WORLDPATH™
LANGUAGE and CULTURE STUDIES

The International Center is proud to offer a language and literature program for people interested in expanding their world view! Our WorldPath program is a unique combination of instruction in languages and cultures from all around the globe. We teach beginning and intermediate classes in Arabic, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, and Russian languages. Because it is important for expatriates to keep their native language skills strong, we also offer literature classes for fluent speakers of German or French. Our German Literature and French Literature classes are structured for those native speakers who wish to maintain writing, reading and analytical skills in their native tongue. All our teachers are native speakers, and are experienced classroom teachers. Classes are held at the International Academy after school and on Saturdays.

Language Studies

The WorldPath language program is for students serious about learning language. This program is not just another opportunity to learn a foreign language. It is based on the world-renown International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum - a strong academic program designed to teach students lingual, literary and cultural fluency. Students will study language, literature and culture for a complete learning experience.

We offer beginning and intermediate instruction in Arabic, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese and Russian. While these classes are geared for high school students and adults, middle school classes will be formed as demand warrants. Before enrolling, students will be evaluated by the teachers to determine the appropriate placement. Our intermediate Russian class features the IB curriculum, a world class language program offered in IB schools worldwide. The beginning Russian class prepares the student for the IB level course work.

Students who complete our intermediate classes may wish to sit for the AP exam in their subject area. Currently, German and French is offered by the Advanced Placement organization. Mandarin Chinese and Russian AP tests are being developed and will be available in a few years.

Literature Classes for Native Speakers

The German Literature Studies program is designed to provide native speakers of German an opportunity to maintain their language skills and increase their active vocabulary through the in-depth study of classic and modern works of German literature. Students will read authors such as Goethe, Buchner, Brecht and Frisch, and participate in classroom discussion and written analysis of these works. Students will also review German grammar and spelling at each class meeting. This program helps students retain high level German language skills and gives them a forum to discuss current cultural events in Germany.

Similarly, French Literature Studies will give fluent speakers the opportunity to maintain their writing, thinking and reading skills while studying the finest works of classical and modern French Literature. Lively discussions will encompass the current events of France while students develop an appreciation of the French culture. Three levels of French Literature will be offered, Level One will be for students in grades 6 – 7, Level Two will serve grades 8 – 9 and Level Three will be for students in grades 10 – 11. Level Three will prepare students for entrance exams in the French University system through in-depth study of classical works of French Literature.

WorldPath Course Schedule

Language classes start the week of September 4, 2007 and run through the end of May or early June, 2008. Every class meets once per week. Russian German Literature, and French Literature programs are 16 weeks each semester and meet for two hours. Arabic, Hindi and Mandarin Chinese meet for 10 week semesters with classes of 90 minutes. Russian meets on Saturday mornings, and Hindi meets after school from 3:30 to 5:30 on Thursdays (beginning) and Fridays (intermediate). Beginning Mandarin will meet for 90 minutes on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Intermediate Mandarin will be scheduled at a later date.

The German Literature will meet on Mondays, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm . The first semester runs from September 10, 2007 through January 14, 2008. The second semester starts January 28 and end June 2, 2008. French Literature will also meet from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The first class will meet on September 18.

Registration Information

If you would like to register for our WorldPath classes, click on the icon below and print out a registration form. Our tuition is payable in two installments over the year. Please include a check payable to Bloomfield Hills Schools for the correct amount for the first semester with your registration form. The second payment is due January 14, 2008. If you have any questions, call (248) 341-5941.

To download a printable version of the registration form, click here.