fandomhigh | Language Classes, 12/01

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Language Classes, 12/01

Hello.

First, I would like to remind those of you who have not yet done so to complete the poll on classes for next semester. Unless, of course, you are done studying languages.

Languages of Europe: Go to the computer terminals in the lab and play French verb hangman. You will get extra credit for telling me which verbs you played with and conjugating them appropriately.

Cat: I already told Miss Hopeless-Savage this, but I am suspending classes in cat-form for the remainder of the semester. I believe it would be irresponsible for me not to do so, given the plague of involuntary animal transformations at the school. Today, you may read through the web archives of "Cat and Girl", by Dorothy Gambrell. The cat in this strip is drawn largely in human form; discuss how its body language remains feline.

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Archie turns up during office hours to take his midterm. He's a bit pale with nervousness, but seems calm enough otherwise.

[OOC: Ugh -- only now getting around to classes!]

"Hello, Lieutenant Kennedy," Dream says mildly. While he's no more severe than usual, there's nothing in his manner to settle Archie's nerves. He hands the student a one-page test -- half Spanish vocabulary and grammar, half translation exercises.

"Let me know when you're ready to begin our dialogue," he says. "We will talk for five minutes in Spanish."

Archie nods nervously and goes over the test in front of him. As it's written, it's a little bit easier for him to handle than the spoken part will be; less thinking on his feet, and he can take his time. He does so, struggling a bit with the grammar, though his vocabulary is fairly solid. The translation exercises take him longer, and one or two of them involve the use of slang colloquialisms that should not, technically, be considered correct usage.

Once he finally finishes the test, he clears his throat and looks up at Dream. "/I am prepared to begin now./"

Dream smiles as reassuringly as he can manage.

/Excellent,// he says. //How do you think you did on the test?//

"/I feel I could have done better,/" Archie replies truthfully. "/But I am still pleased with my work."

Dream glances over the test.

//It looks like you did fairly well.

Do you have weekend plans?//

"/Only more study. I will see what . . . ah, may change. I have not seen much of other people outside of my classes./"

//Study will help you make up the time you missed. Good idea.

What other classes are you taking?//

"/Mathematics. Criminal, ah, Justice, which is difficult for me as the teacher is hard for me to comprehend at times. Sociology. Ethics./" He fidgets uncomfortably after the last.

Dream nods along, raising his eyebrows at Archie's discomfort on the last class. //It sounds as though you do not enjoy ethics class. Is there a reason?//

Archie fidgets a little bit more. "/The topics occasionally touch me a little too closely. And it is of concern to me that there is an anticip -- that there is a need for this 'closet' of the teacher's, for students who become upset. It can be interesting, but the discussions often go in directions that cause me discomfort./" He pauses. "/Even with all the classes I missed./"

Dream looks concerned at this. //Discomfort can be valuable in education, but perhaps not at this level. I may talk to Miss Maclay.//

"/Normally I would say it is just me, and the things I have gone through. But other students often appear very upset by the end of class./"

//Interesting,// Dream says, appearing thoughtful. //Yes, perhaps someone older and more experienced should talk to Miss Maclay.//

He folds his arms. //What do you think should happen to the class?//

Archie shifts in his seat and rubs his chin. "/It is a good class subject, and the students bring many interesting views to class. I should like to see it continue, but perhaps in a different way. One that is less upsetting to the people in it./"

//Interesting thoughts,// Dream says. //Do you have any questions for me before we finish?//

"/Only that you can tell me where my language skills need to be strengthened,/" replies Archie.

Dream appears pleased by this question. //You need to work on your grammar more than anything else -- your reading and vocabulary areadequate. I have a book on French verb conjugations you could take home, if you wished.//

Archie nods. "/That is what I thought, thank you, sir. My previous knowledge of the languages was not picked up in the best places. I would appreciate the book, as well./"

Dream goes over to his bookshelves and pulls out a thin French grammar, which he hands to Archie.

//You do well, given that,// He says. //I will see you in class on Tuesday.//

Archie accepts the book with a small smile as he stands.

"/Thank you, sir. I'm sure I will find this helpful./"

//I hope that you do.//

Dream stands. "Thank you for your time and your work in the class, Mr. Kennedy."

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Language Classes, 12/01

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