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

A to Z Grant Writing

Do you love writing and building rewarding, long-lasting relationships? Do you have a passion for a cause? As a grant writer, you can help nonprofit organizations, schools, religious institutions, and research organizations acquire the funds they need to operate and to thrive. In this class, you’ll learn how to put together a gold medal proposal package – one that will capture the attention, and the funds, of donors. This informative course will equip you with the skills and tools you need to enter this exciting and fulfilling field. No matter who you are or what level of experience you have, you can be a successful grant writer. You’ll find the A to Z of writing and submitting successful proposals right here. This is one of the best online grant writing courses around, whether you’re already involved in a related position or are looking to take your first step into this rewarding career. 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.

A to Z Grant Writing
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Online, 4/16 - 6/6 ZILC-111 602 13 seats left $125

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 does not meet on 3/18 & 4/22.

Course will be held in Administration Building, Room 107

Shannon Johnson, Instructor

American Sign Language
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Tuesdays, 2/18 - 5/6
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
ZCOM-067 600 0 seats left $84Section Full

Call to be added to wait list

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.

Be a Better Writer: 10 Easy Tips to Improve Your Writing Now
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 7/10
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
ZCOM-091 700 20 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.

Beginner's Guide to Getting Published
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 7/16
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
ZCOM-031 700 20 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.

Beginner's Guide to Using FREE ChatGPT (AI) for Writers
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 7/24
5:00 pm - 6:55 pm
ZCOM-098 700 20 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.

Beginning Conversational French
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Online, 4/16 - 6/6 ZILC-062 602 15 seats left $115
Online, 6/11 - 8/1 ZILC-062 700 15 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.

Comedy Writing: How to Be Funny on Paper and Stage
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Thursday, 7/10
5:00 pm - 6:55 pm
ZCOM-092 700 20 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.

Conversational Japanese
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Online, 4/16 - 6/6 ZILC-060 602 15 seats left $115
Online, 6/11 - 8/1 ZILC-060 700 15 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

English as a Second Language
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
ZESL-017 700 70 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

Getting Paid to Talk
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Wednesday, 5/14
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
ZCOM-010 600 17 seats left $25

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.

Instant Italian
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Online, 4/16 - 6/6 ZILC-061 602 13 seats left $115
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.

Introduction to Screenwriting for Television or Movies
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.

Spanish for Law Enforcement
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Online, 4/16 - 6/6 ZILC-070 602 15 seats left $129
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.

Speed Spanish
Schedule Section Seats Left Cost Register
Online, 4/16 - 6/6 ZILC-063 602 10 seats left $125
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

Fitzgibbons Health Technologies Center, Room 334

Fax: (518) 629-8103

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (excluding college holidays and vacations)