Catalog 2025-2026

World Languages

One of the only community colleges in New England to offer ten languages, the World Languages and Cultures Department provides students with opportunities and events that reach beyond the classroom, giving them a true feeling for what it is like to be a part of and experience other cultures.

Students at resource fair

The department offers several Joint Admissions Agreement (JAA) transfer programs in French, modern languages, Portuguese, and Spanish. These programs offer students the opportunity to develop proficiency in one or more foreign languages while gaining cultural insights into the regions where those languages are spoken. Students will engage in language acquisition, literature, and cultural studies, enhancing their communication skills and global awareness. This program is designed for those planning to transfer to the University of Rhode Island (URI) or Rhode Island College (RIC) to pursue advanced studies in linguistics, translation, international relations, or education.

Programs

JAA Transfer Degrees

Courses

American Sign Language (ASLG)

ASLG 1010  - American Sign Language I  
(3 Credits)  
This is a beginner's course in the sign language of the deaf in the United States. The course equips students with skills that enable communication in American Sign Language, both expressively and receptively. Topics relevant to the use of sign language include: the role of signs in American education of the deaf, the oral vs. manual controversy, the philosophy of total communication and standards and ethics of sign language interpreting. Students are expected to attain competency with 600 common signs and to adhere to acceptable standards in utilizing this skill. *Elective for Liberal Arts. Note: Grade of C or better required for Human Services program students.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
ASLG 1020  - American Sign Language II  
(3 Credits)  
This is a second level course in the sign language of the deaf in the United States. This course concentrates on improving skills acquired in American Sign Language and focusing on effective conversational skills, both expressive and receptive. Students are expected to attain competency with 600 signs and a working knowledge of American Sign Language. Elective for Liberal Arts program. Note: Grade of C or better required for Human Services program students.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): ASLG 1010 or HMNS 1060
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Written Communication
Oral Communication
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
ASLG 2010  - American Sign Language III  
(3 Credits)  
This is an intermediate level sign language course that emphasizes further development of expressive and receptive skills appropriate for a broad range of conversational situations. Grammatical functions are stressed along with a more in-depth study of deaf history, deaf culture, linguistics and the use of classifiers. Note: Grade of C or better required for Human Services program students.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): (HMNS 1060 and HMNS 1070) or (ASLG 1010 and ASLG 1020)
  
Course completes the following requirements:
World Languages Requirement  
ASLG 2020  - American Sign Language IV  
(3 Credits)  
This course provides the second level of intermediate study in American Sign Language. Expressive and receptive skills are expanded and refined to advance students toward interpreter training in fields beyond human service settings. Proficiency in areas calling for in-depth dialogue with individuals and group members from the deaf community is stressed. Note: Grade of C or better required for Human Services program students.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): (HMNS 1060 and HMNS 1070 and HMNS 2010) or (ASLG 1010 and ASLG 1020 and ASLG 2010)
  
Course completes the following requirements:
World Languages Requirement  

Arabic (ARAB)

ARAB 1000  - Basic Spoken Arabic  
(3 Credits)  
This is an introductory elective course for beginners emphasizing correct pronunciation and basic vocabulary for practical use in everyday conversational situations and travel dialogues. Students with no previous study of the language are prepared to use and understand it within a limited context and basic structure.

Lecture: 3 hours
  

Chinese (CHIN)

CHIN 1000  - Basic Spoken Chinese  
(3 Credits)  
This is an introductory elective course for beginners emphasizing correct pronunciation and basic vocabulary for practical use in everyday conversational situations and travel dialogues. Students with no previous study of the language are prepared to use and understand it within a limited context and basic structure.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
CHIN 1030  - Elementary Chinese I  
(3 Credits)  
This elementary Chinese language course provides beginning students with basic Mandarin language skills. Students will learn both the language and culture nuances through different contexts. By the end of the semester, students will be able to comprehend and engage in simple daily conversations, accurately pronounce Chinese characters with the help of Han Yu Pin Yin (the Chinese pronunciation system), recognize nearly 200 Chinese characters, and understand the basic Chinese writing system.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
CHIN 1040  - Elementary Chinese II  
(3 Credits)  
Elementary Chinese II is a follow-up course to Elementary Chinese I. This course will provide further comprehensive training in the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing through different contexts. Students will also have the opportunity to further expand their vocabulary (up to 500 basic characters) and learn more appropriate Chinese grammar and sentence structures to comprehend and engage in daily conversations. The aim of this course is to continue to build a solid foundation for those who would like to learn Chinese at a higher level.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): CHIN 1030
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Written Communication
Oral Communication  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
CHIN 1100  - Basic Spoken Chinese II  
(3 Credits)  
This is a continuation of Basic Spoken Chinese I - (CHIN 1000).

