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

Spanish Level I

Bienvenidos. Join us as we explore the basics of pronunciation, greetings, and vocabulary for beginners. Live sessions with slide presentations provided. Weekly assignments will be given to reinforce vocabulary and essential grammar. This course is ideal for students who are new to the language, or who want to review the fundamentals and build confidence in conversational skills.

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No session is currently available for registration

Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Cultural Perspectives: The World of Coco Chanel

Explore the totally unconventional, unforgettable life and couture of Coco Chanel, the modern woman's designer, to illustrate a very personal and unique style of your own. Using film clips, quotes, and a study of multiple online resources, participants will explore Chanel's hope and conviction, the fashion industry, and illustrate a personal portfolio of designs.

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No session is currently available for registration

Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Cultural Perspectives (1 au pair credit)

This course includes research, reading, and writing assignments with a focus on special topics and American culture designed to increase your comprehension and communication skills. Students have 3 weeks to complete rewarding and fun lessons. Choose from one of these topics: Leadership Fundamentals, Artist Chuck Close, or Designer Coco Chanel.

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Available 09/01/2021-12/15/2021, online course offers 1 au pair credit. Students have 3 weeks to complete the course.

Cultural Perspectives (2 au pair credits)

This course includes research, reading, and writing assignments with a focus on special topics and American culture designed to increase your comprehension and communication skills. Students have 3 weeks to complete rewarding and fun lessons. Choose from one of these topics: Leadership Fundamentals, Artist Chuck Close, or Designer Coco Chanel.

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Available 09/01/2021-12/15/2021, online course offers 2 au pair credits. Students have 3 weeks to complete the course.

Cultural Perspectives (3 au pair credits)

This course includes research, reading, and writing assignments with a focus on special topics and American culture designed to increase your comprehension and communication skills. Students have 3 weeks to complete rewarding and fun lessons. Choose from one of these topics: Leadership Fundamentals, Artist Chuck Close, or Designer Coco Chanel.

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Available 09/01/2021-12/15/2021, online course offers 3 au pair credits. Students have 3 weeks to complete the course.

Cultural Perspectives Weekend

This fun and educational weekend combines classroom sessions and cultural experiences. Lessons may include: English reading, writing, and public speaking, leadership studies, American film, nutrition and wellness, and more. NOTE: A museum visit may be included depending on local regulations. All materials and fees are included. Join us for a memorable weekend, while earning 3 au pair credits! (Estimated start date January 2022.)

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No session is currently available for registration

Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

How to Be a Time-Traveler

Know how to behave in nearly any century by reading excerpts from instructive conduct manuals written from the fourteenth century to the present. You'll learn what to say, and whether you should talk at all; why people in seventeenth-century England wore clothes; and how to decide whom to marry.

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Every week on Thursday, starting on 11/11/21 and ending on 12/09/21 (excluding 11/25/21), Synchronous Online

Discovering Richmond: An Insider's Guide to History

This 3-part course explores fascinating, lesser-known aspects of the area's history. Learn about Richmond's past and what remains to be seen today. We'll discuss topics from various parts of Richmond and surrounding areas, and plan a field trip to visit a select few.

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No session is currently available for registration

Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

English: Fundamentals of English for Speakers of Other Languages

This class 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. Additional strategies will include an emphasis on pronunciation. (Class is designed for beginner to intermediate levels.)

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No session is currently available for registration

Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.