Foreign Languages

The Foreign Languages Department offers proficiency-based instruction in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in American Sign Language (ASL), Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. The study of each language includes:

  • vocabulary,
  • grammar,
  • syntax,
  • pronunciation, and
  • cultural and historical understanding.

Intermediate-level courses include a literature component. Courses combine classroom lectures, guided practice, and language activities with individual work conducted online.

Foreign language courses lead to an associate degree for transfer in Spanish, and support completion of an associate degree in social sciences.

Faculty

NameOffice Room NumberPhoneEmail
Afzali, Ana CI 306626-852-8092aafzali@citruscollege.edu
Garate, Elisabeth CI 321626-914-8783egarate@citruscollege.edu
McGarry, Anna CI 211626-852-8015amcgarry@citruscollege.edu

Contact Information

Division
Language Arts and Library
Dean
Nickawanna Shaw
Administrative Secretary
Cathy Day
Division Office
CI 217
Division Phone Number
626-914-8856

This discipline prepares students to do the following:

  • Communicate (write, speak, listen, read) in the target language.
  • Analyze literary texts.
  • Be conversant about the target language cultures and demonstrate scholarly behavior in all campus interactions.

ASL 101
American Sign Language I
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours
Equivalent to: ASL 101H

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A beginning course designed to introduce students to the visual- gestural richness of American Sign Language as it is used within the Deaf culture. Introduces students to ASL's basic structures and vocabulary while developing students' expressive skills and understanding of fingerspelling and basic conversational strategies. Provides an introduction to the Deaf Community and culture.

ASL 101H
American Sign Language I - Honors
5 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
90 lecture hours
Equivalent to: ASL 101

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): Student must be eligible for the Citrus College Honors Program or obtain a recommendation from an Honors instructor.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

An advanced college level course exploring the visual-gestural richness of American Sign Language as it is used within the Deaf community. Students will undertake extensive work on comprehension skills and signed grammatical structures. An introduction to the Deaf Community and Culture which is followed by intersectional learning between subgroups of the Deaf and hearing communities. Students are expected to work and participate at an honors level which includes strong critical thinking skills, in-depth analysis of cultural issues surrounding the Deaf community, collaborative projects with peers, and an out-of-class learning activity.

ASL 102
American Sign Language II
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours
Equivalent to: ASL 102H

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): ASL 101 or ASL 101H.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A continuation of ASL 101 designed to enhance proficiency in the visual- gestural richness of American Sign Language as it is used within the Deaf culture. Increased emphasis on ASL's basic structures and vocabulary while further developing students' expressive skills and understanding of fingerspelling and basic to intermediate level conversational strategies. Provides further exposure to the Deaf Community and culture.

ASL 102H
American Sign Language II - Honors
5 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
90 lecture hours
Equivalent to: ASL 102

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): ASL 101 or ASL 101H.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

Student must be eligible for the Citrus College Honors Program or obtain a recommendation from an Honors instructor. A intensive continuation of ASL 101H designed to advance students' application of signed grammatical structures, classifiers and discourse mapping. In addition to increasing visual-gestural proficiency, students will strengthen comprehension and expression skills through guided learning activities. Students are expected to work and participate at an honors level which includes student-scripted dialogue construction, strong critical thinking skills, in-depth analysis of cultural issues surrounding the Deaf community, collaborative projects with peers, and an out-of-class learning activity.

ASL 103
American Sign Language III
5 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): ASL 102 or ASL 102H.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

ASL 103 develops student proficiency in American Sign Language with an emphasis on grammatical conventions, idiomatic constructions and classifier production. Students continue to learn and apply conversational strategies while working to enhance production and comprehension skills. Learners practice realistic dialogue situations and engage in signed discussion groups. This course further exposes students to cultural norms and issues facing the Deaf community.

ASL 201
Introduction to Deaf Culture
2.5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU)
45 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Explores the cultural history, values, norms, and perspectives of the (American) Deaf community. Invites learners to re-frame the human experience through an investigation of cultural differences.

CHIN 101
Chinese I
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A course in elementary Chinese (Mandarin) grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation which aims at understanding, speaking, reading and writing simple Chinese and serves as an introduction to Chinese geography and culture. Corresponds to two years of high school study.

