Department of World Languages & Cultures

Learn to read, understand, speak, and write French with advanced proficiency, and gain an understanding of the rich fabric of Francophone cultures throughout the world.

In small classes and with the support of faculty, you’ll study not only the language, but also the literature and culture of France and Francophone countries and regions around the world such as Quebec, Belgium, Switzerland, Vietnam, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Congo, Mali and the French-speaking Caribbean. 

French and Francophone Studies, B.A. details

The program integrates social, cultural, historical, and political aspects of the French-speaking world in the classroom. Courses also include different themes each year, allowing you to gain an in-depth understanding of issues relevant to your academic goals and future careers.  Our professors and visiting scholars come from diverse backgrounds and fields of expertise, exposing you to an array of accents, speaking styles, and cultural perspectives.

Reinforce what you learn in the classroom with practical experiences. Cultural immersion activities include Club Francophone, workshops and retreats, and interacting with visiting lecturers. You are also encouraged to spend a summer or year abroad. We offer a unique opportunity for summer study in Senegal.

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Study Abroad

French is one of the most significant languages of diplomacy, communication, and culture throughout the world. At the same time, the French program recognizes that in the Francophone world,  alternative perspectives of other languages and indigenous cultures are important for you, as future national and global leaders, to understand and consider. For this reason, you are also encouraged to study a second language spoken in a Francophone region, such as Arabic, Wolof, Pulaar, or Creole.

An expertise in French and Francophone studies opens many doors to several national and international careers as an interpreter, teacher, ESL teacher, foreign service diplomat, foreign correspondent, travel agent, airline employee, international business person or banker, literary translator, Francophone country tour guide, museum curator (in conjunction with art history studies), and import/ export business owner. The program prepares you to take advantage of many opportunities for volunteering in international organizations such as the Peace Corps.

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The Department of World Languages & Cultures prepares students to become global citizens of an increasingly interconnected world. With faculty support, students learn another language and gain a deeper understanding of cultural, ethnic, and racial issues facing society today.

Spanish, B.A. details

All classes are taught in Spanish, from basic to advanced levels, with a focus on four linguistic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Courses in literature and civilization provide a critical understanding of the cultural heritage of the Spanish-speaking world, including the United States. The program also offers courses that are designed to address linguistic challenges facing students who have grown up speaking Spanish at home (Spanish heritage speakers).

The B.A. program is certified by the California Department of Education. That means students who successfully complete this program will have demonstrated subject matter competency in Spanish and will not be required to take the California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET) for Spanish.

We also encourage you to take part in full language and cultural immersion through our program’s unique study abroad options in Oaxaca, Mexico and León, Spain. There, you can participate in meaningful service-learning by combining your studies with an internship that makes a difference in the lives of local citizens. You’ll also have the option to participate in California State University study abroad programs in Madrid or Granada, Spain, or Queretaro, Mexico.

Study Abroad options

Closer to home is the Spanish Translation & Interpretation Club plus Tertulias (social gatherings), weekend retreats, and literary workshops, which provide ample opportunity for you to interact with faculty. And each year, the local community college’s (College of the Redwoods) Humanities Department and Cal Poly Humboldt’s Department of World Languages & Cultures sponsor the International Latino Film Festival, a long-standing community event featuring a variety of films, and discussions with various panelists.

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Graduates of this program have found careers as teachers, interpreters, literary or technical translators, international bankers or financiers, travel agents, Foreign Service officers, foreign correspondents, and airline employees. Many county, state, and federal agencies offer jobs for which knowledge of Spanish is either desirable or required. Some of our students have also found international job opportunities abroad.

Career Options