World language courses are applicable in a wide variety of career fields. As the interdependence of nations grows, people with language skills have distinct job market advantages. More and more universities are reinstating world language study requirements, so students who plan to transfer are advised to complete two years of language.
College of DuPage's Languages program offers transfer-level credit courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Spanish.
Students can use the transfer-level courses (2202, 2206, 2008, 2251 and 2252) to meet Humanities General Education requirements for associate's degrees. All 1100 to 2252 courses satisfy the Global/Multicultural Studies requirement.
The elementary sequence (1101 and 1102) develops the student's ability to speak, understand, read and write in a cultural context. Intermediate transfer-level courses (2201/2202 and 2206/2208) include reading and discussion of modern texts, conversation, composition, grammar review and cultural activities. Advanced conversation and composition courses (2251 and 2252) are offered in French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. In addition, culture and civilization courses taught in English are offered about Arab nations, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latin America and Spain.
Study abroad programs in China, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain offer an additional opportunity to enrich the study of language and culture.
View the Languages online brochure
Program Course Maps
Academic and Career Pathways provides students a roadmap to achieving their academic and career goals. Follow an academic timeline that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you can gain knowledge, graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
- Chinese Course Map
- French Course Map
- German Course Map
- Italian Course Map
- Japanese Course Map
- Korean Course Map
- Russian Course Map
- Spanish Course Map
Course Descriptions
- Arabic Course Descriptions
- Chinese Course Descriptions
- French Course Descriptions
- German Course Descriptions
- Italian Course Descriptions
- Japanese Course Descriptions
- Korean Course Descriptions
- Russian Course Descriptions
- Spanish Course Descriptions
Placement
Advanced course placement is recommended for students who previously have studied a foreign language. Students who have had one year of high school language study generally should begin College of DuPage work at the 1102 level; students with two years of high school language generally should begin at the 1102 or 2201 level. Spanish students with three or more years of high school Spanish should begin at the 2201 or 2251 level. Students with questions about proper placement or level of competence should consult with the appropriate language instructor listed under "Faculty" before enrolling.
Credit by Demonstrated Competence
Credit for 1101 and 1102 classes in some languages may also be earned by Credit by Demonstrated Competence. Procedures for earning credit are available from the Testing Center office. Contact the Testing Center office, (630) 942-2401 for fee information and a list of exams.
Please note that there is a limit of 42 semester credit hours, from Credit by Proficiency or Credit by Examination, that may be applied toward a College of DuPage degree and that no grade will be received for this credit. Some four year schools may not accept credit that is earned by proficiency. It is the student's responsibility to check on these considerations before applying for Credit by Demonstrated Competence.
Faculty
If you are considering this program as an area of study, consult with a faculty member in this field.
If you are unable to contact a faculty member, messages may be left with the Liberal Arts Division, Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 2E06, (630) 942-2047.
Contact Information
Liberal Arts Division Office
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 2E06
(630) 942-2047