Academic Catalogs

Foreign Languages

The Department of World Languages is committed to providing high-quality instruction in seven languages: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Vietnamese, to prepare students to function effectively in the global community, to transfer to institutions of higher education, and to promote opportunities for self-enrichment and success in employment.

The World Languages Department aims to awaken a global consciousness that opens the mind to more than one culture and way of life. To this end, we offer:

  • Instruction with a communicative approach and personal interaction with students to support their efforts and ensure their success with language acquisition
  • Multiple study abroad programs (including to France, Italy, and Spain)
  • Language clubs
  • Transfer degrees in Spanish, French, and World Languages
  • Honors courses in many of the languages offered 

Department Contact Information:

Denise Cabanel-Bleuer
dcabanel@occ.cccd.edu

World Languages Department Website

On This Page

Chinese Credit Courses

CHIN A1805 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Chinese 1  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
The focus is on development of elementary proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin Chinese, with an introduction to cultures related to the Chinese language. This course is equivalent to two years of high school Chinese. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CHIN A180

CHIN A1855 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Chinese 2  
Prerequisite(s): CHIN A180 or completion of two years of high school Chinese with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of Chinese A180, with further development of listening, speaking, reading and writing proficiency, and additional exploration of cultures related to the Chinese language. This course is equivalent to three years of high school Chinese. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CHIN A185

French Credit Courses

FREN A1805 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary French 1  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
The focus is on development of elementary proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in French, with an introduction to cultures related to the French language. This course is equivalent to two years of high school French. Enrollment Limitation: FREN A180H; students who complete FREN A180 may not enroll in or receive credit for FREN A180H. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing FREN A180

FREN A180H5 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary French 1 Honors  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
The focus is on development of elementary proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in French, with an introduction to cultures related to the French language. This course is equivalent to two years of high school French. Enrollment Limitation: FREN A180; students who complete FREN A180H may not enroll in or receive credit for FREN A180.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing FREN A180H

FREN A1855 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary French 2  
Prerequisite(s): FREN A180, FREN A180H, or completion of two years of high school French with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of FREN A180, with further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency, and additional exploration of cultures related to the French language. This course is equivalent to three years of high school French. Enrollment Limitation: FREN A185H; students who complete FREN A185 may not enroll in or receive credit for FREN A185H. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing FREN A185

FREN A185H5 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary French 2 Honors  
Prerequisite(s): FREN A180, FREN A180H, or completion of two years of high school French with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of FREN A180, with further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency, and additional exploration of cultures related to the French language. This course is equivalent to three years of high school French. Enrollment Limitation: FREN A185; students who complete FREN A185H may not enroll in or receive credit for FREN A185. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing FREN A185H

FREN A1903 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Conversational French  
Prerequisite(s): FREN A185 or FREN A185H or higher, or three years of high school French with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Designed to develop the student’s ability at any level to comprehend and communicate in French: reading, writing and cultural components are included. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing FREN A190

FREN A1991-5 Units (18-90 lecture hours)  
Current Topics in French  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Development of the French language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Extensive exposure to the cultures related to the French language through authentic materials and group discussions on a variety of topics ranging from current events to global issues. Emphasis on cross-cultural understanding. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing FREN A199

FREN A2804 Units (72 lecture hours)  
Intermediate French 1  
Prerequisite(s): FREN A185, FREN A185H, or three years of high school French with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of FREN A185, with further development of language skills at the intermediate level and exploration of cultures related to the French language. Additional emphasis on reading and writing, with an introduction to selected literary works. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. Enrollment Limitation: FREN A280H; students who complete FREN A280 may not enroll in or receive credit for FREN A280H.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing FREN A280

FREN A280H4 Units (72 lecture hours)  
Intermediate French 1 Honors  
Prerequisite(s): FREN A185, FREN A185H, or 3 years of high school French with a grade of C or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of FREN A185, with further development of language skills at the intermediate level and exploration of cultures related to the French language. Additional emphasis on reading and writing, with an introduction to selected literary works. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. Enrollment Limitation: FREN A280; students who complete FREN A280H may not enroll in or receive credit for FREN A280.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing FREN A280H

FREN A2854 Units (72 lecture hours)  
Intermediate French 2  
Prerequisite(s): FREN A280 or four years of high school French with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of FREN A280, with further refinement of language skills at the intermediate level and investigation of cultures related to the French language in preparation for higher level specialized work. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. Enrollment Limitation: FREN A285H; students who complete FREN A285 may not enroll in or receive credit for FREN A285H.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing FREN A285

FREN A285H4 Units (72 lecture hours)  
Intermediate French 2 Honors  
Prerequisite(s): FREN A280, FREN A280H, or 4 years of high school French with a grade of C or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of FREN A280, with further refinement of language skills at the intermediate level and investigation of cultures related to the French language in preparation for higher level specialized work. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. Enrollment Limitation: FREN A285; students who complete FREN A285H may not enroll in or receive credit for FREN A285.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing FREN A285H