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): CHIN 1000
  

French (FREN)

FREN 1000  - Basic Spoken French I  
(3 Credits)  
This is an introductory elective course for beginners emphasizing correct pronunciation and basic vocabulary for practical use in everyday conversational situations and travel dialogues. Students with no previous study of the language are prepared to use and understand it within a limited context and basic structure.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
FREN 1030  - Elementary French I  
(3 Credits)  
French 1030 is a faster paced version of French 1010. This course is suitable for students with previous experience i.e. Basic spoken French and /or other prior formal study of the language, prior formal study of another foreign language, or informal experience with a foreign language. The course covers elements of the language including: conversation, pronunciation, reading, writing, and grammar. Aspects of French-speaking cultures are also included. Note: Course content is the same as French 1010 with two fewer hours per week. (Prerequisite: Prior preparation as noted above or permission of instructor).

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
FREN 1040  - Elementary French II  
(3 Credits)  
This course is a continuation of FREN 1030. Note: Course content is the same as FREN 1020 with 2 less classroom hours per week.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): FREN 1010 or FREN 1030
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Written Communication
Oral Communication
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
FREN 2010  - Intermediate French I  
(3 Credits)  
This course helps students develop skill in reading and discussing French texts related to culture and literature. Course work is supplemented by further work in grammar, conversation and composition.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): FREN 1020 or FREN 1040
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
FREN 2020  - Intermediate French II  
(3 Credits)  
This course is a continuation of Intermediate French I (FREN 2010).

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): FREN 2010
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  

German (GERM)

GERM 1000  - Basic Spoken German I  
(3 Credits)  
This is an introductory elective course for beginners emphasizing correct pronunciation and basic vocabulary for practical use in everyday conversational situations and travel dialogues. Students with no previous study of the language are prepared to use and understand it within a limited context and basic structure.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
GERM 1030  - Elementary German I  
(3 Credits)  
German 1030 is a faster paced version of German 1010. This course is suitable for students with previous experience i.e. Basic spoken German and /or other prior formal study of the language, prior formal study of another foreign language, or informal experience with a foreign language. The course covers elements of the language including: conversation, pronunciation, reading, writing, and grammar. Aspects of German-speaking cultures are also included. Note: Course content is the same as German 1010 with two fewer hours per week.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
GERM 1040  - Elementary German II  
(3 Credits)  
This course is a continuation of GERM 1030. Note: Course content is the same as GERM 1020 with 2 less classroom hours per week.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): GERM 1010 or GERM 1030
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Written Communication
Oral Communication
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
GERM 2010  - Intermediate German I  
(3 Credits)  
This course helps students develop skill in reading and discussing German texts related to culture and literature. Course work is supplemented by further work in grammar, conversation and composition.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): GERM 1020 or GERM 1040
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
GERM 2020  - Intermediate German II  
(3 Credits)  
This is a continuation of Intermediate German I (GERM 2010)

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): GERM 2010
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  

Italian (ITAL)

ITAL 1000  - Basic Spoken Italian I  
(3 Credits)  
This is an introductory elective course for beginners emphasizing correct pronunciation and basic vocabulary for practical use in everyday conversational situations and travel dialogues. Students with no previous study of the language are prepared to use and understand it within a limited context and basic structure.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
ITAL 1030  - Elementary Italian I  
(3 Credits)  
Italian 1030 is a faster paced version of Italian 1010. This course is suitable for students with previous experience i.e. Basic spoken Italian and /or other prior formal study of the language, prior formal study of another foreign language, or informal experience with a foreign language. The course covers elements of the language including: conversation, pronunciation, reading, writing, and grammar. Aspects of Italian-speaking cultures are also included. Note: Course content is the same as Italian 1010 with two fewer hours per week.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
ITAL 1040  - Elementary Italian II  
(3 Credits)  
This is a continuation of Elementary Italian I (ITAL 1030).

