Why study a foreign language?
Studying a foreign language makes you smarter, more analytical, more marketable, more creative, and more open-minded. College graduates often report that their foreign language courses were some of the most valuable ones because they increase communication skills in both the foreign and their own native language. Foreign language study enhances employment opportunities in a wide variety of career paths. Students who can speak, read, and write in a foreign language have a strong competitive advantage in today’s global marketplace.
At Parkland, you'll have the advantage of small class sizes, taught by master faculty—never teaching assistants. Your success is our priority.
Classes
Parkland offers classes in Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. In addition to language instruction, these courses incorporate historical and cultural components as well, allowing students to gain insight into the forces that helped shape the language in the regions and among the populations where it is spoken.
Beginning and Intermediate French (FRE 101–104): develop communicative skills with an emphasis on speaking, listening, reading, writing, and French culture. You can also take FRE 101–104 in France as part of the Dijon, France study abroad program.
Beginning and Intermediate Spanish (SPA 101–104): focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These courses are also available as part of the San José, Costa Rica study abroad program.
Beginning Italian (ITA 101): focus on speaking, listening, reading, writing, and understanding Italian cultures. (Tuscania, Italy Program only)
Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL 111): introduction to American Sign Language as used by the hearing impaired. Manual alphabet and introduction of common individual signs.
Will my classes transfer?
Most foreign language classes taken at Parkland transfer to four-year institutions. In addition, FRE 104, and SPA 104 can be used to fulfill General Education requirements for AA and AS degrees, and all language courses can be used as General Education electives for AGS, AAS, and certificate programs. Parkland College classes with an even middle digit (such as ENG 101, MAT 128, and BIO 141) are accepted for transfer as general education classes, major courses, or electives as determined by the transfer institution.
For more information about transferring, speak with an academic advisor and visit the Parkland Course Matrix.
Curriculum
Learn more about how these courses fit into a transfer degree or the general education core curriculum (GECC).