German Credit Courses

GRMN A1805 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary German 1  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
The focus is on development of elementary proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in German, with an introduction to cultures related to the German language. This course is equivalent to two years of high school German. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing GRMN A180

GRMN A1855 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary German 2  
Prerequisite(s): GRMN A180 or completion of two years of high school German with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of GRMN A180, with further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency, and additional exploration of cultures related to the German language. This course is equivalent to three years of high school German. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing GRMN A185

GRMN A2804 Units (72 lecture hours)  
Intermediate German 1  
Prerequisite(s): GRMN A185.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of GRMN A185, with further development of language skills at the intermediate level and exploration of cultures related to the German language. Additional emphasis on reading and writing, with an introduction to selected literary works. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing GRMN A280

GRMN A2854 Units (72 lecture hours)  
Intermediate German 2  
Prerequisite(s): GRMN A280.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of GRMN A280, with further refinement of language skills at the intermediate level and investigation of cultures related to the German language in preparation for higher level specialized work. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing GRMN A285

Italian Credit Courses

ITAL A1805 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Italian 1  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
The focus is on development of elementary proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Italian, with an introduction to cultures related to the Italian language. This course is equivalent to two years of high school Italian. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ITAL A180

ITAL A1855 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Italian 2  
Prerequisite(s): ITAL A180 or completion of two years of high school Italian with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of ITAL A180, with further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency, and additional exploration of cultures related to the Italian language. This course is equivalent to three years of high school Italian. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ITAL A185

ITAL A1991-5 Units (1-90 lecture hours)  
Current Topics in Italian  
Prerequisite(s): One semester of college-level Italian.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in Italian. Extensive exposure to cultures related to the Italian language through authentic materials and group discussions on a variety of topics ranging from current events to global issues. Emphasis on cross-cultural understanding. Content differs each time. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ITAL A199

ITAL A2805 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Intermediate Italian 1  
Prerequisite(s): ITAL A185 or completion of three years of high school Italian with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of ITAL A185, with further development of language skills at the intermediate level and exploration of cultures related to the Italian language. Additional emphasis on reading and writing, with an introduction to selected literary works. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ITAL A280

ITAL A2855 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Intermediate Italian 2  
Prerequisite(s): ITAL A280 or completion of four years of high school Italian with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of ITAL A280, with further refinement of language skills at the intermediate level and investigation of cultures related to the Italian language in preparation for higher level specialized work. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ITAL A285

Japanese Credit Courses

JAPN A1805 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Japanese 1  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
The focus is on development of elementary proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Japanese, with an introduction to cultures related to the Japanese language. This course is equivalent to two years of high school Japanese. Enrollment Limitation: JAPN A180H; students who complete JAPN A180 may not enroll in or receive credit for JAPN A180H. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing JAPN A180

JAPN A180H5 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Japanese 1 Honors  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
The focus is on development of elementary proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Japanese, with an introduction to cultures related to the Japanese language. This course is equivalent to two years of high school Japanese. Enrollment Limitation: JAPN A180; students who complete JAPN A180H may not enroll in or receive credit for JAPN A180. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing JAPN A180H

JAPN A1855 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Japanese 2  
Prerequisite(s): JAPN A180 or JAPN A180H or completion of two years of high school Japanese with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of JAPN A180, with further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency, and additional exploration of cultures related to the Japanese language. This course is equivalent to three years of high school Japanese. Enrollment Limitation: JAPN A185H; students who complete JAPN A185 may not enroll in or receive credit for JAPN A185H. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing JAPN A185

JAPN A185H5 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Japanese 2 Honors  
Prerequisite(s): JAPN A180 or JAPN A180H or completion of two years of high school Japanese with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of JAPN A180H, with further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency, and additional exploration of cultures related to the Japanese language. This course is equivalent to three years of high school Japanese. Enrollment Limitation: JAPN A185; students who complete JAPN A185H may not enroll in or receive credit for JAPN A185. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing JAPN A185H

JAPN A2805 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Intermediate Japanese 1  
Prerequisite(s): JAPN A185 or JAPN A185H or completion of three years of high school Japanese with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of JAPN A185, with further development of language skills at the intermediate level and exploration of cultures related to the Japanese language. Additional emphasis on reading and writing. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing JAPN A280

JAPN A2855 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Intermediate Japanese 2  
Prerequisite(s): JAPN A280 or completion of four years of high school Japanese with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of JAPN A280, with further refinement of language skills at the intermediate level and additional investigation of cultures related to the Japanese language. Continued emphasis on reading and writing. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing JAPN A285

Portuguese Credit Courses

PORT A1805 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Portuguese 1  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
The focus is on the development of elementary proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Portuguese with an introduction to cultures related to the Portuguese language. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PORT A180

PORT A1855 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Portuguese 2  
Prerequisite(s): PORT A180 or completion of two years of high school Portuguese with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of PORT A180, with further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency, and additional exploration of cultures related to the Portuguese language. This course is equivalent to three years of high school Spanish. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PORT A185

