World Languages and Cultures
Students
Our approach to language education and instruction is outcomes-based, innovative, and technologically driven. Rather than simply learning grammar and vocabulary, you will develop the language skills and cultural proficiencies that are in high demand in business, government, and education. You will also benefit from our instructional use of new technologies and telecommunication networks to enhance language acquisition and promote language instruction for traditional and nontraditional students.
CSUMB Mission "To build a multicultural learning community founded on academic excellence from which all partners in the educational process emerge prepared to contribute productively, respsabatonsibly, and ethically to California and the global community..." Read more about the value of language learning
Study Language
Placement Advising
WLC encourages students to place appropriately in order to match your current language abilities to the course most suitable for that level. Accurate initial placement is a key factor in successfully learning a foreign language.
Please see the Placement Suggestions on the 2020 CSUMB Catalog, including links to the Spanish Language Placement Exam.
If you need more support with placing appropriately in your language courses, please contact the department at wlc@csumb.edu or consult the following faculty
Spanish placement advising (by last name of student).
- Contact wlc@csumb.edu or contact Dr. Rebecca Pozzi
Japanese placement:
- Contact Dr. Yoshiko Saito-Abbott or Dr. Shigeko Sekine
American Sign Language (ASL) placement
- Contact Darby Campbell or WLC Department Chair at wlc@csumb.edu
Italian placement
- Contact WLC Department Chair at wlc@csumb.edu
List of CSUMB Language Courses meeting C3
Heritage Language Speakers can enroll in
about Spanish for Heritage Speakers
about Language and Culture for Heritage Speakers
Start of term Meet and Greet event
The department traditionally holds a Meet and Greet event for WLC Major and Minor students at the start of the term. See more information and photos from past events.
Major Advising
Please consult with the following JLC and SLHC major advisors by your last name (updated Fall 2023) and for other course advising such as GE, etc., please contact Liliana Cruz
Japanese Language and Culture (JLC) Majors
- A-F: contact Dr. Yoshiko Saito-Abbott
- G-O: contact Dr. Shigeko Sekine
- P-Z: Contact Dr. Dustin Wright
Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures (SLHC) Majors
During Fall 2023 (Dr. Christine Fernandez is on Sabbatical)
- A-F contact Dr. Carolyn Gonzalez
- G-M contact Dr. Rebecca Pozzi
- O-Z contact Dr. David Vila Dieguez
Spring 2024:
- A-C contact Dr. Christine Fernandez
- D-K contact Dr. Carolyn Gonzalez
- L-Q contact Dr. Rebecca Pozzi
- R-Z contact Dr. David Vila Dieguez
Student Support
WLC has Specialized Language Instructional Classrooms in CAHSS 2408 and 2410. The classrooms are available for drop-in use when not in use during scheduled times for classes. See links below for schedules.
There is no printing from the computers in 2408 or 2410. However, IT maintains a list of printing locations across campus.
Language Tutoring is provided through the Cooperative Learning Center for many courses and disciplines at CSUMB, including language study! See their site for tutorial times, learning strategies, and other support.
WLC related library guide and progeram related library acquisitions
Japanese Input: Setting up and Typing.
ASL Video Production in iMovie hints and suggestions
The CSU is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all campus community members, without regard to their immigration status. The campus resource center supports our students and scholars.
Research
WLC supports student research opportunities through various organizations, such as Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC). Read more about our Japanese and Spanish major experiences conducting research in collaboration with our faculty members through UROC. Others have participated in the Okinawa Memories Initiative (OMI) and attended the Santa Barbara Summer Seminar for aspiring language teachers through CLTA.
Clubs and Student Organizations
The listed campus clubs have strong ties to WLC disciplines and faculty. There are many opportunities to engage with other clubs at CSUMB.
- Anime Club Contact: animeclub@csumb.edu
- Japan Club | 日本クラブ Instagram: @csumbjapanclub
- Spanish Club Contact: csumb.spanishclub@gmail.com
- TESOL Club (forming in Fall 2023) Please complete interest form
Social Media
- WLC Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/csumb.wlc/
- Facebook Group Alumni and Fans https://www.facebook.com/groups/csumbwlcalumsnfans
- Instagram @csumbwlc on the App or see https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/csumbwlc/
- Twitter @csumbwlc or see https://twitter.com/csumbwlc
- LinkTree https://linktr.ee/csumbwlc
Brochures
Major and Minor brochures, etc. are available in our lobby and for download here. Available brochures include the following:
- WLC Fast Facts
- Both Major Programs | Japanese Major | Spanish Major
- Japanese Minors: Culture and History | Language and Culture
- Spanish Minors: Culture and History | Language and Culture | Latin American studies
- Study Abroad