CHIN 102
Chinese II
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): CHIN 101 or two years of high school Chinese.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

Chinese 102 continues to present the fundamentals of Chinese grammar. Students are further trained to pronounce Mandarin correctly, to build their conversational and written vocabulary, and to read and write approximately 300 more Chinese characters.

CHIN 201
Chinese III
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): CHIN 102 or two years of high school Chinese.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

Chinese 201 is the third semester of Chinese. This intermediate level course is for the further study of the Chinese language with an emphasis on developing communicative skills. Students will utilize what they learned from previous courses (Chinese 101 & 102). Students will learn how to use the language in an in-depth way to express themselves. Class will emphasize grammatical structures, reading, writing skills and language culture.

FREN 101
French I
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A course in elementary French grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation which focuses on understanding, speaking, reading, and writing simple French and serves as an introduction to the geography, history, and culture of the French-speaking world.

FREN 102
French II
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): FREN 101 or two years of high school French.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A further study of the elementary French grammar and vocabulary which develops understanding, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Includes additional study of French culture.

GER 101
German I
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A course in elementary German grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation which focuses on understanding, speaking, reading, and writing simple German and serves as an introduction to the geography, history, and culture of the German speaking world.

GER 102
German II
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): GER 101 or two years high school German.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A further study of elementary German grammar which develops understanding, speaking, reading and writing skills. Includes German culture.

GER 201
German III
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): GER 102 or three years of high school German.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This intermediate level course is a study of the German language and culture. Emphasis is on developing oral, listening, reading and writing skills in order to acquire proficiency in German. Reading strategies and fundamentals of formal composition are introduced with short, level-appropriate literary selections. The class is largely conducted in German.

GER 202
German IV
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): GER 201 or four years of high school German.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A course emphasizing the development of effective skills for reading, understanding, and interpreting more advanced readings in German literature and culture. Extensive practice in oral and written expression at the intermediate-high level is provided. Grammatical concepts are thoroughly reviewed and expanded.

ITAL 101
Italian I
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A course in elementary Italian grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation which focuses on understanding, speaking, reading, and writing (including spelling) simple Italian and serves as an introduction to the geography, history, and culture of the Italian-speaking world.

ITAL 102
Italian II
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): ITAL 101 OR two years of high school Italian or equivalent OR basic knowledge of first semester elementary Italian as determined by the Professor of Record.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A further study of elementary Italian grammar and vocabulary that develops understanding, speaking, reading and writing (including spelling) skills. Affords opportunities to apply communication skills to new social, professional, and travel contexts. Explores the cultural heritage and civilization of Italian speaking countries through technology and level-appropriate readings. The class will be taught primarily in Italian.

ITAL 105
Conversational Italian I
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): ITAL 101 or one year of high school Italian.

Development of intermediate Italian conversational skill. Emphasis on collaborative activities and practical use of the language. Extensive exposure to Italian culture. Grammar is presented in context.

JPN 101
Japanese I
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A course in elementary Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation which aims at understanding, speaking, reading, and writing simple Japanese and serves as an introduction to Japanese culture.

JPN 102
Japanese II
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): JPN 101 or two years of high school Japanese.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A further study of elementary Japanese grammar and vocabulary which develops understanding, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Includes additional study of Japanese culture.

SPAN 101
Spanish I
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours
Equivalent to: SPAN 101H

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A course in elementary Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation which focuses on understanding, speaking, reading, and writing (including spelling) simple Spanish and serves as an introduction to the geography, history, and culture of the Spanish-speaking world.

SPAN 101H
Spanish I - Honors
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours
Equivalent to: SPAN 101

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): Student must be eligible for the Citrus College Honors Program or obtain a recommendation from an Honors instructor.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A course in elementary Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation which focuses on understanding, speaking, reading, and writing (including spelling) simple Spanish and serves as an introduction to the geography, history, and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. In addition, students are expected to work and participate at an honors level which includes strong critical thinking skills, analysis of cultural readings, and presentation and leadership skills demonstrated through class participation and presentations.

SPAN 102
Spanish II
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours
Equivalent to: SPAN 102H

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 101 OR two years of high school Spanish or equivalent OR basic knowledge of first semester elementary Spanish as determined by the Professor of Record.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A further study of elementary Spanish grammar and vocabulary that develops understanding, speaking, reading and writing (including spelling) skills. Affords opportunities to apply communication skills to new social, professional, and travel contexts. Explores the cultural heritage and civilization of Spain and Latin America through technology and level-appropriate readings. The class will be taught primarily in Spanish.

