Welcome to the School of Modern Languages
Program Description
(formerly Foreign Languages)
We live in a world of economic, industrial, technological and political interrelationships
where skills in languages other than English are useful and needed. Languages are
the key to the understanding and appreciation of value systems and social attitudes
of different cultures. Furthermore, acquiring communication skills in other languages
facilitates the exchange of ideas and transactions, and increases awareness, appreciation
and understanding of cultural diversity.
The need for skills in other languages is evident on a daily basis. The global community has reached a level of human relations where languages skills are required for communication in all aspects of life. Whether for recreational purposes, business, or other endeavors such as politics, health, science, education, art, or government, learning another language is imperative.
On a practical level, learning a new language is an intellectual stimulus that helps the learner develop critical thinking and creative skills, while enhancing the individual’s participation in traveling, reading of literature, appreciation of music, fashion, cuisine, cinema, and even sporting events. And last, but not least, opportunities for employment and higher salaries increase when another language is mastered because it gives you an edge to compete in the global economy.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
French
Demonstrate high command of oral, visual and written communication skills in the target language.
Exchange ideas and interact effectively with speakers of the target language.
Discern and uphold the relevancy of cultural and linguistic diversity lived and expressed by the speakers of the target language.
Spanish
Demonstrate high command of oral, visual and written communication skills in the target language.
Exchange ideas and interact effectively with speakers of the target language.
Discern and uphold the relevancy of cultural and linguistic diversity lived and expressed by the speakers of the target language.
Department Office
Dr. Laura Gardinali, Chair (H-316, ext. 3458)
Administrative Office (H-323, ext. 3575)
Honors and Awards
Outstanding Students
Each Spring Semester at the Outstanding Students Awards Banquet, two students are celebrated as distinguished Modern Languages students. Selections are made on the basis of academic excellence and linguistic achievement.
Claire Brossoit Hoffner Scholarship
for Study of the French Language Claire Hoffner, a dedicated French instructor at SBCC from 1967 to 1991, has established this scholarship to provide support and encouragement to motivated students who are studying the French language. It is available to students studying French in SBCC’s School of Modern Languages. Applicants must carry nine (9) or more units and be enrolled in at least one (1) French language course each semester. They must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and be U.S. citizens. They may be entering, continuing, reentering, or transferring students. Recipients may use the award for tuition, fees, books, and/or expenses of living, childcare, transportation, and/or travel costs. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office (SS-217).
Luria Japanese Language Scholarships
Awarded to students enrolled in Japanese language classes with financial need. Applicants do not need to be full-time students. Preference is given to nonnative Japanese students. There is no minimum GPA requirement. Three awards each semester are $100 each. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office (SS-217).
Francisco Moreno Santacruz Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is available to transfer students who intend to study Spanish at a four-year college or university immediately following graduation from SBCC, with the goal of either a major or a minor in Spanish language studies. Applicants must carry at least twelve (12) units and maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their Spanish language studies. Applicants may be U.S. citizens, international students, or have permanent resident status. Recipients must use the award for tuition, fees, books, and/or expenses of living, childcare, transportation, and/or travel related to the Spanish language. Selection shall include review of a standard scholarship application and personal essay. Award of this scholarship is based solely on academic achievement. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office (SS-217).
