LATV 111 A: Basic Latvian

First-Year Latvian (Latv 101/Latv 111)

Autumn Quarter 2022.  Taught by Guntis Šmidchens, guntiss@uw.edu
Class meets MTWThF 9:30-10:20, Denny Hall Room 256

About the course

Foreign Language Learning takes time, patience and persistence, and lots of courage. AND it is also fun! 😊

Learning Objectives: This course  aims to build basic skills in the Latvian language (listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation). The first quarter will focus on

1. understanding basic vocabulary (about 500 most commonly used words). 
2. understanding how meanings of words change when their endings change (Grammar: five cases for six classes of nouns; three tenses for three classes of verbs).

Each week Includes…

• Reading assignments that introduce basic vocabulary and grammar.
• Written exercises, practiced in class and due on the following day;
• in-class quizzes and tests will usually be on Mondays.

Grades are based on in-class practice, and on weekly Quizzes and essays

• In-class participation (20%), daily homework assignments (20%),
• weekly quizzes (20%), three unit tests (30%) and final Examination (5%)
• Cultural enhancement: Follow the news on https://www.lsm.lv/ and discuss online, in English (5%)

Class meetings:

• The class meets in person five times per week

Textbook and Tools:  

• Lelis, Jāzeps, Basic Latvian I (1982, second edition 2022). [class handout] 
• Recommended: Install a Latvian keyboard on your computer (if you need help, please ask).
• Recommended resource: https://tezaurs.lv/ (click on "locīšana" to see a word's grammatical forms!
• Recommended: Microsoft Translator (in partnership with the Latvian company, Tilde): https://www.bing.com/translator?ref=TThis&&text=&from=lv&to=en

Note:  

• Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy (https://registrar.washington.edu/staffandfaculty/religious-accommodations-policy/).
• Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form (https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request/).