SPAN 102H
Spanish II - Honors
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours
Equivalent to: SPAN 102

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 101 or SPAN 101H or two years of high school Spanish; Student must be eligible for the Citrus College Honors Program or obtain a recommendation from an Honors instructor.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A further study of elementary Spanish grammar and vocabulary that develops understanding, speaking, reading and writing (including spelling) skills. Affords opportunities to apply communication skills to new social, professional, and travel contexts. Explores the cultural heritage and civilization of Spain and Latin America through technology and level-appropriate readings. The class will be taught primarily in Spanish. In addition, students are expected to work and participate at an honors level which includes strong critical thinking skills, analysis of cultural readings, and presentation and leadership skills demonstrated through class participation and presentations.

SPAN 127
Spanish Civilization
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; Citrus D1; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 4F; CSUGE C2; CSUGE D6; CSUGE D7)
54 lecture hours
Equivalent to: HIST 127, HUM 127

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

Spanish Civilization provides an interdisciplinary global understanding of the culture and history of Spain. The course critically analyzes contemporary Spanish society by examining the social and historical traditions and institutions that shape the Spanish way of life in the 20th century. This course is the same as HUM 127.

SPAN 130
Latin American Culture and Civilization
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D1; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 4F; CSUGE C2; CSUGE D6)
54 lecture hours
Equivalent to: HIST 130

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

Latin American Culture and Civilization is a survey course, providing an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the culture and history of Latin America. The course critically analyzes historical and contemporary social traditions and institutions in order to reach an understanding of modern day Latin America.

SPAN 140
Beginning Conversational Spanish
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 101, SPAN 101H or one year of high school Spanish.

This course is designed for students who wish to improve their oral speaking skills and expand their vocabulary in Spanish.

SPAN 141
Intermediate Conversational Spanish
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC; IGETC 6A)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 102, SPAN 102H or two years of high school Spanish.

This course is designed for students who wish to further improve their oral proficiency in Spanish.

SPAN 201
Spanish III
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 102 or SPAN 102H or fluency in Spanish.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This intermediate level course was created with both native Spanish speakers and students studying Spanish as a second language in mind. Current social themes and vocabulary support a comprehensive review of Spanish grammar. The discussion of contemporary cultural topics, the reading of authentic texts, and the development of writing skills are all features of this class that help all intermediate Spanish students to refine and enjoy using their language skills. Class is conducted primarily in Spanish. Note that Spanish III and IV do not need to be taken in order.

SPAN 201H
Spanish III - Honors
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 102 or SPAN 102H or fluency in Spanish.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This intermediate level course was created with both native Spanish speakers and students studying Spanish as a second language in mind. Current social themes and vocabulary support a comprehensive review of Spanish grammar. The discussion of contemporary cultural topics, the reading of authentic texts, and the development of writing skills are all features of this class that help all intermediate Spanish students to refine and enjoy using their language skills. In addition, students are expected to work and participate at an honors level which includes strong critical thinking skills, analysis of cultural readings, and presentation and leadership skills demonstrated through class participation and presentations. Class is conducted primarily in Spanish. Note that Spanish III and IV do not need to be taken in order.

SPAN 202
Spanish IV
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 or fluency in Spanish.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This intermediate level course was designed for both native Spanish speakers and students studying Spanish as a second language. Contemporary cultural topics and vocabulary will provide a context for the study of higher level Spanish grammar. Meaningful readings and the refinement of writing skills will help students to further develop their cultural and linguistic competence. This interactive course is conducted primarily in Spanish.

SPAN 210
Intermediate Spanish for Spanish Speakers I
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): Oral fluency in Spanish.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A course designed to help students who are fluent in spoken, informal Spanish, but who need to improve writing, reading and grammar skills. Emphasis on acquiring formal oral Spanish skills and a knowledge of Spanish and Latin American literature and culture.

SPAN 211
Intermediate Spanish for Spanish Speakers II
5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; IGETC 3B; UC; IGETC 6A; CSUGE C2)
90 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): Oral fluency in Spanish.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A course for students who are fluent speakers of Spanish but who need to practice and refine their writing skills and formal oral skills. Reading in the literature of Spanish-speaking cultures. Review of grammar.