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): ITAL 1010 or ITAL 1030
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Written Communication
Oral Communication
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
ITAL 1510  - Conversational Italian I  
(3 Credits)  
This is a course to further develop students' fluency in speaking Italian. Oral practice includes active use of the language in short dialogues stressing basic communication and correct pronunciation. Reading of easy cultural texts also provides material for conversation and discussion.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
ITAL 1900  - The Italian Heritage  
(3 Credits)  
This course introduces students to the cultural development of the Italian people through the centuries. Guest lecturers and class discussion center on significant aspects of Italian literary, social and artistic life as they have contributed to Western Civilization. Audio-visual aids present the lives and works of great figures and are used for appreciation of Italian art, music, food and wine. Italian films viewed in class are a backdrop for discussing the Italian cinema. The history and cultural contributions of Italian-Americans are also included from the discovery of America to mass immigration to present times. Note: The course is conducted in English.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Course completes the following requirements:
World Languages Requirement  
ITAL 1910  - Italian Culture-Cuisine  
(1 Credit)  
The Italian Culture-Cuisine course offers students the opportunity to participate in the CCRI Summer Travel/Study Program in Italy; to enhance their educational, professional and personal growth through a multidisciplinary approach to learning and a complete immersion in the Italian language and culture. The course combines linguistic, artistic, historical, and literary traditions and hands-on workshops of the rich culinary traditions of Central Italy and other regions of Italy.

Lecture: 6 hours, Lab: 9 hours
  
ITAL 1950  - Italian for Business and Travel  
(1 Credit)  
This course is designed particularly for employees of travel agencies, those in wholesale/retail or import/export businesses and those individuals who are planning a cultural trip to Italy. The course is tailored to the needs of the individual who wants to gain knowledge and appreciation of the Italian language and culture expediently. Emphasis is placed on common verbal expressions for basic communication, such as greetings, lodging, shopping, food, transportation and cultural information about Italian customs and traditions.

Lecture: 1 hour
  
ITAL 2010  - Intermediate Italian I  
(3 Credits)  
This course helps students develop skill in reading and discussing Italian texts related to culture and literature. It is supplemented by further work in grammar, conversation and composition.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): ITAL 1020 or ITAL 1040
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
ITAL 2020  - Intermediate Italian II  
(3 Credits)  
This is a continuation of Intermediate Italian I (ITAL 2010).

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): ITAL 2010
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
ITAL 2210  - Italian Conversation and Composition I  
(3 Credits)  
This is an intensive course in conversation and composition. Selected cultural videos, CDs, readings and classroom discussions provide an atmosphere to develop and improve speaking and understanding of Italian. Oral presentations and written compositions are required.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): ITAL 2020
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
ITAL 2220  - Italian Conversation and Composition II  
(3 Credits)  
This course is a continuation of Italian Conversation and Composition I (ITAL 2210).

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): ITAL 2210
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Written Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  

Japanese (JAPN)

JAPN 1000  - Basic Spoken Japanese I  
(3 Credits)  
This is an introductory elective course for beginners emphasizing correct pronunciation and basic vocabulary for practical use in everyday conversational situations and travel dialogues. Students with no previous study of the language are prepared to use and understand it within a limited context and basic structure.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
JAPN 1100  - Basic Spoken Japanese II  
(3 Credits)  
This is a continuation of Basic Spoken Japanese I (JAPN 1000).

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): JAPN 1000
  

Portuguese (PORT)

PORT 1000  - Basic Spoken Portuguese I  
(3 Credits)  
This is an introductory elective course for beginners emphasizing correct pronunciation and basic vocabulary for practical use in everyday conversational situations and travel dialogues. Students with no previous study of the language are prepared to use and understand it within a limited context and basic structure.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
PORT 1030  - Elementary Portuguese I  
(3 Credits)  
Portuguese 1030 is a faster paced version of Portuguese 1010. This course is suitable for students with previous experience i.e. Basic spoken Portuguese and /or other prior formal study of the language, prior formal study of another foreign language, or informal experience with a foreign language. The course covers elements of the language including: conversation, pronunciation, reading, writing, and grammar. Aspects of Portuguese-speaking cultures are also included. Note: Course content is the same as Portuguese 1010 with two fewer hours per week.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
PORT 1040  - Elementary Portuguese II  
(3 Credits)  
This course is a continuation of PORT 1030. Note: Course content is the same as PORT 1020 with 2 fewer classroom hours per week.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): PORT 1010 or PORT 1030
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Written Communication
Oral Communication
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
PORT 1100  - Basic Spoken Portuguese II  
(3 Credits)  
This course is a continuation of Basic Spoken Portuguese I (PORT 1000).

