All of
David’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
David’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
American History
I had a strong history minor from high school throughout college. American history is of particular interest to me, especially the early days of settlement and the process of gaining independence from England. I am also certified in European history which is essential to the understanding of the growth of America from independence up to and including today. History is fascinating to me and I believe I do a good job of instilling the same enthusiasm with my students.
Chinese
I have a BA, 1985 in Chinese Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, CA.
English
All levels from remedial to university level.
European History
I have attended numerous European History courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level. I also attended courses at L' Universite d'Aix-Marseille in Aix-en-Provence, France. From 1993 - 1999 I visited all European countries, both Eastern and Western. While there, I studied European History extensively, visiting numerous museums, palaces, battle sites and landmarks. I have studied Napoleon for many years, having done much of my own research in institutions founded by him.
Grammar
An understanding of English grammar demands, first of all, on the basics of the structure of English followed by a never-end review of acceptable usage. English is filled with exceptions. Of the Western European languages, it is very imprecise. Because English has drawn from so many linguistic sources, it is composed of bits and pieces of French, German, Latin and old English. They only real way to understand the evolution of the grammar is to understand some of the history of its contributing languages. I studied Latin in high school, then started on French in high school and college. In between I have studied at the college level, German, Russian and Chinese (Mandarin).
Literature
Literature has been not only a part of my academic training, but I've incorporated the habit of reading literature since first studying it in High School then on through under-graduate and graduate studies. World literature has always been my greatest interest as a way to learn about other cultures and people at the individual level. Internationally, I'd say my strongest areas are in works from Russia, England, France, Germany, Japan and China. With a BA in Chinese and a year of graduate study, I read all of the classic Chinese texts in the original. I have also read many French works in the original. I'm a bit of a specialist in existentialism in literature.
Proofreading
Proofreading requires the knowledge and experience gained from studying, reading, writing and use of a given language. It requires, in addition to actual courses on the subject, a lot of time using a language in many different situations and for often very different purposes. I have had a great deal of experience using English as well as a having a strong background in Latin. A good knowledge of Latin opens the "bowels" of English. Our grammar and an overwhelming amount of our words are Latin based. Yes, proofreading is a technical skill but it is also the love of a language and how it works.
Reading
I'm an avid reader of biography and history. I can read very detailed and difficult materials with as much ease as a light novel. I have studied numerous foreign languages, including Latin. Therefore, armed with a very strong vocabulary I feel confident that I can read and comprehend most anything. Most importantly, I enjoy teaching the skills that I have learned to others. Reading is probably the most rewarding and enriching tool that we have in our quest to gain knowledge and understanding.
Study Skills
I taught Study Skills at the Community College level.
Vocabulary
I have always had a very strong knowledge of English vocabulary. My Latin studies in High School deserve most of the credit. I have also taken a course in Greek, two years of German, five years of French and a couple of courses in Spanish. Exposure to other languages certainly adds vocabulary knowledge of English which has absorbed so many other languages in its evolution. And, last but not least, I always use a dictionary and a thesaurus!
World History
History, in general, has always fascinated me. Having studied several languages and traveled so extensively, I've enriched my course knowledge of World History through actual experience. Today, I continue to read World History on a regular basis. I would estimate the number of books that I read specifically about history at two or three per month. I've taken many courses in Asian, European, History of the Americas as well as the history of the United States. With a better understanding of a country's or a regions history it is then easier to understand how they interact on a world basis. I have also taken graduate courses in the Philosophy of History.
Writing
I've always leaned more in the direction of creative writing, however, I can churn out a 30 pages research paper just as good as the next person. Writing, to a degree, is a letting loose of the creative juices that have a solid grasp of vocabulary, reading and grammar. I've taken all of the required college courses in English, and then some. I've studied British and French literature. Once, a long time ago, I read Latin with fluency and I've read all of the Chinese classics in the original. Writing takes practice, which I do by keeping a daily journal.