Foreign Languages, Associate in Arts Degree

Orange Coast College

The Associate in Arts in Foreign Languages Degree is an excellent way to develop communicative skills in multiple languages other than English as well as global and critical thinking. It can provide a basis for understanding cultures, and therefore, prepare graduates for many careers in a multicultural world. The ability to communicate and interact with others is more and more vital with growing global interdependence and technological connectivity. Students in the Associate in Arts in Foreign Language Degree can develop careers in areas such as: education, diplomatic services, anthropology, business, economics, fashion, political science, literature, sociology, and linguistics. While teaching has traditionally been the principal area of employment, other careers, such as interpreting, translating, research, public relations, international commerce, tourism, and publishing are possible. The department offers courses from the beginning to intermediate levels. All courses are designed to develop the student’s listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as to provide a general overview of non-English speaking civilizations and cultures. Program Outcomes Recognize and produce the target language(s) in the four primary areas of communication: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Demonstrate a better understanding and appreciation of the cultures related to the target language(s) by comparing and contrasting them with the student’s own culture(s). Use current technologies to further develop language and cultural competencies.