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.
Don’t see the course you are looking for below? Sign up to get updates and news about upcoming classes.
Courses
- American Sign Language
- Beginner's Guide to Using FREE ChatGPT (AI) for Writers
- Beginning Conversational French
- Conversational Japanese
- English as a Second Language
- Getting Paid to Talk
- How to Outline and Write an Irresistible Romance
- Instant Italian
- No Excuses! Writing & Selling Your Book
- Spanish for Law Enforcement
- Speak Up, Stand Out: Public Speaking for Beginners
- Speed Spanish
- Write a Riveting Mystery, Suspense or Crime Story
- Writing for Children: A Beginner's Guide
American Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most used language in the United States today. This course is designed for students who are interested in learning about the Deaf community and developing ASL expressive and receptive skills. The course will provide an introduction to ASL and Deaf culture. You will learn practical and common language so you can have a brief conversation with someone from the Deaf community. Learning will include a combination of lecture, practice exercises, video, and class discussion.
Course will be held in Administration Building, Room 107
Shannon Johnson, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays, 2/17 - 5/5 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
ZCOM-067 600 | 14 seats left | $94 | Opens 1/21 |
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, 3/26 7:00 pm - 8:55 pm |
ZCOM-098 600 | 15 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, 2/11 - 4/3 | ZILC-062 600 | 15 seats left | $130 | |
| Online, 3/18 - 5/8 | ZILC-062 601 | 15 seats left | $130 | |
| Online, 4/15 - 6/5 | ZILC-062 602 | 15 seats left | $130 |
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, 2/11 - 4/3 | ZILC-060 600 | 15 seats left | $130 | |
| Online, 3/18 - 5/8 | ZILC-060 601 | 15 seats left | $130 | |
| Online, 4/15 - 6/5 | ZILC-060 602 | 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. Students will need to pay for their own book.
HYBRID COURSE
ZESL 020 600 $25
25 Sessions, Hybrid Course
Tues. & Thurs. 2/10 – 5/14, 6:15 - 8:15 p.m. No class 3/16, 3/19, 4/7
Classes will meet on campus, ADM 101, 3/26, 4/23 & 5/12
Irene Cruz, Instructor
REMOTE
ZESL 020 601 $25
25 Sessions, Remote Course
Mon. & Weds. 2/9 – 5/18, 4 - 6 p.m. No class 3/4, 3/16, 3/18, 4/6
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. Students will need to pay for their own book.
ZESL 021 600 $25
Mon. & Weds. 2/9 – 5/18, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. No class 3/4, 3/16, 3/18, 4/6
Susan Gorga, Instructor
ZESL 021 601 $25
25 Sessions, Remote Course
Tues. & Thurs. 2/10 – 5/14, 2 - 4 p.m. No class 3/17, 3/19, 4/7
Michelle Soule, Instructor
ESL – Level III
Students will learn reading strategies to improve their comprehension of English texts and practice several writing patterns. Students will also work on listening comprehension, speaking fluency, grammar, spelling and academic vocabulary. Students will need to pay for their own book.
ZESL 022 600 $25
25 Sessions, Remote Course
Mon. & Thurs. 2/9 – 5/14, 3 - 5 p.m. No class 3/16, 3/19, 4/6
Shauna Anderson, Instructor
ESL – Level IV
This is a continuation of Level III learning objectives. Preparing students for college-level coursework. Students will need to pay for their own book.
ZESL 023 600 $25
25 Sessions, Remote Course
Mon. & Thurs. 2/9 – 5/14, 5:15 – 7:15 p.m. No class 3/16, 3/19, 4/6
Shauna Anderson, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZESL-017 600 | 50 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 B06
Creative Voice Development, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, 4/13 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm |
ZCOM-010 600 | 15 seats left | $25 | Opens 1/21 |
How to Outline and Write an Irresistible Romance
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.
