Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures

The Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures department helps students select the program and courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. Advisement for specific languages, courses and programs is handled by the language section heads as follows:

Armenian
Vahram Shemmassian
(818) 677-3456

Classics
Tim Watson
(818) 677-2092

French
Adrián Pérez-Boluda
(818) 677-3467

Italian
Adrián Pérez-Boluda
(818) 677-3467

Japanese
Drake Langford
(818) 677-3460

Russian
Adrián Pérez-Boluda
(818) 677-3467

Spanish
Axel Montepeque
(818) 677-7227

Single Subject Credential, Other Languages (Arab, Hebrew, Korean, Persian) and FLIT
Adrián Pérez-Boluda
(818) 677-3467

Graduate Program Coordinator
Svetlana Tyutina
(818) 677-3454

The College of Humanities (COH) Student Services Center/EOP reviews students’ progress to ensure that the requirements of a major or minor are fulfilled. Call (818) 677-4784 or (818) 677-4767 to schedule an appointment with the COH Student Services Center/EOP.

In today’s global society, knowledge of other languages and cultures will enable students to expand career opportunities. In March 2014, the Latino population surpassed the number of non-Hispanic whites living in the Golden State. By 2050, more than half of California’s population will be of Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander descent, and a large percentage will speak a language other than English. Jobs in social services, business, communications and the government all need people with intercultural competence given this state’s rich ethnic and racial diversity.

There are many jobs in the United States and abroad that require proficiency in a second language. These include working in the Foreign Service; serving as a translator and/or interpreter for the government or the private sector; working at international institutions such as the World Bank, United Nations or UNICEF; teaching foreign languages, literature and cultures in schools or universities; and working for transnational business corporations and even for the Olympic games.

A major or a minor in a second language is beneficial for students who are interested in pursuing careers in various fields, including social services, business, finance, communications, science, technology, education, government and travel.

• Italian Club: La Dolce Vita
• Spanish Club: L.U.C.I.A.

Credit by Challenge Examination

See individual course descriptions to find out which courses may or may not be challenged. For procedures governing the challenging of language classes, consult the department office.

International Studies

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures (MCLL) supports the concept of international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers abroad are equivalent to courses in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures and may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for degree options offered by the department and/or certain General Education requirements. Consult with the appropriate language advisor in MCLL prior to traveling abroad to determine these equivalencies. Students also should consult the International Programs Bulletin available in the International and Exchange Student Center or the campus International Programs advisor for more information.

Barbara Ann Ward Language Center

The Barbara Ann Ward Language Center, located in Jerome Richfield (JR) 316, serves as a language acquisition and teaching-resource facility, primarily for the faculty and students of MCLL and the College of Humanities. Through multimedia, equipment, group and individual training available at the center, faculty and students are encouraged to use technology to enhance the language-acquisition experience. For more information, contact Director Drake Langford at (818) 677-3452.

Awards and Scholarships

The department offers multiple awards and scholarships to help its students in the successful completion of their major.

• Barbara Ann Ward Scholarship for Spanish Studies
• Chitjian Family Scholarship in Armenian Studies
• DiMascio Family Scholarship
• L.U.C.I.A. Spanish Club Scholarship
• MCLL Scholarship
• Ralph Baccash Memorial Scholarship
• Robert J. Barbera in Italian Studies Scholarship
• TF Fund Scholarship in Armenian Studies
• Varaz and Karina Shahmirian Scholarship in Armenian Studies