Polish I

In this introductory course, you develop a strong foundation in the Polish language through the study of grammar, vocabulary and speaking skills. The course covers key grammar concepts such as noun case, gender and adjective agreement, while expanding your vocabulary with common objects. The speaking component focuses on mastering the alphabet and basic counting.

As the course progresses, you delve into pronouns, verb conjugations, greetings, colors and features of people. You also learn the instrumental case, engage in small talk about family and professions, and cover topics like the accusative case, hobbies, telling time and ordering food. A comprehensive review of noun cases and verb conjugation is conducted, accompanied by vocabulary related to clothing. By the end of the course, you will have a solid understanding of grammar, a diverse vocabulary and the ability to communicate in various everyday situations.

Required Textbook
“Hurra Po Polsku 1,” Volume 1 by Aneta Szymkiewicz Malgorzata Malolepsza
ISBN 978-8360229385

Recommended Textbooks
“Czesc Jak Sie Masz” by Wladyslaw Miodunka
ISBN 978-8324231089

“Polish Verbs and Essentials of Grammar” by Oscar Swan
ISBN 978-0071597463

Instructor

Margaret Naczek

Margaret Naczek completed her undergraduate degree in Polish language and journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2017, but her passion for Polish language and culture started much earlier. She began Polish folk dancing with Syrenka Children’s Polish Folk Dance ... read more

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

• Expand your vocabulary to include family members and professions, counting, colors, features of people, hobbies, food and drinks, clothing and more!
• Develop conversational skills by learning common greetings and goodbyes, engaging in small talk, building relationships and practical conversation.
• Learn essential verb conjugations, improving sentence formation and expression including present tense verb conjugation patterns (-m, -sz) and “być” (to be), “mieć” (to have), “isć” (to go) and “chcieć” (to want) for common verbs.
• Acquire proficiency in using the accusative case for indicating direct objects.
• Gain a solid understanding of Polish noun cases, including gender agreement and instrumental case usage.

Prerequisites

This course is for beginning Polish speakers; there is no prerequisite.

Notes

This is a noncredit enrichment program. Progress and courses completed are marked by Continuing Education Units. CEUs are not transferable to college or university transcripts.