About World Languages and Cultures

“A different language is a different vision of life.”
– Federico Fellini.
Experience new cultures and gain new life perspectives through one of the five different world language concentrations available at SOU.

World Languages and Cultures

The World Languages and Cultures Program at SOU bridges the divide between our region and the rest of the globe. We offer courses in Spanish, Japanese, French, and American Sign Language (ASL). Research tells us that students who study another language vastly improve their communication skills, the capacity to deal with abstract concepts, memory, listening, problem-solving and analytical skills. These benefits extend to all areas of scholarship and life, no matter the chosen discipline. Employers consistently give preference to those with language skills. It should be no surprise then that SOU requires all students to have some foreign language experience (2 quarters of college level or equivalent for incoming students; 2 years of college-level classes or equivalent for BA students). The study of world languages is an integral part of a liberal arts education that broadens students’ perspective of their world and helps transform them into global citizens.

Developing the ability to interact with people of another culture in a competent way, known as “cultural competence,” is extremely important in today’s global society and economy. With the tools to understand diverse perspectives, cultural practices and values, students become better communicators and better citizens. The World Languages and Cultures Program prepares SOU students to be responsible, engaged citizens in our democracy; the more students know about other cultures and their own, the more they develop their own identity as members of our local community, as citizens of their country, and as inhabitants of this planet.

Our courses provide students with an immersive experience so that they are consistently exposed to the language and have regular opportunities to practice. Our instructors and professors have extensive classroom experience with all kinds of language learners and have realistic expectations regarding how students advance. We want students to be immersed in the language when they enter our classrooms, while still feeling comfortable enough to express themselves in new ways while practicing their skills among peers.

Why Study a Language?

As a complement to your major, a world language is a fun way to gain a new and highly marketable skill. From English majors who wish to teach abroad, Business majors hoping to work with international companies, Political Science majors interested in global politics, to Sociology and Anthropology students studying world cultures, many students find a world language meshes well with their other interests and supports their academics success.

Even when a student’s main area of study is not related to language and culture, the communication and analytical skills they gain from world language study are transferable and benefit them in all their scholarly endeavors. Research shows, for example, that language study can improve standardized test scores and improve Math grades! And several studies have linked bilingualism with a reduced risk for degenerative neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Learning a new language opens doors to another culture, but it also provides a mirror for you to see your own language and culture in a new way.

The Dan Morris Language Center

Located in Central Hall 270, the Dan Morris Language Center (DMLC) is staffed with peer tutors (usually native speakers) for first or second-year language students who would like additional assistance or practice outside of class at no additional charge. All language students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources in the language center: newspapers and magazines, books, dictionaries, computers, etc. The large, comfortable couch is a popular spot for our students to rest between classes.

What If You’ve Already Taken Language Classes?

Students who already have some language skills can take a free online placement test to determine which course is appropriate for their level. There are even options for buying previous credit at a majorly discounted rate for the classes you test out of.

Contact World Languages and Cultures

SOU World Languages and Cultures Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6743

– Questions About World Languages and Cultures? –