Language gives you superpowers.
As language teachers, Pacific’s World Languages and Cultures faculty know that speaking another language is not just good for your job prospects and your cognitive health, but is transformative.
Fluency in another language gives you the power to build relationships across cultures and to understand better your own language and culture. We hear stories every year from our alumni about the value of language learning and impact of international travel on their lives.
The Department of World Languages and Cultures seeks to provide the general student with awareness of and sensitivity toward the cultural and linguistic diversity of an increasingly interconnected world. For students specializing in language study, the Dual Languages and Cultures curriculum teaches proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and comprehending a modern language. Majors spend a semester or a year in study abroad. The curriculum is designed to ensure mastery of the languages studied through intensive conversational training.
The faculty of the department is diverse and international, with fourteen faculty members representing various countries and cultures. Five languages are represented in the curriculum: Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish. The faculty carry out research or creative writing projects, publish regularly, and participate actively in professional organizations.
Students can also take ASL courses and learn an American language that is also used in some 40 different countries around the world. ASL students not only learn a second language that is used right here in our community, but also learn of a rich and diverse subculture that exists within our American society. ASL students also have opportunities to practice their language skills both on campus and at Deaf community events in the greater Portland area. ASL courses can be used to meet the language requirement in the college’s core. Learn about ASL faculty in the World Languages department and peer tutoring opportunities. See in the academic catalog.
All courses in the department are open to non-majors who have the appropriate prerequisites. Students are invited to pursue their area of interest within the framework of departmental offerings.
