What’s New at College of the Canyons?

 We checked in with seven College of the Canyons faculty members to chat about what’s new and exciting on campus this fall, how their programs are creating career opportunities for our community members, and what future COC students can be doing now to prepare for a successful pathway into these exciting career fields.
Dr. Claudia Acosta
COC Modern Languages & Cultures
Department Chair
With the belief that learning a language also requires a deep understanding of culture, the department of Modern Languages & Cultures at COC provides language teaching and learning, embedded in the study of cultures.
The college currently offers associate degree programs in Spanish and French, with additional courses in Chinese, German and Italian available. Courses are offered to students in five, eight, and 16-week sessions, and delivered in a variety of formats including traditional, hybrid, and online.
All programs emphasize the study of cultures with numerous cultural events and activities offered in which students are encouraged to participate. From study abroad opportunities, music and dance festivals, international film festivals, and unique lectures and workshops on a diversity of topics, these events expose students to cross-cultural understanding and equip learners with communicative skills that are effective in contemporary society. By opening the doors to cross-cultural understanding, such activities help our instructors take language learning to a higher level.
Our students are also made aware of the importance in acquiring communicative skills as essential tools for professional success. This approach engages students in their learning and motivates them to make a difference in the global community.
The department is proud to prepare students for their academic journeys as language majors or minors. Many of our students move on to pursue bachelor’s degrees at four-year universities, before working toward graduate degrees. Several have earned scholarships to prestigious institutions. Additionally, many of our students are already working professionals in industries including entertainment, health, education, law enforcement, and business —a scenario which reflects the growing needs and interests in communicating in foreign languages.
For more information please visit www.canyons.edu/ModernLanguages.