Assyrian Language & Culture

Assyrian I - Course Overview

This foundational course is for all students interested in the Assyrian language and culture. Students will develop knowledge through an emphasis on reading, listening, writing and speaking. In addition to the study of language, students will learn about Assyrian culture through food, music, folk dance, discussions, and films. Culturally relevant teaching strategies within this course take into consideration student interests, backgrounds, and abilities. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to comprehend and respond in Assyrian at the novice - intermediate low level and begin to understand the Assyrian culture. This course will align with World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages.

Assyrian II - Course Overview

This course builds on the basic skills from first year Assyrian to improve students’ abilities to communicate orally and with the written language. Students will broaden their vocabulary through a wider range of topics. Particular attention will be focused on reading and writing with greater ease. Additional cultural topics will be introduced to enhance students’ connections to the Assyrian people.

*The honors level is for students who demonstrate superior skills and are motivated to complete the additional rigor of the honors curriculum.

Assyrian III - Course Overview

This course builds on the skills developed in Assyrian Language & Culture II or Assyrian for Heritage Speakers, focusing on advancing students' proficiency across the three modes of communication—interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. Students will broaden their vocabulary and engage with a wider range of topics, improving their ability to understand, interact, and express ideas. The course will cover advanced grammar concepts and provide opportunities to read and analyze short stories to enhance literacy skills. Students will explore additional cultural topics that deepen their understanding of the Assyrian culture, strengthening their connection to the Assyrian people and their identity while fostering a greater appreciation for the language and its traditions.

*The honors level is for students who demonstrate superior skills and are motivated to complete the additional rigor of the honors curriculum.

Assyrian for Heritage Speakers - Course Overview

Assyrian for Heritage Speakers is a course designed for students who have some skills in the language. Typical students have grown up with the language and may understand and speak at a basic level. They may even read or write a little. The goal of the course is to develop their language skills, particularly in reading and writing, to a higher level of proficiency while increasing their cultural knowledge.

*The honors level is for students who demonstrate superior skills and are motivated to complete the additional rigor of the honors curriculum.

Why Assyrian?

With a significant portion of our student population who identify as Assyrian, there is a gap in understanding of the language, customs and culture within and outside the Assyrian Community. To strengthen the identity, language skills, and build bridges to the greater community, this course would minimize that misconception from non-Assyrians and allow students to grow in their self-concept as Assyrians.

This course will offer an authentic representation of Assyrians. Assyrians will be able to see themselves in the texts and conversations that will be the focus of the course. Non-Assyrians will understand the impact of the Assyrian culture in the world.

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