Languages & Cultural Studies

The School of Professional & Continuing Studies offers classes and programs focused on the study of languages and cultures.

Our classes and programs cover American and non-American languages, histories, politics, society and cultures.

We offer classes in the following categories within Languages and Cultural Studies. Not all categories are offered every semester.

• Languages: American Sign Language (ASL), English (for English language learners), French, Italian, Spanish
• History: Richmond history and cultural heritage
• Cultural Enrichment: Weekend classes designed especially for international au pairs

UR Au Pair

The UR Au Pair program helps international au pairs fulfill their required annual educational credits while immersing themselves in the rich cultural traditions of Richmond, Virginia.

Courses

Civil War Homefront

Bert Dunkerly returns to SPCS this winter to offer a new three-part series! This class explores two infamous events experienced by Richmond's civilians, particularly women, during the conflict: The Brown's Island Explosion and the Bread Riot. New research presented will shed light on both of these incidents. Class three includes a field trip to related sites.

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Every week on Wednesday, starting on 02/05/20 and ending on 02/19/20

The Virginia Pennsylvania Boundary Controversy

Explore this interesting controversy in a new course this semester! For decades in the 1700s, both states claimed the same land, establishing rival courts and militias. We will discuss how the controversy unfolded and was ultimately resolved.

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Every week on Wednesday, starting on 01/22/20 and ending on 01/29/20

English Fundamentals 'English the American Way'

This class explores English 'The American Way,' and is a combined skills course designed to improve basic and intermediate levels of communication in all four skill areas of English: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will practice new vocabulary in writing and speaking as well as increase listening and reading comprehension.

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Every week on Monday, starting on 02/03/20 and ending on 03/02/20

American Sign Language I

In these American Sign Language (ASL) classes you will learn fingerspelling, counting, and basic signs such as 'How are you,' non-manual signals (NMS), and how to convert English into ASL. Sessions include fun, hands-on activities which will enable you to communicate with our deaf community. Classes are taught by local organization ASL Champs. This is a beginner class and eligible for CEUs; books are included in tuition.

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Every week on Tuesday, starting on 02/04/20 and ending on 02/25/20
Every week on Monday, starting on 03/09/20 and ending on 03/30/20

American Sign Language II

In these American Sign Language (ASL) classes you will learn fingerspelling, counting, and basic signs such as 'How are you,' non-manual signals (NMS), and how to convert English into ASL. Sessions include fun, hands-on activities which will enable you to communicate with our deaf community. Classes are taught by local organization ASL Champs. This is a continuation of Beginner I and is eligible for CEUs; books are included in tuition.

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Every week on Tuesday, starting on 03/10/20 and ending on 03/31/20

French Level I

This course is designed for beginners. Students will learn the basics of pronunciation, vocabulary, and useful phrases. Explore a new language this semester with our beginner level French!

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Every week on Tuesday, starting on 02/18/20 and ending on 03/10/20

French Level II

This course is a continuation of Beginning French. Students will deepen their comprehension of the French language. Students will also improve their speaking skills through a variety of authentic situations.

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Every week on Tuesday, starting on 03/24/20 and ending on 04/21/20 (excluding 04/07/20)

Italian Level I

This course is intended for travelers to Italy or anyone who desires to speak and understand 'la bella lingua.' Lessons use a communicative approach to integrate grammar and conversation practice with culture and etiquette skills. The student will be prepared to navigate a variety of social situations while dining, shopping, and traveling throughout Italy, as well as building the foundations for further pursuing linguistic competence in Italian.

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Every week on Wednesday, starting on 02/05/20 and ending on 03/04/20

Spanish Level I

If you have been hesitant about attempting to learn a new language, now it is time to try it! Learning Spanish could be a valuable asset for you. In this course we will learn the foundation of the language, covering basic grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary as well as an introduction to the Spanish culture.

