Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are among the world's largest urban centers. Portuguese is studied by people interested in business but also by soccer fans, music and dance aficionados, and environmentalists. Courses in Brazilian Portuguese are offered through the continuing education module.
See upcoming semester offerings.
Sign Language
The completely visual language of the deaf is an expressive, versatile mode of complete communication, not a hodgepodge of charades. The New School offers courses in American Sign Language (ASL), the system used in the United States and Canada, through the continuing education module.
See upcoming semester offerings.
Spanish
Spoken by millions in Spain and throughout the Americas, Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the United States. Many employers look for Spanish proficiency when hiring or promoting. Learners also choose Spanish from an interest in history, literature, and the arts. The New School offers courses in Spanish at the beginning through the advanced level. There is a minor in
Hispanic Studies.
See upcoming semester offerings.