World Languages Department

Introduction to the Department

The Department of World Languages aims to prepare students with the necessary linguistic and cultural knowledge that will enable them to think and understand the uniqueness of other language groups. Recognizing that language and culture are inseparable, the Department seeks to advance proficiency in languages other than English and cross-cultural competency, making our students more aware, engaged, and prepared global citizens. All classes are online for the time being, though classes will be offered both online and in-person once on-campus learning resumes.

Mission Statement

The mission of the World Languages Department is to provide an engaging teaching and learning environment for students to gain language proficiency in several common world languages. The Department offers lower-division, transfer-level courses in seven languages: Spanish, French, Italian, Arabic, Swahili, Chinese and Japanese. Our language courses provide students with a strong base in all of the skills essential to competent communication in the target languages: listening, speaking, writing, reading and culture. Through the study of languages, students develop an awareness of the experiences of others, an understanding of their unique ways of life, and a recognition and respect for their diversity and contributions to the world.

Language courses are taught by well-credentialed, caring, passionate faculty on four campuses and neighborhood sites, catering to a diverse student body. Classes are taught in a variety of modalities including traditional face-to-face and hybrid. The Department offers a number of options to complete a semester course in 7 weeks, 10 weeks or the more traditional 15-week session. Our courses are offered once, twice or three times a week to accommodate the varying needs of our students. Students who successfully complete our courses will be well prepared to continue their language study at transfer institutions.