Spanish Credit Courses

SPAN A1605 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Spanish for Heritage Speakers 1  
Prerequisite(s): SPAN A185 or SPAN A185H or 3 years of high school Spanish or equivalent.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
This course is designed for students whose primary experience with Spanish has been with their family and/or community, and who have had little to no exposure to Spanish in an academic setting. Course instruction builds upon the students’ existing linguistic skills as well as their cultural heritage and knowledge. Students will improve their proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing, and develop a heightened awareness of the diversity of Hispanic cultures, as manifested in Spanish-speaking countries and in the United States. This course is conducted in Spanish. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SPAN A160

SPAN A1655 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Spanish for Heritage Speakers 2  
Prerequisite(s): SPAN A160 or 4 years of High School Spanish with a minimum grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
This course is a continuation of Spanish 160. It is designed for students whose primary experience with Spanish has been with their family and/or community, and who have had limited exposure to Spanish in an academic setting. Course instruction builds upon the students’ existing linguistic skills as well as their cultural heritage and knowledge. Students will improve their proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing, and develop a heightened awareness of the diversity of Hispanic cultures, as manifested in Spanish-speaking countries and in the United States. This course is conducted in Spanish. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: SPAN 230.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SPAN A165

SPAN A1805 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Spanish 1  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
The focus is on development of elementary proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish, with an introduction to cultures related to the Spanish language. This course is equivalent to two years of high school Spanish. Enrollment Limitation: SPAN A180H; students who complete SPAN A180 may not enroll in or receive credit for SPAN A180H. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SPAN A180

SPAN A180H5 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Spanish 1 Honors  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
The focus is on development of elementary proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish, with an introduction to cultures related to the Spanish language. This course is equivalent to two years of high school Spanish. Enrollment Limitation: SPAN A180; students who complete SPAN A180H may not enroll in or receive credit for SPAN A180. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SPAN A180H

SPAN A1855 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Spanish 2  
Prerequisite(s): SPAN A180 or SPAN A180H or completion of two years of high school Spanish with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of SPAN A180, with further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency, and additional exploration of cultures related to the Spanish language. This course is equivalent to three years of high school Spanish. Enrollment Limitation: SPAN A185H; students who complete SPAN A185 may not enroll in or receive credit for SPAN A185H. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: SPAN 110.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SPAN A185

SPAN A185H5 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Spanish 2 Honors  
Prerequisite(s): SPAN A180 or SPAN A180H or completion of two years of high school Spanish with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of SPAN A180H, with further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency, and additional exploration of cultures related to the Spanish language. This course is equivalent to three years of high school Spanish. Enrollment Limitation: SPAN A185; students who complete SPAN A185H may not enroll in or receive credit for SPAN A185. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: SPAN 110.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SPAN A185H

SPAN A1992-5 Units (36-90 lecture hours)  
Current Topics in Spanish  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in Spanish. Extensive exposure to cultures related to the Spanish language through authentic materials and group discussions on a variety of topics ranging from current events to global issues. Emphasis on cross-cultural understanding. This course may also be offered online. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SPAN A199

SPAN A2805 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Intermediate Spanish 1  
Prerequisite(s): SPAN A185 or SPAN A185H or completion of three years of high school Spanish with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of SPAN A185, with further development of language skills at the intermediate level and exploration of cultures related to the Spanish language. Additional emphasis on reading and writing, with an introduction to selected literary works. Enrollment Limitation: SPAN A280H; students who complete SPAN A280 may not enroll in or receive credit for SPAN A280H. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: SPAN 200.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SPAN A280

SPAN A280H5 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Intermediate Spanish 1 Honors  
Prerequisite(s): SPAN A185 or SPAN A185H or completion of three years of high school Spanish with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of SPAN A185, with further development of language skills at the intermediate level and exploration of cultures related to the Spanish language. Additional emphasis on reading and writing, with an introduction to selected literary works. Enrollment Limitation: SPAN A280; students who complete SPAN A280H may not enroll in or receive credit for SPAN A280. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: SPAN 200.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SPAN A280H

SPAN A2855 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Intermediate Spanish 2  
Prerequisite(s): SPAN A280 or SPAN A280H or completion of four years of high school Spanish with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of SPAN A280, with further refinement of language skills at the intermediate level and investigation of cultures related to the Spanish language in preparation for higher level specialized work. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: SPAN 210.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing SPAN A285

Vietnamese Credit Courses

VIET A1805 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Vietnamese 1  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
The focus is on development of elementary proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Vietnamese, with an introduction to cultures related to the Vietnamese language. This course is equivalent to two years of high school Vietnamese. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing VIET A180

VIET A1855 Units (90 lecture hours)  
Elementary Vietnamese 2  
Prerequisite(s): VIET A180 or completion of two years of high school Vietnamese with a grade of 'C' or better.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Continuation of Vietnamese A180, with further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency, and additional exploration of cultures related to the Vietnamese language. This course is equivalent to three years of high school Vietnamese. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing VIET A185