All of
Dane’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Dane’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
American History
I have studied American History at the undergraduate and graduate levels. My focus has generally been in American military history, and American foreign policy Revolution-present.
European History
European history has been my passion since high school. I studied European history in Paris and Brussels, and am well-versed in all periods and regions. I have a particular interest in the French Revolution(s) and Restorations, and the Second World War.
French
French was my first foreign language, and since beginning my studies at the age of 14, it has opened a myriad of doors for me and led me to incredible experiences. I have a BA in French from the University of Southern California, the highest French as a Foreign Language (FLE Niveau Supérieur II) certification from the Sorbonne, and have extensive work experience across the francophone world - including jobs with the French government and French-American Chamber of Commerce, as well as postings in Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire). I have a real passion for the language and the culture, which I love sharing with others. I think having learned French as a second language helps me in teaching, in that I've also had to struggle with the difficulties an English speaker has learning a Romance language. I feel I can communicate complicated structures simply yet effectively. I teach French, German and Portuguese, and have learned them all as a non-native speaker. In my experience, learning from English speakers who have learned each language has been exponentially more effective than learning from native speakers, as they're best equipped to cater to the needs of native-English speakers.
Geography
My grandfather gave me my first atlas when I was 5, and I've been hooked ever since. My undergraduate and graduate studies have both been in International Affairs, and I've traveled all over the world for work and for studies. I am confident I have the background to make this subject interesting and relevant.
German
Having had German-speaking grandparents, I've always had an interest in German history and the German language. I've traveled extensively in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and studied German at the advanced level at Columbia during my graduate studies. I know German is an extremely difficult language to learn (Mark Twain once said that life is too short to learn German), and often very tedious, too. I know, however, that a solid and confident understanding of the concepts behind the tricky parts (like noun declensions and gender) makes the whole process infinitely easier (i.e. the vocabulary comes more easily, as does oral comprehension). German is all about practice - everyone (even Germans) make grammatical mistakes! Übung macht den Meister! I teach French, German and Portuguese, and have learned them all as a non-native speaker. In my experience, learning from English speakers who have learned each language has been exponentially more effective than learning from native speakers, as they're best equipped to cater to the needs of native-English speakers.
Grammar
I am a professional writer, editor and proofreader. English grammar is a bear, but is also extremely manageable once understood. There's a method to the madness, I promise. Proper grammar is essential when writing college applications, job applications, and even in personal or business correspondence. Grammar extends beyond the perpetual "Is it 'I' or 'me?'" or 'your' or 'you're' questions, and can make or break critical written or oral interactions. It doesn't have to be a struggle, it just needs to be explained simply and plainly, and then repeated in practice. I can teach you the shortcuts, and explain the rationale behind them.
Portuguese
Portuguese was my third foreign language to study. I went to Brazil for the first time in 2004 and fell in love with the country, the people, the music, and of course the language. I made subsequent trips around Portugal in 2005 studying the language and Portuguese culture, and since then have returned to Brazil nearly annually. I studied Portuguese at the advanced level at Columbia during my graduate studies, and took dialectics courses in the Portuguese spoken around the world including the creoles of Africa and Asia. I feel Portuguese is a beautiful language that is actually very easy and straightforward to learn, and opens the door to a culturally-diverse world unrivaled by other western languages. I teach French, German and Portuguese, and have learned them all as a non-native speaker. In my experience, learning from English speakers who have learned each language has been exponentially more effective than learning from native speakers, as they're best equipped to cater to the needs of native-English speakers.
Proofreading
I have had much educational and professional experience proofreading. As a student at Columbia, I edited the World Affairs section of the student paper, and have also edited speeches and correspondence for the diplomats of France's Foreign Ministry. I now work as a professional writer, so proofreading is a huge part of my life.
World History
I love world history. Since high school, I've made it the core of my studies, and I believe my world is exponentially larger today as a result. While my passion is for European imperial history, my knowledge is certainly not limited thereto. I am also very interested and knowledgeable about military history (my graduate studies focused on International Security Policy), especially that of the 20th century.
Writing
I have a solid writing background, which I've developed over the course of my educational and professional careers. I was a writer for the USC and Columbia student papers, a speechwriter for the French Foreign Ministry, and now work as a professional writer.