Neurologists claim that learning another language is good for your brain! It’s also a great way to enrich your life and your career.

Noncredit Language Courses
Go places—in the world and in your career—when you learn a new language!
World Languages
Conversational French 1 | $205
This course is for students with no previous French experience. It will emphasize French for recreation. Topics include basic phonetics, numbers, foods and travel with very elementary, uncomplicated verbal communication.
#33546, Online Live, 9/2-10/21, Friday, 6-8 PM
Japanese 1 | $205
This course is for students with no previous knowledge of the Japanese language. We will be emphasizing introductory-level Japanese for recreation. Topics include basic pronunciation, alphabets, numbers, travel and ordering food.
#33378, Online Live, 8/30-10/18, Tuesday, 6-8:30 PM
Japanese 2 | $205
Spend more time improving your grammar and expanding your vocabulary. You also will spend time in conversation with fellow students and the instructor to become more comfortable with everyday situations and common expressions.
#33379, Online Live, 10/25-12/13, Tuesday, 6-8:30 PM
Japanese 3 | $205
Students will continue to expand on the vocabulary, grammar, usage, and conversation skills begun in levels 1 and 2. Writing skills may also be covered if relevant to the interests of the students.
#33380, Online Live, 8/31-10/19, Wednesday, 6-8:30 PM
Japanese 4 | $205
In this course, students will continue to expand on the vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills begun in levels 1, 2, and 3. Writing skills may be covered if relevant to the interests of the students. Cultural information about modern and historical Japan will also be taught alongside the lessons.
#33382, Online Live, 10/26-12/14, Wednesday, 6-8:30 PM
Russian 1 | $205
This course will acquaint you with the fundamentals of the Russian Language, including Cyrillic alphabet, basic grammar, vocabulary, and elementary conversation skills. We will also talk about literature, history, art, music, and food, in order to gain insight into Russian culture and supplement your language learning.
#33688, Truax-Main Building, 9/28-11/16, Wednesday, 6-8:30 PM
Spanish 1 | $205
Learn to speak Spanish in this class designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of the language. This introductory course will cover basic commands, greetings, colors, numbers, parts of the body, family relationships, time and foods.
#33556, Online Live, 9/6-10/6, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-8 PM
#33476, Fort Atkinson, 10/3-11/2, Monday and Wednesday, 6-8 PM
Spanish 1 Refresher | $105
This is the perfect class for those who have some Spanish language experience but are unsure if they belong in Spanish 1 or 2. Join this class to get a refresher on basic grammar (present tense, pronouns, verbs), greetings, alphabet, plural, colors, numbers, questions, time, foods, and family. This class will have you ready for Spanish 2. This class will be short but intense, so come prepared to remember and learn new things.
#33577, Online Live, 9/15-10/6, Thursday, 6-8:30 PM
Spanish 2 | $205
Spanish 2 is ideal if you have taken some Spanish before and want to improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Focus is on vocabulary and communication. You should have completed noncredit Spanish 1 or the equivalent.
#33557, Online Live, 10/11-11/10, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-8 PM
Spanish 3 | $205
Spanish 3 is a continuation of Spanish 2. Gain more advanced skills in reading, writing and speaking Spanish. Successful completion of noncredit Spanish 2 or the equivalent recommended.
#33558, Online Live, 11/15-12/13, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-8 PM
Spanish Converse Practice Advanced | $165
Appropriate for Spanish students who have completed noncredit Spanish 3 or 4. Your instructor will organize learning activities and facilitate conversation practice among students of the same Spanish skill level.
#10810, Online Live, 8/2-8/23, Tuesday, 6-8:30 PM
Spanish Language and Culture for the Workplace | $249
This course is designed to familiarize participants with basic Spanish communication skills and cultural awareness needed to interact with Spanish-speaking employees, patrons, co-workers and customers in the workplace. We will cover the basic grammar structures of the language and incorporate essential vocabulary, phrases and dialogues used in the work setting within a context of cultural awareness and a global mindset.
#33522, Truax-Main Building, 9/24-11/12, Saturday, 9:30 AM-12 PM
American Sign Language
Sign Language 1 | $205
Learn the basic skills of the American Sign Language (ASL). This is an introductory course for those wanting to learn a second language or who want to communicate with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This course covers clinical and cultural aspects, as well as basic tips on how to best communicate with people who have hearing loss.
#33352, Truax-Health Building, 8/31-10/19, Wednesday, 6-8:30 PM
#33629, Portage, 9/13-10/25, Tuesday, 6-8 PM
Sign Language 2 | $205
Build on what you learned in introductory American Sign Language. Continue to learn vocabulary and nuances of ASL non-verbal communication. Practice ASL conversation without voice. Guest deaf participants provide receptive fingerspelling and conversational skill practice. You’re expected to have a firm grasp of the material from Sign Language 1.
#33353, Truax-Health Building, 10/26-12/14, Wednesday, 6-8:30 PM
Sign Language 3 | $205
For students who are conversant with ASL and want to explore further structure, vocabulary, and use of the language. The course is not recommended for students who may have taken levels 1 and 2 but are still not comfortably conversant with ASL.
#33354, Truax-Health Building, 9/12-10/31, Monday, 6-8:30 PM
Healthcare Interpreting (HCI)
Work with trained healthcare interpreters who will prepare you for this rewarding career. Help doctors communicate with non-English speaking patients so they may ensure the best possible care.
Three Ways to Register for Noncredit Courses
1. Register by Phone
- Call us at 608.258.2301, Option 2
2. Express Registration
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- Unsure if you have an account? If you have taken a class at Madison College, search for your account
World Language Certificate Programs
Broaden your career horizons with these FAST TRACK language credentials.

>FAST> French Language Proficiency Certificate
Improve your French language communication and cultural understanding with our certificate in French Language Proficiency.
13 credits | Finish in 4-12 months
>>FAST>> Spanish Language Proficiency Certificate
Employers are always looking for bilingual candidates. Improve your Spanish language communications skills with a certificate in Spanish Language Proficiency.
13 credits | Finish in 4-12 months