Communication & English as a Second Language
Learn a new language or discover the power of writing to tell your personal story with our communication courses.
How to Register
- Register online by selecting "Add to Cart" on the desired course(s) and select "Cart" at the bottom of the page when you are ready to checkout.
- The “Seats Left” information is updated every half hour and when you checkout.
- Other registration options are available.
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Courses
- Be a Better Writer: 10 Easy Tips to Improve Your Writing Now
- Beginner's Guide to Getting Published
- Beginner's Guide to Using FREE ChatGPT (AI) for Writers
- Beginning Conversational French
- Comedy Writing: How to Be Funny on Paper and Stage
- Conversational Japanese
- English as a Second Language
- Getting Paid to Talk
- Instant Italian
- Introduction to Screenwriting for Television or Movies
- Spanish for Law Enforcement
- Speed Spanish
Be a Better Writer: 10 Easy Tips to Improve Your Writing Now
Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a professor of publishing at higher learning institutions across the nation, including Harvard Adult Education.
We write every day: emails, social media posts, work projects, and even non -fiction or creative writing. Improving is just a matter of knowing some simple tricks to make your writing more impactful, and may help get you a promotion at work or avoid rejection from a publisher. In this hands-on session, we will explore writing/editing examples and exercises so you can see in real time how to make sentences flow properly while still maintaining reader interest, and you will receive a workbook full of writing tips and tricks, which is included in the class fee. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class. Students that need to withdraw from the class must do so five business days prior to the start of class for a refund. This course is taught remotely via Zoom.
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 7/10 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
ZCOM-091 700 | 18 seats left | $49 |
Beginner's Guide to Getting Published
Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a professor of publishing at higher learning institutions across the nation, including Harvard Adult Education.
If your goal is to become a published freelance writer by selling a magazine article, short story, poem, or even a novel to a traditional publisher, this comprehensive workshop will guide you to – and then past – the editor’s desk. You will learn how to become a published writer quickly; submit manuscripts the correct way; find the right publisher for your work; write irresistible query letters; and determine when and how to get an agent. You will also discover 100 ways to make money as a freelance writer. If you really want to succeed, this step-by-step workshop is a must! The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class. Students that need to withdraw from the class must do so five business days prior to the start of class for a refund. This course is taught remotely via Zoom.
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 7/16 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
ZCOM-031 700 | 18 seats left | $39 |
Beginner's Guide to Using FREE ChatGPT (AI) for Writers
Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a professor of publishing at higher learning institutions across the nation, including Harvard Adult Education.
ChatGPT (AI) is here to stay and is the future for writers and content creators. Don’t be left behind! No prior AI experience required. Do you want to learn how to incorporate the power of cutting-edge technology to gain ideas and inspiration, and write web content, articles, and even novels or scripts? In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn how to register for a free ChatGPT account, input effective writing prompts to avoid nonsense responses, build creative content from stories to marketing copy, determine its capabilities and limitations, and understand the ethical/legal considerations of using ChatGPT. There’s no doubt ChatGPT and similar AI systems will force the job market to evolve. It’s crucial for everyone to adapt, learn new skills, and be open to working in collaboration with AI, so start building your expertise in the world of ChatGPT now! The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class. Students that need to withdraw from the class must do so five business days prior to the start of class for a refund. This course is taught remotely via Zoom.
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 7/24 5:00 pm - 6:55 pm |
ZCOM-098 700 | 19 seats left | $39 |
Beginning Conversational French
This course will teach you how to communicate easily and comfortably with those who speak French. You will learn practical, common phrases that will make your trips to the many French-speaking regions of the world more pleasant. You will learn dialogue specific to various settings, and you will be surprised how easy it can be to speak another language. This course is taught online through our partnership with Ed2go. To log into your online classroom, please visit www.ed2go.com/hvcc and select My Classroom. Please note, it may take 24 – 48 hours before your registered course appears in My Classroom.
