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World Languages

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Spanish

The Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer degree (AA-T) will help students develop proficiency in the following five skills: comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and understanding of the people and culture of the Spanish-speaking countries. It is designed to provide a seamless transfer pathway for students interested in pursuing a Spanish degree in the California State University (CSU) system. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, students will be guaranteed admission to the CSU system with junior status and will not have to repeat lower division coursework. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to develop their educational plans because degree options and general education requirements vary for each university.

The Associate Degree for Transfer student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):
(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The Intersegmental GE Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University GE–Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 16 units from the following: 161
A) Sequence for Spanish heritage speakers
SPAN 411 Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 412 Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 413 Spanish for Native Speakers I (4)
SPAN 415 Spanish for Native Speakers II (4)
B) Sequence for non-Spanish heritage speakers
SPAN 401 Elementary Spanish I (4)
SPAN 402 Elementary Spanish II (4)
SPAN 411 Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 412 Intermediate Spanish (4)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 32
ENGLT 335 Latino, Mexican-American, and Chicano Literature (3)
ETHNS 341 The Sociology & Psychology of Mexicans and Latinos in the U.S. (3)
HIST 373 History of Mexico (3)
HIST 375 The History of Modern Latin America and Caribbean (3)
SPAN 425 Advanced Reading and Conversation (3)
SPAN 427 Introduction to Spanish American Literature (3)
Total Units: 19

1The recommended sequence for Spanish heritage speakers is: SPAN 413, 415, 411, and 412.

2Students who place out of any core courses need to consult with a Department faculty member to select alternative courses. At least 18 units in the major must be completed.

The Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate proficiency in the five skills as mandated by the competency guidelines of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL): comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and understanding the people and culture of the Spanish-speaking countries.
  • utilize correct grammatical structures of standard Spanish.
  • read Spanish proficiently as found, for example, in Spanish language newspapers, magazines, short stories, essays, and selections of poetry written by Spanish, Spanish-American, and Chicano authors.
  • write analytically and critically about assigned readings, demonstrating appropriate writing and composition skills.
  • examine Latin American literature in a historical context.
  • analyze and discuss major historical events and periods in the history of Spanish-speaking countries.
  • analyze aspects of the Spanish-speaking culture that differ significantly from contemporary United States culture.

Career Information

The Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer degree will be a valuable tool to help students find employment in the following fields and positions: airlines, travel, tourism, banking, bilingual education, foreign language teaching, teacher's aide, bilingual telecommunications, emergency services, international business, foreign service, foreign imports and exports, intelligence and military service, IRS and State Franchise Tax Board, overseas employment, business and commerce, law enforcement, Social Security officer, social services, translating and interpreting.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in French

The French Program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor’s degree in French. The main objective of the AA program in French is to enable students to develop competence in the ability to understand, speak, read, and write French, and to acquire an understanding and appreciation of the multicultural French speaking world. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
FREN 401 Elementary French 4
FREN 402 Elementary French 4
FREN 411 Intermediate French 4
FREN 412 Intermediate French 4
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
HIST 300 History of Europe and the Mediterranean to 1500 (3)
   or HUM 310 Modern Humanities (3)
   or INDIS 352 French Life and Culture in Study Abroad (3)
   or PHIL 331 History of Modern Philosophy (3)
Total Units: 19

The French Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local SCC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of French vocabulary.
  • use proficient conversational skills in French.
  • read and write in French.
  • demonstrate introductory cultural and historic knowledge of French speaking people.

Career Information

French is adapted to careers in international business or trade, telecommunications, journalism, fashion, the gourmet food industry, travel and hospitality, medical research, international law, public relations, film and entertainment, diplomacy and the foreign service, aerospace technology, as well as careers in the arts and humanities.