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Every week on Tuesday, starting on 01/14/20 and ending on 02/11/20, INTC, Room 231

Spanish Level II

Did you take Spanish in high school or college and want to refresh your skills? Are you pursuing a new challenge professionally and need to use Spanish? As a continuation of Spanish for Beginners I, this course is intended for students who want to refresh their basic skills in Spanish or further their knowledge of the Spanish language by acquiring new vocabulary and building confidence in speaking and comprehension.

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Every week on Tuesday, starting on 02/25/20 and ending on 03/24/20

Spanish Conversation

This course is for students with intermediate Spanish skills who are ready to practice speaking more. We will also focus on understanding Spanish expressions and more advanced vocabulary, as well as listening to and watching Spanish films/media to increase your skills. Course combines Conversation, Cultura, and 'Cine.' Take your Spanish to the next level!

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Every week on Thursday, starting on 03/26/20 and ending on 04/30/20 (excluding 04/09/20)

Spanish for Corrections/Sheriff's Office Personnel

Our custom-designed Spanish for Corrections Staff and Sheriff's Personnel offers training in the foundation of the Spanish language, covering basic grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. Special attention will be given to scenarios most frequently experienced by personnel in this industry. (This session is open to Richmond City Sheriff's Office Personnel.)

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class meets at Richmond City Justice Center February 5 through March 4 from 5pm-6:15pm

Art & Film Exploration: Breakfast at Tiffany's

Inspired by the raw energy of the 1960s, the unforgettable Audrey Hepburn, and music by Henry Mancini, students will paint their movie impressions using watercolor on paper. Explore the imagery of Manhattan street scenes, smoke-filled speakeasies, iconic fashions, and a rain drenching cat rescue using photo references. The fundamentals of street sketching will be taught for documenting personal adventures. Art supplies included.

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This class meets Friday from 6pm-9pm. Saturday from 9am-6pm and Sunday from 9am-6pm. Course meets May 1-3.

Art & Film Exploration: Chocolat

This 2000 movie, nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, is a magical tale of love awakened by a skilled chocolatier who delights in satisfying customers. Instruction will include creating signage for the chocolate shop using hand lettering techniques, bold images, and graphics to create colorful posters. Students will also paint decadent desserts while exploring the use of texture, depth, and shape. Sure to be a real treat! Art supplies included.

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This class meets Friday from 6pm-9pm. Saturday from 9am-6pm and Sunday from 9am-6pm. Course dates are April 3-5.

Art Explorations: Georgia O'Keeffe

Slip into the shoes of Georgia O'Keeffe as she made her way from art student to the first female painter achieving worldwide acclaim. Inspired by her enlarged flowers, students will create blooms of their own with graphite drawing skills and opaque watercolor techniques. No experience required!

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This class meets Friday from 6pm-9pm. Saturday from 9am-6pm and Sunday from 9am-6pm. Course meets January 24-26.

Art Explorations: Paul Gauguin

Our Gauguin Art Weekend introduces this artist's unique work and begins an exploration of your own artistic abilities! No experience is necessary for this weekend; all levels of skill welcome. Art materials included.

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This class meets Friday from 6-9pm. Saturday from 9am-6pm and Sunday from 9am-6pm. Course meets March 20-22.

Cultural Perspectives Weekend

This fun and educational course combines classroom sessions and cultural experiences. In this course we will visit historical locations in Richmond and explore lessons such as: public speaking, business writing, tourism and customer service skills, mindfulness and nutrition, with other special topics of interest for your personal growth and professional use. All materials and fees are included. Come join us for a memorable weekend, while earning your au pair credits!

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Friday, February 21 from 4-8pm; Saturday, February 22 from 10am-6pm; Sunday February 23 from 10am-6pm

Hospitality & Tourism Fundamentals Certificate

Our new Hospitality & Tourism Fundamentals Certificate is designed for individuals interested in pursuing employment or advancing their careers in the dynamic field of hospitality and tourism. Whether you are seeking to add to your professional qualifications or start a new career, our Hospitality and Tourism Certificate will provide you with the desired skill-set sought after by leading companies in this growing industry.

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This course contains no sessions

Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.