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online, 6/11 - 8/1 | ZILC-062 700 | 14 seats left | $130 | |
| Online, 7/16 - 9/5 | ZILC-062 701 | 15 seats left | $130 | |
| Online, 8/13 - 10/3 | ZILC-062 702 | 15 seats left | $130 |
Comedy Writing: How to Be Funny on Paper and Stage
Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a professor of publishing at higher learning institutions across the nation, including Harvard Adult Education.
Whether you need to make a dull work presentation more lively, mix laughter with learning in the classroom, or ultimately want to write for print/production or perform your own standup routine, this fast-paced session will show you how to apply humor to all aspects of your writing and life. You will learn the anatomy of a joke; how to use your powers of observation to sharpen your wit; and how to use humor to entertain and influence people. Informative handouts for future use are included in the class fee. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class. Students that need to withdraw from the class must do so five business days prior to the start of class for a refund. This course is taught remotely via Zoom.
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 7/10 5:00 pm - 6:55 pm |
ZCOM-092 700 | 19 seats left | $39 |
Conversational Japanese
Whether you want to learn conversational Japanese for travel or just for fun, this course makes it easy and enjoyable for beginners to master the essentials of the Japanese language. Guided by a native Japanese instructor, you’ll also gain cultural knowledge only an insider has. This course is taught online through our partnership with Ed2go. To log into your online classroom, please visit www.ed2go.com/hvcc and select My Classroom. Please note, it may take 24 – 48 hours before your registered course appears in My Classroom.
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online, 6/11 - 8/1 | ZILC-060 700 | 14 seats left | $130 | |
| Online, 7/16 - 9/5 | ZILC-060 701 | 15 seats left | $130 | |
| Online, 8/13 - 10/3 | ZILC-060 702 | 15 seats left | $130 |
English as a Second Language
ESL - Level I
Students will be introduced to the basic American English grammar and writing strategies needed to produce simple sentences, short paragraphs, and informal letters. Students will be introduced to reading strategies and apply them to basic or simplified English texts. Students will learn how to converse on a variety of topics in English. Pronunciation and intonation will also be addressed.
HYBRID COURSE
ZESL 020 700 $25
21 Sessions, Hybrid Course
Tues. and Thurs. 6/3 - 8/14, 6:15 - 8:15 p.m. No class 6/19
Classes will meet on campus, ADM 101, 6/26, 7/24 & 8/12
Irene Cruz, Instructor
REMOTE
ZESL 020 701 $25
21 Sessions, Remote Course
Mon. and Weds. 6/2 – 8/11, 6 - 8 p.m.
Susan Gorga, Instructor
ESL - Level II
Students will be introduced to high-beginning/low-intermediate-level grammar and writing strategies. Paragraph organization, formal letter writing and business writing will also be addressed.
ZESL 021 700 $25
21 Sessions, Remote Course
Tues. and Thurs. 6/3 - 8/14, 1:45 - 3:45 p.m. No class 6/19
Shauna Anderson, Instructor
ZESL 021 701 $25
21 Sessions, Remote Course
Mon. and Weds. 6/2 - 8/11, 1 - 3 p.m.
Michelle Soule, Instructor
ESL - Level III
Students will learn reading strategies to improve their comprehension of English texts and practice several writing patterns. Activities related to the same content will improve students’ listening comprehension and speaking fluency. In addition, proper grammar, spelling, and academic vocabulary will be addressed.
ZESL 022 700 $25
21 Sessions, Remote Course
Tues. and Thurs. 6/3 - 8/14, 4:15 - 6:15 p.m. No class 6/19
Shauna Anderson, Instructor
ESL - Level IV
Students will learn reading strategies to improve their comprehension of English texts and practice several writing patterns. Activities related to the same content will improve students’ listening comprehension and speaking fluency. In addition, proper grammar, spelling, and academic vocabulary will be addressed. Successful completion of the course will prepare students for college-level coursework.
