Modern Languages
Description
Kwantlen offers a wide variety of language and linguistics courses (French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Linguistics, Punjabi, and Spanish) as well as cultural studies courses (instruction in English). Learning foreign languages helps students develop the complex set of linguistic, social , and cultural skills, which enables them to understand not only the particular language and culture they are studying but also their own socio-cultural norms and values. These languages are also spoken locally so studying them will help students communicate and integrate with the broader local communities. Knowing additional languages will also help students study abroad and work internationally.
We offer an inclusive and interactive learning environment, encouraging students to engage with the course content and actively broaden their perspectives of the world.
Study abroad opportunities are available in several countries: France, Germany, Japan, China, Chile.
Note: There are restrictions on eligibility to register in some courses for native or near-native speakers of the language courses we offer. See sections on each language for details.
Program Admission Requirements
Admission to a Kwantlen program is required to access the Modern Languages courses.
Content
Cultural Studies Courses
Offered at Richmond and Surrey
Culture is the ways people think about themselves and organize the world they inhabit, which is closely related to language which is the medium of a culture's expression. Language and culture are both part of the lives of a particular group of people, and our Cultural Studies Courses provide students with an opportunity to explore cultures through textual and visual media and through business practices.
Cultural Studies courses are offered in English.
French Courses
Offered at Richmond, and Surrey
French is an official language of Canada and mother tongue of about 7.0 million Canadians. It is also one of the world's major international languages spoken by over 200 million people in 43 countries, Knowing French helps students pursue their career goals, communicate with people in many different countries, and explore French literature, art, music, fashion, cuisine, cinema, and so on.
Kwantlen offers various levels of French courses. Since not all courses are offered in every semester or on every campus, language students are strongly advised to seek counseling from members of the Modern Languages department before planning their program.
All courses are designed as the first or second half of a one-year unit. It is recommended that the second half should be taken immediately after the first to maintain continuity. Courses offered during the Fall and Spring semesters consist of three hours of class instruction and 40 minutes of lab/conversation per week.
Intensive courses offered during the Summer session consist of six hours of class instruction and 80 minutes of lab/conversation per week.
Students with a competence in the language beyond the level of the course in which they are registered will be required to withdraw. Students who are not sure of their language level should contact an instructor.
Since FREN1100 is an introductory language course, there is no need for an assessment.
For course descriptions and prerequisites, see the French course descriptions.
For assessment or placement test information, please e-mail: olivier.clarinval@kwantlen.ca. For Surrey Campus, e-mail: patrick.karsenti@kwantlen.ca.
For transfer credit, please check the B.C. Transfer Guide for further information.
German Courses
Offered at Surrey, Richmond, and Langley
Learning German gives you access to a culture which is incredibly rich and rewarding, particularly for students who are interested in philosophy, literature, and technology. Learning German can help you communicate with 120 million native speakers around the world. Learning German also improves your understanding of English
Note that not all courses are offered in every semester or on every campus.
Native speakers of German who wish to take a first- or second-year German course must consult with a German instructor before registration. Students with a German ‘Abitur’ are not permitted to enrol in the courses. Students with a competence in the language beyond the level of the course in which they are registered may be required to withdraw. Students who are not sure of their level of language competence should contact an instructor.
For assessment or placement test information, please email: bea.pires@kwantlen.ca or jason.lieblang@kwantlen.ca. Since GERM 1100 is an introductory language course, there is no need for an assessment.
Japanese Courses
Offered at Richmond and Surrey
Japanese is a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese immigrant communities around the world. Since Japan has the most diverse economy in Asia and has the 3rd largest economy in the world, knowing Japanese will bring business opportunities and help students pursue their career goals. Also, Japanese culture has become part of the international cultural scene, including sushi bars, karaoke, anime, in addition to traditional arts. Learning Japanese helps students explore Japan's rich history and culture.
Students with competence in the language beyond the level of the course will not be allowed to register for the course. Students who have previously taken Japanese must contact the instructor before registering for JAPN 1101, 2200,2201, 3300, or 3301.
For assessment or placement test information, please email: sumiko.nishizawa@kwantlen.ca; seiko.roberts@kwantlen.ca.
Since JAPN 1100 is an introductory language course, there is no need for an assessment for anyone without prior knowledge of Japanese. Anyone who has prior knowledge of Japanese must contact the instructor for assessment purposes prior to registration.
Linguistics Courses
Offered at Richmond and Surrey
Linguistics is the methodical and systematic study of human language. It investigates all aspects of how people use language and what they must know in order to do so. In examining the general structural properties of language, students learn how words and sentences are formed, how sounds are articulated and patterned, how words and sentences are interpreted and how context affects meaning. Students analyze examples from a variety of languages, not only English. Subfields of linguistic study examine first and second language acquisition, the neurological foundations of language, the interrelationships between language and various social factors, the historical changes of language, as well as linguistic typology and universals. Knowledge of linguistics is highly beneficial for the study and teaching of any language, but linguistic research also shares concerns with practically every human science, from psychology and neurology to literary study, anthropology, sociology, history, political science and criminology.
