LATV101: First-Year Latvian (3 or 5 credits) Syllabus, Autumn Quarter
The University of Washington is the only place in the United States where you can formally study the Latvian language, and the course is taught by a native Latvian instructor—how cool is that? Learning Latvian opens the door to a rich culture, unique Baltic history, and a language unlike anything else you’ll encounter.
Līga Miklaševiča, Acting Instructor of Latvian, ligamik@uw.edu
Office: Raitt Hall 305-W ; Office Hours: by appointment,
Course Description
This course is designed to develop fundamental skills in the Latvian language (speaking, listening, reading, and writing)
ether for 3-credit or 5-credit students. Instruction is based on textbook resources and also different authentic materials (such
as songs, films, animations, public signs, and folklore materials). By the conclusion of the course, students will be able to
perform basic communication tasks in everyday situations. Additionally, students through learning LATV101 will be
introduced to Latvian culture, providing them with a deeper understanding of Latvian customs, traditions, literature and film,
personalities, history and Latvia today.
Course Structure
The 3-credit course will focus primarily on comprehension skills (reading and grammar), while the 5-credit course will also
incorporate production skills (speaking and writing). Students enrolled in the 5-credit course will attend classes five times a
week, practicing all language skills that will be assessed in tests and exams. Students meet 3x, tested on comprehension
(vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension). Both courses provide students with the opportunity to learn Latvian in
an environment that fosters cultural enrichment and understanding.
The course is structured so that students can enroll in both the 3-credit and 5-credit options simultaneously, with the core
material (grammar, vocabulary, and key communicative objectives) covered in three weekly lectures attended by both
groups, while the additional two weekly lectures, focused on production skills.
Course Goal
This course aims to help students develop cultural and linguistic competence that allows them to feel comfortable thinking
of themselves as users of Latvian language, in listening, reading, writing, and speaking for both 3-credit and 5-credit course
Student after completing LATV101 can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
Assignments
Assignments are aligned with the weekly topics and include grammar drills, quizzes on Canvas, and language tests. For 3-
credit students, the language test will focus primarily on comprehension skills, while 5-credit students will be evaluated on
both comprehension and production skills, including speaking and writing tasks.