Modern Languages

Discover the power of communication and connection through language! The Modern Languages Department offers dynamic courses in Arabic, American Sign Language (ASL), Chinese (Mandarin), French, and Spanish—languages that are not only widely spoken across the U.S. and the world, but also deeply rooted in diverse cultures and communities. Courses are designed to build real-world communication abilities and meaningful cultural understanding. ASL is the primary language of the Deaf community in the U.S. and parts of Canada, while Arabic, Chinese, French, and Spanish rank among the top ten most spoken languages in the U.S. Learning any of these languages opens the door to deeper human connection and a broader worldview. Studying a second language enhances career opportunities in fields like Law, Nursing, Education, Human Services, Business, International Relations, and more. Employers increasingly value bilingualism and intercultural awareness skills. Students planning to transfer for a B.A. in a modern language should meet with a counselor to ensure they meet all requirements.

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Contact Information

Division: Arts and Humanities (NH - 223)

Division Phone Number: (909) 384-8633

Faculty Chairs: Nori Sogomonian, Ed.D.

Counselor Liaisons: Tahirah (Ty) Simpson, M.S.Ed., PPS and Michelle Tinoco, M.A.

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• Spanish Associate of Arts Transfer Degree

Spanish Course Tracks

Course List

Code	Title	Units
Spanish Heritage Speaker Track
SPAN 157	Spanish for Heritage Speakers I	4
SPAN 158	Spanish for Heritage Speakers II	4
Spanish Language Learner Track
SPAN 101	College Spanish I	5
SPAN 102	College Spanish II	5
or SPAN 102H	College Spanish II - Honors
SPAN 103	College Spanish III 1	4
or SPAN 103H	College Spanish III - Honors
SPAN 104	College Spanish IV 2	4

¹

SPAN 103 and SPAN 103H are equivalent to SPAN 157

²

SPAN 104 is equivalent to SPAN 158

American Sign Language (ASL)

American Sign Language is the natural language of the Deaf community and is the foundation of Deaf Culture. American Sign Language is used by an estimated 2,500,000 members of the Deaf community in North America. American Sign Language is identified as a legitimate language with its own linguistic properties and grammar. American Sign Language courses are designed to help students develop level-appropriate linguistic, communicative, and cultural competence. Comprehension and expressive practice of American Sign Language occurs within culturally relevant contexts. San Bernardino Valley College offers first, second, third and fourth semester of American Sign Language courses, which are degree, CSU and UC applicable. For those seeking a career as an ASL interpreter, this coursework is the first step in transferring to an interpreter education program. 

Arabic

Modern Arabic is an official United Nations language that is used across 22 countries with over 300 million native speakers. From Tangier to Cairo, and Sudan to Syria, this sacred language is the key to understanding the cultural and historical diversity of the Arabic world. The objectives of Arabic courses are level-appropriate linguistic competence and increased awareness of Arabic culture. Courses in Arabic include the study of essentials of pronunciation including the Arabic alphabet, symbols and sounds, vocabulary, idioms, and grammatical structures along with an introduction to the key social issues and culture of Arabic-speaking people. SBVC offers a first and second semester of Arabic language courses, which are degree, CSU and UC applicable.

Chinese

Mandarin is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world currently spoken by nearly one-fifth of the world’s population. Because of its influence in diplomacy, Chinese has become one of the most requested languages after Spanish. Given its universality, Mandarin is a useful language in a global society and economy. SBVC offers a first and second semester of Mandarin Chinese language courses. Courses are designed to help students develop communicative and cultural competence. Students practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing Chinese in culturally relevant contexts. SBVC offers a first and second semester of Chinese Mandarin language courses, which are degree, CSU and UC applicable.

French

Modern French is spoken in 29 countries, covering five continents, an honor shared only with English. A language of philosophy, political revolution, and romance, it is the source of considerable pride for over 275 million native speakers. Because of its political and economic strengths, French is the third most widely used language on the Internet. The objectives of French courses are level-appropriate linguistic competence and increased awareness of Francophone culture.  SBVC offers a first and second semester of French language courses, which are degree, CSU and UC applicable.

Spanish

Spanish is the language of 560 million people around the world. It is a culturally rich and historically significant language, the use of which spans no less than 3 continents and 20+ countries. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States, and it is the dominant language in many neighboring countries in the Western Hemisphere. The objectives of Spanish courses are level-appropriate linguistic competence and increased awareness of Hispanic culture. Classroom methods incorporate critical thinking and the direct oral approach. Assignments are based on lectures, reading, presentations and individual research. Activities may include homework, workbooks, journals, documentaries, movies, compositions, presentations, interviews, cultural discussions, etc.

The Spanish AA-T is a great first, or second major because fluency is a valuable skill in most professional fields. Advanced Spanish courses are divided into Spanish for Learners and Spanish for Heritage Speakers. Language courses are taken for personal or professional reasons, and/or to meet foreign language degree requirements including the SBVC AA-T degree for Spanish. All courses are transfer level and articulated with CSU/UC systems.