For assessment or placement test information, please call 604.599.2222 (voice mail: 9346) or email: paivi.koskinen@kwantlen.ca.
Mandarin Courses
Offered at Richmond
Mandarin is the national language of China. With 1 billion speakers, Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language in the world. This is also the language of the future, since China has become a world economic power. Learning Mandarin helps students advance their career opportunities, particularly in the field of business.
To help students register in the right course level, the Modern Languages Department of Kwantlen, in consultation with the Chinese programs at other BC universities and colleges to which our courses are transferable, institutes some guidelines for Mandarin course admission. These guidelines are available at http://www.kwantlen.ca/mandarin. You are strongly advised to refer to these guidelines for self-assessment before registering for a course. Should your language level be found higher than the course level after classes start, you will be placed in a higher level course (if space is still available) at the discretion of the instructor; alternately, you may be dropped from the class. It is therefore to your advantage to read and follow the guidelines carefully. You are also encouraged to take a look at the textbooks at the bookstore to ascertain your level for course registration.
Registration tip: Mandarin courses are always popular and fill up quickly. Register early to avoid disappointment.
To Contact the Instructor for an Assessment:
Please note that the guidelines are for general information only. If you are unsure of your language level or if you have extenuating circumstances for special consideration, please email the following information to yanfeng.qu@kwantlen.ca or to the instructor of the course:
- Your full name, student number and phone number;
- Your birth place and languages you speak (including various Chinese dialects);
- Your age when you immigrated to Canada (if you were born overseas);
- Your grade(s) for high school Mandarin (e.g. Mand 11 and/or Mand 12) AND the year in which you completed it.
- Extenuating circumstances that are not covered by the course admission guidelines presented above and that deserve special consideration.
(A formal placement test may be administered and official documents may be requested for verification purposes at the discretion of the department.)
Punjabi Courses
Offered at Surrey
Punjabi is spoken by eighty million people in South Asia. In BC, it is the fourth most commonly spoken language. Learning Punjabi helps students communicate with people in the large Punjabi community and explore its cultural importance.
Note: Any student with recent Grade 12 Punjabi, or with previous language skills meeting or exceeding this level is is not permitted to register in the introductory courses PUNJ 1100 and 1101. Students with a competence in the language beyond the level of the course in which they are registered may be required to withdraw. Students unsure of their level should contact the instructor.
PUNJ 1100 is designed for students who have little or no previous knowledge of Punjabi (Gurmukhi). They will use the communicative approach to develop the ability to speak, comprehend, read, and write Punjabi while further exploring the Punjabi culture.
Punjabi 1101 students will continue to build on basic reading and writing skills learned in the lower level course as well as improve their oral and listening skills while further exploring the Punjabi and Indian cultures.
Intermediate and upper-level Punjabi classes include PUNJ 2200 (Intermediate Punjabi I), PUNJ 2201 (Intermediate Punjabi II) and PUNJ 3300 (Canadian Punjabi Literature).
For assessment or placement test information, or for any further information, please call 604.599.2222 (voice mail: 9354) or email: ranbir.johal@kwantlen.ca
Spanish Courses
Offered at Richmond, Langley, and Surrey
Spanish is the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world and the official language of 21 countries with combined population of 350 million. Learning Spanish helps students explore different parts of the world and have opportunities to work in trade or business fields.
Kwantlen offers various levels of Spanish. Since not all courses are offered in every semester or on every campus, language students are strongly advised to seek counseling from members of the Modern Languages discipline before planning their program.
Students with a competence in the language beyond the level of the course in which they are registered will be required to withdraw. Students who are not sure of their language level should contact an instructor.
The majority of our courses is designed as the first or second half of a one-year unit. It is expected that the second half should be taken immediately after the first to maintain continuity. Courses offered during the Fall and Spring semesters consist of three hours of class instruction and 40 minutes of lab/conversation per week.
Intensive courses offered during the Summer session consist of six hours of class instruction and 80 minutes of lab/conversation per week.
Note: Not all courses have a component of lab/conversation.
For assessment or placement test information, please email: constanza.rojas-primus@kwantlen.ca or patrick.karsenti@kwantlen.ca.
As SPAN 1100 is an introductory language course, there is no need for an assessment.
Note: Native or near-native speakers of Spanish who wish to take Spanish courses with us must consult with any of the Spanish instructors listed above first, as we offer second and third year courses for students who know how to speak the language but need improvement in other areas such as writing or more formal registers of speech.
Graduation
These courses may be used towards many Kwantlen credentials.
