Image of Tikal, mayan pyramids

 

Modern Languages & Cultures


Welcome

Speaking another language can greatly enhance your career and social opportunities and give you a better understanding of other people and their cultures. West offers Associate degrees (A.A., A.A.-T.) in Spanish and French. We also offer courses in Arabic, American Sign Language (ASL), and Japanese.

If you are a student who meets the pre-requisite requirement for a language course, please download and fill out the Pre-Requisite Challenge Petition Form, include any supporting documentation (e.g. school transcripts), and email all documents to the Language Arts Division Chair.

 

Full Time Faculty

Dr. Elena Avilés (Spanish) | Faculty Profile

Prof. Ana Figueroa (Spanish) | Faculty Profile

Dr. Margot Michel (French) | Faculty Profile

Dr. Sandra Ruiz (Spanish) | Faculty Profile

 

Contact
Chairperson
Clare Norris-Bell
Phone
(310) 287-4590
Email
norrisct@wlac.edu
Office Location
2nd floor of the GC Building
Office Hours
n/a

Department
Language Arts

Pathway
Arts & Humanities

Arabic language at West Los Angeles College strives to offer a university-level course in cutting-edge Arabic pedagogy. Classroom activities are student-centered with a focus on speaking and listening (colloquial), while homework assignments introduce students to the more formal aspects of the language (Modern Standard Arabic). We use the highly regarded Al-kitaab textbooks series, with its interactive audio-video content, and proven track record. WLAC Arabic courses will prepare the transfer student for continuation at a 4-year university.

American Sign language is offered at West Los Angeles College through the Language Arts Division. Students can take ASL 1 or 2, which are offered online (asynchronous) and on-ground (asynchronous). Some classes are offered on our campus however, we do offer some ASL courses at high school campuses. For further information on American Sign Language contact:

  • Chair Clare Norris-Bell: norrisct@wlac.edu

Degree Path

For course requirements, visit the College Catalog - "Degree and Certificate Program Requirements" section and scroll to "American Sign Language," "French," "Spanish."

(Major Code 1102.00)

The Associate Degree program in French enables a student to transfer to a baccalaureate program at a four-year institution. Professional opportunities with such a curriculum could lead to a career in foreign trade, travel, translating, teaching, and government (especially in the State Department). French also provides valuable background for those pursuing studies in Art, Music, Cinema, and Literature. Students who wish to obtain an associate degree in French may do so by completing the course requirements listed below plus all other WLAC requirements for an associate degree. Transfer students should consult the Counseling Office for major preparation and general education requirements of the particular transfer institution of their choice. Transfer students who want to also obtain an Associate Degree may do so by completing all WLAC general education requirements plus at least 18 units in the major as required by the transfer institution (a total of 60 units for an Associate Degree).

Degree Path

For course requirements, visit the College Catalog - "Degree and Certificate Program Requirements" section and scroll to "American Sign Language," "French," "Spanish."

Japanese language is offered at West Los Angeles College through the Language Arts Division. Students can take Japanese 1 or 2, which are offered online (asynchronous) and on-ground. For further information on our Japanese language program contact:

  • Chair Clare Norris-Bell: norrisct@wlac.edu

For course requirements, visit the College Catalog 

(Major Code 1105.00)

The Associate Degree program in Spanish enables a student study the language at the college-level. In addition, this curriculum generates and upgrades professional opportunities in business, industry, education, and government, as well as provides personal enrichment in understanding Spanish language and culture. Students who wish to obtain an Associate degree in Spanish may do so by completing the course requirements listed below plus all other WLAC requirements for an Associate Degree.

Students should consult the Counseling Office for major preparation and general education requirements for the major and degree.

Degree Path

For course requirements, visit the College Catalog - "Degree and Certificate Program Requirements" section and scroll to "Spanish-A.A."

(Major Code: 1105.00)
The Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer (AA-T) is a degree that provides a solid lower-division preparation for students who intend to transfer to a California State University (CSU) for a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. This degree is designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU and guarantee admissions to a CSU. Although, students are guaranteed admissions, it is not to any particular campus or program in the CSU system. Students will be required to meet with a counselor for specific university major preparation at the college of their choice in order to facilitate a seamless transition. This coursework will satisfy the lower division Spanish requirements at some of the CSU campuses. Information on which campuses accept this degree can be found at www.sb1440.org.

Students should consult the Counseling Office for major preparation, degree completion, and general education requirements of the particular transfer institution of their choice. Transfer students who want to also obtain an Associate Degree may do so by completing all WLAC general education requirements, plus at least 18 units in the major as required by the transfer institution (a total of 60 units for an Associate Degree).

This degree complies with The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440). Information on which campuses accept this degree can be found at www.sb1440.org. Students who complete an ADT and transfer to a similar major at a CSU are guaranteed a pathway to finish their baccalaureate degrees in 60 semester or 90 quarter units. These degrees require students to meet both of the following requirements:

  1. Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
    1. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.
    2. A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district and meeting the requirements of an approved transfer model curriculum.
  2. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

Degree Path

For course requirements, visit the College Catalog - "Degree and Certificate Program Requirements" section and scroll to  "Spanish A.A.-T"

Industry and Commerce

  • Overseas sales representative
  • Overseas manager
  • Overseas researcher
  • U.S.-based import/export officer or investment specialist
  • Interpreter
  • Translator
  • Technical writer/translator

Academic and Professional

  • International lawyer
  • Medical researcher
  • Health care professional
  • Academic researcher
  • Librarian
  • International researcher
  • UNESCO project worker
  • Translator
  • Interpreter
  • Foreign language/Bilingual teacher

Service

  • Employee of overseas non-governmental organization
  • United Nations agency and project employee
  • UN translator/interpreter
  • Overseas medical or agricultural worker
  • Peace Corps volunteer
  • Missionary
  • Social worker

U.S. Government

  • Immigration/Customs official
  • Staff /Faculty at overseas U.S. school
  • Foreign Embassy staff
  • Overseas broadcast staff
  • State Department staff/ Armed forces staff
  • Translator
  • Interpreter
  • Intelligence Agent

Arts, Media, Entertainment

  • Journalist
  • Foreign/overseas correspondent
  • Film producer
  • Art dealer
  • Overseas manager
  • Translator/interpreter

Travel and Tourism

  • U.S. based travel agent
  • U.S. hotel staff
  • U.S. tour guide for foreign visitors
  • Writer of tourist literature
  • International airline employee
  • International hotel staff
  • International tour guide

Programs Offered

DEGREE / CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

French is spoken in 40 countries and is great for work and travel, not too mention it's the "language of love"

About our French Classes