Romance is the number-one-selling fiction genre. Whether you're a new or experienced writer, this comprehensive session will help you sharpen your skills with practical, step - by-step advice. You will discover the different romance sub-genres and understand the proven romance formula. You will also learn to create a unique setting, introduce your protagonist, percolate friction, and write relatable dialogue as well as intimate scenes. Publishing options will also be discussed. Informative handouts for future use are included in the class fee. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class. This course is taught remotely via Zoom.
LeeAnne Krusemark, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 3/24 7:00 pm - 8:55 pm |
ZCOM-095 600 | 15 seats left | $39 |
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, 2/11 - 4/3 | ZILC-061 600 | 15 seats left | $130 | |
| Online, 3/18 - 5/8 | ZILC-061 601 | 15 seats left | $130 | |
| Online, 4/15 - 6/5 | ZILC-061 602 | 15 seats left | $130 |
No Excuses! Writing & Selling Your Book
Is a novel or nonfiction book burning inside you? Do you dream of being a published author? If so, learn the step-by-step process of transforming an idea into a published book from a publishing pro who has helped dozens of students become authors. Discover how to start and write your book, how to offer your book to agents and publishers, and how to guide your book to publishing success. One-on-one coaching with the instructor about your book project after the course eliminates any excuses preventing you from realizing your publishing dreams. Course includes a $15 materials fee.
Remote Course
Pauline Bartel, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 3/28 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
ZCOM-019 600 | 15 seats left | $75 |
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, 2/11 - 4/3 | ZILC-070 600 | 15 seats left | $144 | |
| Online, 3/18 - 5/8 | ZILC-070 601 | 15 seats left | $144 | |
| Online, 4/15 - 6/5 | ZILC-070 602 | 15 seats left | $144 |
Speak Up, Stand Out: Public Speaking for Beginners
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.
Terrified of public speaking? You’re not alone—and this beginner-friendly class will help you ditch the nerves and find your voice. Whether you're presenting at work, reading your writing aloud, or giving a speech at a special event, you'll learn the fundamentals of confident, clear communication. We’ll cover how to organize your thoughts, speak with clarity and purpose, manage anxiety, and connect with your audience. Through low-pressure activities and practical tips, you’ll leave feeling ready to speak up and stand out—no podium panic required. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class. Students that need to withdraw from this 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, 3/29 12:00 pm - 1:55 pm |
ZCOM-109 600 | 15 seats left | $39 |
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, 2/11 - 4/3 | ZILC-063 600 | 14 seats left | $143 | |
| Online, 3/18 - 5/8 | ZILC-063 601 | 15 seats left | $143 | |
| Online, 4/15 - 6/5 | ZILC-063 602 | 15 seats left | $143 |
Write a Riveting Mystery, Suspense or Crime Story
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.
Become a mystery writer for fun or profit! In this class, you will discover the different sub-genres and three-act story structure of mystery writing and create an intriguing cast of characters. Learn how to research and pick your setting, make sure your opening grabs readers’ attention, and use “red herrings” to misdirect your readers and create suspense until you’re ready for the final reveal. Publishing options will also be discussed. 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 this class must do so five business days prior to the start of class for a refund. This course is taught remotely via Zoom.
LeeAnne Krusemark, Instructor
| Schedule | Section | Seats Left | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 3/24 5:00 pm - 6:55 pm |
ZCOM-094 600 | 15 seats left | $39 |
Writing for Children: A Beginner's Guide
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.
Step into the magical world of children’s and young adult (YA) literature—and learn how to captivate young readers like a pro! This dynamic class dives deep into the hottest market trends, age-smart storytelling techniques, and unforgettable character creation that speaks directly to kids and teens. You’ll also get insider tips on crafting submissions that grab the attention of kid-lit magazines and publishers. Whether you’re dreaming of picture books or YA novels, this is your launchpad to creating stories that kids won’t put down. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class. Students that need to withdraw from this 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, 3/15 2:00 pm - 3:55 pm |
ZCOM-108 600 | 15 seats left | $39 |
Get in Touch
Office 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)