Other: 3 hours
  
PORT 1710  - Portuguese for Medical Service Personnel  
(3 Credits)  
This course offers students an opportunity to master enough oral Portuguese to deal directly with the Portuguese-speaking patient and family from hospital admission to through discharge. Day-to-day dramatic recreations of hospital experiences from the points of view of both nurse and patient help students develop proficiency in spoken Portuguese. Note: Elective credit for students in Nursing and Allied Health fields.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
PORT 2010  - Intermediate Portuguese I  
(3 Credits)  
This course helps the students develop skill in reading and discussing Portuguese texts related to culture and literature. It is supplemented by further work in grammar, conversation and composition.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): PORT 1020 or PORT 1040
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
PORT 2020  - Intermediate Portuguese II  
(3 Credits)  
This course is a continuation of Intermediate Portuguese I (PORT 2010).

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): PORT 2010
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  

Russian (RUSN)

RUSN 1000  - Basic Spoken Russian I  
(3 Credits)  
This is an introductory elective course for beginners emphasizing correct pronunciation and basic vocabulary for practical use in everyday conversational situations and travel dialogues. Students with no previous study of the language are prepared to use and understand it within a limited context and basic structure.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
RUSN 1050  - Elementary Russian I  
(3 Credits)  
For students with some previous experience in the language. This course covers elements of the language including conversation, pronunciation, reading, writing and grammar. Aspects of Russian culture also are included.

Lecture: 3 hours
  

Spanish (SPAN)

SPAN 1000  - Basic Spoken Spanish I  
(3 Credits)  
This is an introductory elective course for beginners emphasizing correct pronunciation and basic vocabulary for practical use in everyday conversational situations and travel dialogues. Students with no previous study of the language are prepared to use and understand it within a limited context and basic structure.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
SPAN 1030  - Elementary Spanish I  
(3 Credits)  
Spanish 1030 is a faster paced version of Spanish 1010. This course is suitable for students with previous experience i.e. Basic spoken Spanish and /or other prior formal study of the language, prior formal study of another foreign language, or informal experience with a foreign language. The course covers elements of the language including: conversation, pronunciation, reading, writing, and grammar. Aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures are also included. Note: Course content is the same as Spanish 1010 with two fewer hours per week.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
SPAN 1040  - Elementary Spanish II  
(3 Credits)  
This course is a continuation of SPAN 1030. Note: Course content is the same as SPAN 1020 with 2 less classroom hours per week.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1010 or SPAN 1030
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Written Communication
Oral Communication
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
SPAN 1100  - Basic Spoken Spanish II  
(3 Credits)  
This course is a continuation of Basic Spoken Spanish I.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1000
  
SPAN 1230  - Spanish for Law Enforcement Personnel I  
(3 Credits)  
This is an elective course designed for the student seeking a position in the Law Enforcement field and/or the professional already working in the career. (Language elective for Law Enforcement students) The course focuses on common situations encountered by Law Enforcement professionals providing practical communication skills development and information needed for daily work routines. Correct pronunciation and basic grammar are addressed.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
SPAN 1710  - Spanish for Medical Service Personnel I  
(3 Credits)  
This course provides students an opportunity to master enough oral Spanish to deal directly with Spanish-speaking patients and family from hospital admission through discharge. Day-to-day dramatic re-creations of hospital experiences from the points of view of both nurse and patient help students improve proficiency in the use of spoken Spanish. Note: Elective credit for students in Nursing and Allied Heath fields.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
SPAN 1900  - Culture of Spanish-Speaking People  
(3 Credits)  
This course is a survey of the Spanish-speaking people from the earliest days of the Roman and Arabic occupations of Spain to the present day "cultures" in Latin America.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Course completes the following requirements:
World Languages Requirement  
SPAN 2010  - Intermediate Spanish I  
(3 Credits)  
This course helps students develop skill in reading and discussing texts related to Spanish and Hispanic-American culture and literature. Course work is supplemented by further work in grammar, conversation and composition.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1020 or SPAN 1040
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
SPAN 2020  - Intermediate Spanish II  
(3 Credits)  
This is a continuation of Intermediate Spanish I (SPAN 2010).

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2010
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
SPAN 2210  - Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition I  
(3 Credits)  
This is an intensive course in conversation and composition. Selected cultural videos, readings and classroom discussions provide an atmosphere to develop and improve speaking and understanding of Spanish. Oral presentations and written compositions are required.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2020
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Oral Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes  
SPAN 2220  - Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition II  
(3 Credits)  
This is a continuation of Spanish Conversation and Composition I (SPAN 2210).

Lecture: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2210
  
Course completes the following requirements:
Written Communication
Diverse Perspectives
Humanities Requirement
World Languages Requirement  
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes