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World Languages

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

American River College offers courses in World Languages designed to help students develop a command of a variety of languages necessary to pursue career, transfer and degree goals.

Degrees Offered

A.A.-T. in Spanish

Dean (Interim) Corinne Arrieta Katzorke
Department Chairs Inés García
Phone (916) 484-8653
Email askhb-LAC@arc.losrios.edu

Associate Degree for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Spanish

The Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer (AA-T) program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system.

Students should work closely with their American River College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Spanish at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

Students must complete the following Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) requirements (Pursuant to SB1440, §66746):

• 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units

• the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth); OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern

• a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district

• obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0

ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A ”P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
A minimum of 16 units from the following:		16¹
A) Sequence for Spanish heritage speakers
SPAN 411	Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 412	Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 413	Spanish for Native Speakers I (4)
SPAN 415	Spanish for Native Speakers II (4)
B) Sequence for non-Spanish heritage speakers
SPAN 401	Elementary Spanish I (4)
SPAN 402	Elementary Spanish II (4)
SPAN 411	Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 412	Intermediate Spanish (4)
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3²
ENGLT 335	Latino, Mexican-American, and Chicano Literature (3)
ETHNS 360	Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3)
HIST 327	History of the Chicano/Mexican American (3)
HIST 373	History of Mexico (3)
HIST 374	History of Latin America to 1830 (3)
HIST 375	The History of Modern Latin America and Caribbean (3)
SOC 325	Chicano Culture (3)
SPAN 361	Conversational Spanish, Intermediate (3)
SPAN 362	Conversational Spanish, Intermediate (3)
SPAN 427	Introduction to Spanish American Literature (3)
Total Units:		19

¹Students who place out of any core courses need to consult with a Department faculty member to select alternative courses and submit a course substitution petition. At least 18 units in the major must be completed.

²Students following the Sequence for non-Spanish heritage speakers may opt to use SPAN 413 or SPAN 415 to meet this requirement.

The Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

demonstrate proficiency in the five skills as mandated by the competency guidelines of the American Council of the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL): comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and understanding the people and culture of Spanish-speaking countries.
utilize grammatical structures of Spanish.
read and understand Spanish proficiently as found, for example, in Spanish language newspapers, magazines, short stories, essays, and selections of poetry written by Spanish, Spanish-American, Afrolatina/o/x, and Chicana/o/x authors.
demonstrate writing and composition skills in Spanish.
critique and discuss Latin American, Peninsular, Chicana/o/x, Afrolatina/o/x, and Indigenous literature in a historical context.
analyze and discuss major historical events and periods in the history of Spanish-speaking countries.
compare and contrast aspects of the Spanish-speaking culture that are different or similar to their own culture.
compare and contrast aspects of Spanish to their first language.
recognize regional linguistic and lexical differences including influences from indigenous languages.
describe the complexity and struggles of Latina/o/x racialized groups in Spanish-speaking countries and the United States.
analyze how struggle, resistance, social justice, solidarity and liberation are experienced by Latina/o/x communities socially, linguistically, and politically.

Career Information

This degree is designed to facilitate students' successful transfer to four-year colleges that prepare them for a variety of career opportunities, such as airlines/travel, banking, bilingual education, bilingual telecommunications, emergency services, foreign service, imports and exports, international business, intelligence/military services, IRS/State Franchise Tax Board, law enforcement/correctional officer, social services, translating/interpreting, tourism, and world language instructor. Some careers may require additional training specific to the trade.

German (GERM) Courses

GERM 401 Elementary German I

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an introduction to the language of the German-speaking people. It includes the fundamentals of German pronunciation and grammar, as well as the development of listening, reading, and writing with emphasis on the communicative skills.

GERM 402 Elementary German II

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:GERM 401 with a grade of "C" or better or two years of high school German
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course continues to develop proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing German. It also explores the German culture and affords opportunities to make cross-linguistic and cross-cultural comparisons.

GERM 411 Intermediate German

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:GERM 402 with a grade of "C" or better or three years of high school German
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course, which is the third in a series of four German courses, continues to develop proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing German. It reviews German grammar and offers readings of varied texts, which further explore study of historical and cultural background of German-speaking countries and afford opportunities to make cross-linguistic and cross-cultural comparisons.

GERM 412 Intermediate German

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:GERM 411 with a grade of "C" or better or four years of high school German.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This intermediate-level German course provides continued development of the language and cultural awareness of the German-speaking world. It includes further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in German with emphasis on communicative skills.

GERM 495 Independent Studies in German

Units:1 - 3
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

GERM 499 Experimental Offering in German

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

Italian (ITAL) Courses

ITAL 351 Conversational Italian, Elementary I

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is designed for students at the first-semester level in Italian. Conversations and discussions, both controlled and spontaneous, are used to develop basic conversational skills in Italian. Emphasis includes oral proficiency and development of Italian cultural awareness.

ITAL 352 Conversational Italian, Elementary II

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:ITAL 351 with a grade of "C" or better or two years of high school Italian
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is designed for students at the second-semester level in Italian. It continues the development of oral-aural skills in Italian through conversations and discussions, both controlled and spontaneous. Emphasis includes oral proficiency and development of Italian cultural awareness.

ITAL 401 Elementary Italian

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an introduction to the Italian language and culture of Italy. It includes the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Italian with emphasis on the communicative skills, as well as the fundamentals of Italian pronunciation and grammar.

ITAL 402 Elementary Italian

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:ITAL 401 with a grade of "C" or better; or 2 years of high school Italian.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides continued development of the language and explores history and culture of Italian society. It includes further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Italian and emphasizes communicative skills, as well as the fundamentals of Italian pronunciation and grammar. Language acquisition is approached through a historical and cultural perspective.

ITAL 411 Intermediate Italian

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:ITAL 402 with a grade of "C" or better; or 3 years of high school Italian.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This intermediate-level Italian course provides continued development of the language and culture of Italy. It includes further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Italian with emphasis on communicative skills. Additionally, it covers more complex grammar topics and provides further study of the cultural and historical background of Italy.

ITAL 412 Intermediate Italian

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:ITAL 411 with a grade of "C" or better; or 4 years of high school Italian.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This intermediate-level Italian course provides continued development of the language and culture of Italy. It includes further development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Italian with emphasis on communicative skills. Additionally, it reviews and provides further study and complex grammar topics of the cultural and historical background of Italy as well as its major literary types and works.

ITAL 495 Independent Studies in Italian

Units:1 - 3
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

ITAL 499 Experimental Offering in Italian

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

Japanese (JAPAN) Courses

JAPAN 299 Experimental Offering in Japanese

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

JAPAN 495 Independent Studies in Japanese

Units:1 - 3
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

JAPAN 499 Experimental Offering in Japanese

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

Mandarin (MAND) Courses

MAND 299 Experimental Offering in Mandarin

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

MAND 495 Independent Studies in Mandarin

Units:1 - 3
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

MAND 499 Experimental Offering in Mandarin

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

Russian (RUSS) Courses

RUSS 401 Elementary Russian

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an introduction to the Russian language and culture of Russia. It includes the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Russian with emphasis on the communicative skills, as well as the fundamentals of Russian pronunciation and grammar.

RUSS 402 Elementary Russian

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:RUSS 401 with a grade of "C" or better OR two years of high school Russian.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides continued development of the Russian language and culture. It includes further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Russian with emphasis on communicative skills, as well as the fundamentals of Russian pronunciation and grammar. Cross-linguistic and cross-cultural comparisons are emphasized.

RUSS 411 Intermediate Russian

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:RUSS 402 with a grade of "C" or better, or three years of high school Russian.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This intermediate-level Russian course provides continued development of the language and culture of the Russian-speaking world. It includes further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Russian with emphasis on communicative skills.

RUSS 412 Intermediate Russian

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:RUSS 411 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.; RUSS 411 with a grade of "C" or better or 4 years of high school Russian
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This intermediate-level Russian course provides continued development of the language and cultural awareness of the Russian-speaking world. It includes further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Russian with emphasis on communicative skills.

RUSS 413 Russian for Heritage Speakers I

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:RUSS 411 or Russian heritage speaker proficiency as assessed by an oral interview with the instructor in Russian.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course offers the fundamentals of spoken and written Russian for heritage speakers with different levels of Russian who want to gain literacy and improve their Russian skills. It covers the structure of the language, oral communication, spelling, and fundamentals of grammar and composition. In addition, the course introduces the student to the geography and culture of the Russian-speaking world.

RUSS 415 Russian for Heritage Speakers II

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:RUSS 413 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is designed as a continuation of Russian 413. It offers the fundamentals of spoken and written contemporary Russian for the native speakers of Russian. It covers more advanced structures of the language, oral communication, and composition. This course focuses primarily on major literary movements and developments in the 20th century Russian literature and cinema. In addition, the course reviews problem areas of Russian grammar and introduces some advanced topics in grammar and syntax. This course is conducted in Russian.

RUSS 495 Independent Studies in Russian

Units:1 - 3
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

RUSS 499 Experimental Offering in Russian

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

Spanish (SPAN) Courses

SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish Lab I

Units:0.5 - 1
Hours:27 - 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in SPAN 401.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This laboratory course enables Spanish language learners to develop, expand, and reinforce multiple Spanish language skills while working independently and/or in small groups. Coursework includes integrated study topics related to vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, and oral skills covered in first semester Spanish courses. Students may register until the sixth week of the semester. This course may be taken up to 2 times, for a total of 1.0 unit, using different topics. Pass/No Pass only.

SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish Lab II

Units:0.5 - 1
Hours:27 - 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:SPAN 131, or concurrent enrollment in SPAN 402.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This laboratory course enables Spanish language learners to continue developing, expanding, and reinforcing multiple Spanish language skills while working independently and/or in small groups. Coursework includes integrated study topics related to vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, and oral skills covered in second semester Spanish courses.
Students may register until the sixth week of the semester. This course may be taken up to two times for a total of 1.0 unit, using different topics. Pass/No Pass only.

SPAN 133 Intermediate Spanish Lab I

Units:0.5 - 1
Hours:27 - 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:SPAN 132 or concurrent enrollment in SPAN 411.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This laboratory course enables Spanish learners to develop, expand, and reinforce multiple Spanish language skills while working independently and/or in small groups. Coursework includes integrated study topics related to vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, and oral skills covered in third semester Spanish courses. Students may register until the sixth week of the semester. This course may be taken up to 2 times, for a total of 1.0 unit, using different topics. Pass/No Pass only.

SPAN 299 Experimental Offering in Spanish

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

SPAN 351 Conversational Spanish, Elementary

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an introduction to the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. It includes the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish with emphasis on communicative skills. Class discussions and group interaction, both controlled and spontaneous, are used to develop basic conversational skills in Spanish.

SPAN 352 Conversational Spanish, Elementary

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:SPAN 351 OR SPAN 401 with a grade of "C" or better or two years of high school Spanish.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is for students at the second-semester level in Spanish. It includes the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish with emphasis on communicative skills. Class discussions and group interaction, both controlled and spontaneous, are used to develop basic conversational skills in Spanish. Emphasis includes oral proficiency and development of Hispanic cultural awareness.

SPAN 361 Conversational Spanish, Intermediate

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:SPAN 352 OR SPAN 402 with a grade of "C" or better, or three years of high school Spanish.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is designed for students at the third-semester level in Spanish. It includes the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish with emphasis on communicative skills. Discussions and group interaction, both controlled and spontaneous, are used to develop basic conversational skills in Spanish. Emphasis includes oral proficiency and development of Hispanic cultural awareness.

SPAN 362 Conversational Spanish, Intermediate

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:SPAN 361 OR Spanish 411 with a grade of "C" or better or 4 years high school Spanish
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. It continues the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish with emphasis on communicative skills. Discussions and group interaction, both controlled and spontaneous, are used to develop conversational skills in Spanish.

SPAN 401 Elementary Spanish I

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 6
C-ID:C-ID SPAN 100
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course introduces the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. It includes the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish with emphasis on the communicative skills, as well as the fundamentals of Spanish pronunciation and grammar.

SPAN 402 Elementary Spanish II

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:SPAN 401 with a grade of "C" or better or two years of high school Spanish.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
C-ID:C-ID SPAN 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides continued development of the language and explores history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. It includes further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish with emphasis on communicative skills, as well as the fundamentals of Spanish pronunciation and grammar. Language acquisition is approached through a historical and cultural perspective.

SPAN 411 Intermediate Spanish

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:SPAN 402 with a grade of "C" or better OR three years of high school Spanish.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
C-ID:C-ID SPAN 200
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This intermediate-level Spanish course provides continued development of the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. It includes further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish with emphasis on communicative skills. Additionally, it covers more complex grammar topics and provides further study of the cultural and historical background of Spanish-speaking countries.

SPAN 412 Intermediate Spanish

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:SPAN 411 with a grade of "C" or better or 4 years of high school Spanish
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
C-ID:C-ID SPAN 210
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This intermediate-level Spanish course provides continued development of the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. It includes further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish with emphasis on communicative skills. Additionally, it reviews and provides further study and complex grammar topics of the cultural and historical background of Spanish-speaking countries as well as their major literary types and works.

SPAN 413 Spanish for Native Speakers I

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:Spanish native speaker proficiency or the equivalent intermediate level as assessed by the Foreign Language Department Assessment Process at American River College.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
C-ID:C-ID SPAN 220
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course offers the fundamentals of spoken and written Spanish for the native speaker of Spanish. It covers the structure of the language, oral communication, fundamentals of grammar and composition. It focuses primarily on tenses in the indicative mode. This course also covers diacritical marks, like the accent mark, and their uses. In addition, it introduces the student to the geography and culture of the Spanish speaking world. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish.

SPAN 415 Spanish for Native Speakers II

Units:4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:SPAN 413 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 6
C-ID:C-ID SPAN 230
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a continuation of Spanish 413. It offers the fundamentals of spoken and written Spanish for the native speaker of Spanish. It covers the structure of the language, oral communication, fundamentals of grammar and composition. Focus is placed primarily on the conditional and subjunctive forms, the future tense, and the compound tenses. The course also covers diacritical marks, like the accent mark, and their uses. In addition, the course introduces the student to the geography and culture of the Spanish speaking world. This course is conducted in Spanish.

SPAN 427 Introduction to Spanish American Literature

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:SPAN 411 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course introduces students to Spanish and Latin American Literature. It covers the analysis of a variety of literary formats that include short stories, poems, plays, and novel excerpts from the established literary canon. Films are integrated to develop auditory skills and to engage students in discussions. It emphasizes critical thinking, interpretation, speaking, and writing skills, and is conducted entirely in Spanish.

SPAN 495 Independent Studies in Spanish

Units:1 - 3
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

SPAN 499 Experimental Offering in Spanish

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.