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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.

Upcoming Courses

Courses

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.

Every week on Tuesday, starting on 06/04/19 and ending on 06/25/19

Art & Film Exploration: Million Dollar Mermaid

Inspired by the golden era of movie making, this film features scenes of large pools of water, elaborate diving features, tantalizing film clips of swimming actresses on floral trapezes, and a tremendous music score! Students will meet movie star Esther Williams, in the glamorous movie role of Million Dollar Mermaid. Students will design a one of a kind bathing suit, rendering a water ballet kaleidoscope and paint a classic pin-up poster. No prior experience needed; suitable for all levels. Course is designed for ages 18+. Materials are included.

All weekend, starting on 5/31/19 and ending on 6/2/19 - Fri 6-9pm; Sat and Sun 9am-6pm

Art & Film Exploration: No Reservations

Food plays an artful role in this story of three people who need each other more than they know. The film soundtrack makes extensive use of operatic music, and includes Liz Phair's song 'Count on My Love.' Students will explore mixed media and collage to cut, glue, paste, and paint one or two colorful paintings of fine dining scenes while discovering the use of texture, shape, and composition.

All weekend, starting on 8/2/19 and ending on 8/4/19 - Fri 6-9pm; Sat and Sun 9am-6pm

Guest Service GoldŽ Hospitality Training

NEW! Guest service is the heart and soul of hospitality, and every hospitality employee, no matter his/her job, needs to have a foundation in guest service. Statistics show exceptional guest service by employees is rewarded with increased guest spending, positive word-of-mouth advertising, and repeat guest business. This course introduces seven key elements required to deliver the highest levels of service: invest in the success of your professional career with Guest Service GoldŽ Hospitality Training!

Every week on Sunday, starting on 06/02/19 and ending on 06/09/19

Music of the Sixties: A Historical Tour of Rock Music

If you are interested in the music of the 1960s this class is your good vibration! Join us as we survey the unequaled music of this mid-century decade. In-class listening and discussions, as well as lectures, trace a historical tour of Rock Music of the 1960s covering the development of popular and rock music and its composers, performers, genres, and other stylistic aspects.

Every week on Wednesday, starting on 06/05/19 and ending on 06/26/19

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.)

class meets at Richmond City Justice Center June 11, 18, 25, July 9

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.

Every week on Monday, starting on 07/01/19 and ending on 07/29/19

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.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Art Exploration: Chuck Close

Discover the fun of drawing and painting using small repeated patterns to create intricate portraits in a variety of media like graphite, charcoal, ink, and acrylic. Learn about contemporary realism while exploring concepts such as color/value, lines, proportion/size, rhythm/pattern to create your very own art piece. Students will become familiar with Chuck Close's life, work, techniques and purpose and complete two pieces during the weekend. No previous art experience needed. Supplies included.

This course contains no sessions
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.)

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

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!

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

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.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Hallowed Hills of Hollywood Cemetery

NEW! Cemetarians Unite! If you love exploring past lives, Richmond has some fantastic historic landmark burial grounds. This first in a series will engage you in each of these fascinating sites and their occupants starting with the grande dame of necropolises, Richmond's Hollywood Cemetery. Some people think graveyards are where the stories end, but they are in many ways the beginning! (Registered students may bring a guest for free.)

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Public Speaking and Communication Weekend

Explore a fun and educational weekend of learning and practicing special topics in public speaking and presentation skills. This is a wonderful opportunity to improve your communication abilities and develop your confidence in speaking during your time in the US. A variety of written and oral activities are planned for on campus sessions. Course fee includes materials and certificate of completion.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

RVA History Trio

NEW! This series includes all three of our spring RVA history and culture courses! Includes Jamestown, Old Richmond Neighborhoods, and Hallowed Hills of Hollywood. Join us for a semester of fun facts, interesting information, and city explorations. Save $45 with our special bundle fee of only $150 for all three classes! (And all registered students may bring a guest for free!)

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Spanish Level II

Did you take Spanish in high school or college and you want to refresh your skills? Are you pursuing a new challenge professionally and want to use your Spanish-speaking skills? This course is a continuation of Spanish for Beginners I. It 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.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

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!

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.