arlier this year, the Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures (SEELC) partnered with the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (NELC) to offer a January Term (J-term) course, The Taste of Arabic and Russian Cultures, for students at Metro Early College Middle and High School. Dr. Gergana Atanassova from NELC, and Viktoria Kim and Dr. David McVey from SEELC were the course instructors for this brand-new collaboration.

Since the J-term was all virtual due to Covid-19 restrictions this year, students participated in synchronous on-line classes, where they were given a basic introduction to the Arabic and Russian languages. They learned greetings and some phrases in both languages in addition to important cultural items, including New Year’s and Easter celebrations. At the end of the J-term, 23 high school students and 27 middle school students researched, prepared, and presented final projects to their peers.

We were happy to have this opportunity to get involved with Metro students and support their learning goals and are grateful to the Metro administration: Mrs. Claire Anthony, Middle School Dean of Students; Mrs. Caroline Davis, Metro Early College High School Principal; as well as teachers Ms. Taylor Zopolnik and Mr. Warren Marshall. Without their assistance, this course would not have been possible.