ZESL 023 700 $25
21 Sessions, Remote Course
Tues. and Thurs. 6/3 - 8/14, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. No class 6/19
Shauna Anderson, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZESL-017 700 | 36 seats left | $0 |
Getting Paid to Talk
Have you ever been told you have a great voice? From audio books and cartoons to documentaries, commercials and more, this class will introduce you to the growing field of voice-over. Learn how to prepare and where to find work in your area. We’ll discuss industry pros and cons and play samples from working voice professionals. In addition, you’ll have an opportunity to record a short professional script under the direction of our teacher. For more information, please visit https://voicecoaches.com.
Course will be held in DCC, Room B05
Creative Voice Development, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, 6/23 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm |
ZCOM-010 700 | 20 seats left | $25 | Opens 5/14 |
Instant Italian
This dynamic course will teach you how to express yourself comfortably in Italian. You’ll learn practical, everyday words. You’ll read, hear and practice dialogues based on typical situations that you’re likely to encounter if you plan to vacation in Italy. The dialogues and follow-up exercises of each lesson will teach you to communicate in Italian in a wide variety of settings. You’ll be surprised by how quickly and easily you can learn many useful expressions in Italian. This course is taught online through our partnership with Ed2go. To log into your online classroom, please visit www.ed2go.com/hvcc and select My Classroom. Please note, it may take 24 – 48 hours before your registered course appears in My Classroom.
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online, 6/11 - 8/1 | ZILC-061 700 | 15 seats left | $130 | |
| Online, 7/16 - 9/5 | ZILC-061 701 | 15 seats left | $130 | |
| Online, 8/13 - 10/3 | ZILC-061 702 | 15 seats left | $130 |
Introduction to Screenwriting for Television or Movies
Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a professor of publishing at higher learning institutions across the nation, including Harvard Adult Education.
In this comprehensive session, you will learn about special screenwriting terms and formats for television and the big screen. You will also learn how to plot a story, develop characters, and execute your work in the proper screenwriting format. You will discover the difference between a treatment, a spec script and a shooting script, and when to do each. And, you’ll get an inside look into the business of selling your script to agents and producers. Students that need to withdraw from the class must do so five business days prior to the start of class for a refund. This course is taught remotely via Zoom. This is a remote course via Zoom.
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 7/17 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
ZCOM-041 700 | 20 seats left | $39 |
Spanish for Law Enforcement
With more and more Spanish-speaking people living in the United States every year, learning the Spanish language is becoming ever more important. In the law enforcement field, mastering basic Spanish will give you more skill to handle situations involving Spanish-speaking individuals. Adding Spanish skills to your resume can also open doors to new job opportunities. This course is taught online through our partnership with Ed2go. To log into your online classroom, please visit www.ed2go.com/hvcc and select My Classroom. Please note, it may take 24 – 48 hours before your registered course appears in My Classroom.
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online, 6/11 - 8/1 | ZILC-070 700 | 15 seats left | $144 | |
| Online, 7/16 - 9/5 | ZILC-070 701 | 15 seats left | $144 | |
| Online, 8/13 - 10/3 | ZILC-070 702 | 15 seats left | $144 |
Speed Spanish
Imagine yourself speaking, reading and writing Spanish. Now you can! This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn Spanish, pronto. You’ll learn six easy recipes for gluing Spanish words together to form sentences. In no time at all, you’ll be able to go into any Spanish speaking situation and converse in Spanish. ¡Qué bueno! This course is taught online through our partnership with Ed2go. To log into your online classroom, please visit www.ed2go.com/hvcc and select My Classroom. Please note, it may take 24 – 48 hours before your registered course appears in My Classroom.
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online, 6/11 - 8/1 | ZILC-063 700 | 15 seats left | $143 | |
| Online, 7/16 - 9/5 | ZILC-063 701 | 15 seats left | $143 | |
| Online, 8/13 - 10/3 | ZILC-063 702 | 15 seats left | $143 |
Get in Touch
Division of Workforce Development and Community Education
Fax: (518) 629-8103
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (excluding college holidays and vacations)