Academic Catalogs

Foreign Languages, Associate in Arts Degree

Banner Code: 1_AA_FLNG

Control Number: 03998

Financial Aid Eligible


The Associate in Arts in Foreign Languages Degree is an excellent way to develop communicative skills in multiple languages other than English as well as global and critical thinking. It can provide a basis for understanding cultures, and therefore, prepare graduates for many careers in a multicultural world. The ability to communicate and interact with others is more and more vital with growing global interdependence and technological connectivity. Students in the Associate in Arts in Foreign Language Degree can develop careers in areas such as: education, diplomatic services, anthropology, business, economics, fashion, political science, literature, sociology, and linguistics. While teaching has traditionally been the principal area of employment, other careers, such as interpreting, translating, research, public relations, international commerce, tourism, and publishing are possible.

The department offers courses from the beginning to intermediate levels. All courses are designed to develop the student’s listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as to provide a general overview of non-English speaking civilizations and cultures.

Program Outcomes

  1. Recognize and produce the target language(s) in the four primary areas of communication: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
  2. Demonstrate a better understanding and appreciation of the cultures related to the target language(s) by comparing and contrasting them with the student’s own culture(s).
  3. Use current technologies to further develop language and cultural competencies.

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education

Course Title Units
Required Courses
Complete four (4) semesters of one language:18-20
French
Elementary French 1
Elementary French 2
Intermediate French 1
Intermediate French 2
German
Elementary German 1
Elementary German 2
Intermediate German 1
Intermediate German 2
Italian
Elementary Italian 1
Elementary Italian 2
Intermediate Italian 1
Intermediate Italian 2
Japanese
Elementary Japanese 1
Elementary Japanese 2
Intermediate Japanese 1
Intermediate Japanese 2
Restricted Elective - Select at least one of the following or from a language not used above:3-5
Elementary Chinese 1
Elementary Chinese 2
Elementary Portuguese 1
Elementary Portuguese 2
Elementary Spanish 1
Elementary Spanish 2
Intermediate Spanish 1
Intermediate Spanish 2
Elementary Vietnamese 1
Elementary Vietnamese 2
Program Major Units21-25
AA General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 Varies
Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirementVaries
Total Minimum Program Units60

Foreign Languages AA Degree Suggested Electives

ANTH A190 Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
BUS A118 Introduction to International Business or BUS A118H Introduction to International Business Honors
CMST A185 Public Relations
FASH A177 Fashion Merchandising Concepts
HTT A125 Destination the Americas
HTT A127 Destination Eastern Europe
PSCI A110 International Relations

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
OCC AA GE AREA A1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AA GE AREA D2- CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AA GE AREA D3 - CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 1 3
Chosen Foreign Language A180 - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements for courses) 5
 Units17
Semester 2
OCC AA GE AREA A2 - CHOOSE ONE 2 3-4
OCC AA GE AREA B with lab – CHOOSE ONE 3 4
OCC AA GE AREA E1 - CHOOSE ONE 4 .5-4
Chosen Foreign Language A185 - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements for courses) 5
 Units12.5-17
Summer
HIST A170
History of the United States to 1876
or History of the United States to 1876 Honors
or History of the United States Since 1876
or History of the United States Since 1876 Honors
3
 Units3
Year 2
Semester 1
OCC AA GE AREA C2 - CHOOSE ONE 5 .5-4
AA Global/Multicultural Requirement – CHOOSE ONE or ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 6 3
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 1 3
Chosen Foreign Language A280 - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements for courses) 4-5
AA RESTRICTED ELECTIVE - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 3-5
 Units13.5-20
Semester 2
PSCI A180
American Government
or American Government Honors
3
OCC AA GE AREA E2 - CHOOSE ONE 4 1
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 3-4
Intermediate Algebra (or higher) 7
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
 
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 1 3
Chosen Foreign Language A285 - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements for courses) 4-5
 Units14-16
 Total Units60-73
1
VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 TRANSFERABLE UNITS
2

OCC AA GE AREA A2 - Required if 100-level MATH will not be taken to meet Math competency. If MATH A100 or higher will be taken, then needs to take 3-4 degree applicable elective units 

3

OCC AA GE AREA B - 4 units required if taken with lab; 6 units required if lecture only courses 

4

OCC AA GE AREA E requires a minimum of 3 units to include one course from E1 and one course from E2

5

OCC AA Area C requires a minimum of 3 units to include one course from C1 and one course from C2

6

OCC AA Global/ Multicultural required if not already taken in other GE areas, refer to AA Graduation Requirement webpage; if requirement is fulfilled, take degree applicable elective units

7

Math A030 or higher OR take 3-4 degree applicable elective units if math competency was met through completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better; *100-level Math courses satisfy AA Math Requirement and OCC AA GE AREA A2