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.
NEW! Students will explore Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis, and her world of bright bold colors and tranquil outdoor scenes of flowers, birds, skaters, deer, cats, and horses pulling sleighs. Movie scenes reminiscent of the landscape of Digby, Nova Scotia portray her quiet world of purpose and the tiny home where she paints flowers and stems on walls, shelves, chairs, and even the stove. Inspired to put a few paintings up for sale, Maudie becomes world-famous.
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
Drop in on 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. Recommended reading, journaling, and sketching assignments will enhance the experience. (NOTE: For au pairs, this course offers English language lessons as part of the class content.)
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
This fun and educational weekend combines classroom sessions and cultural experiences. We will visit historical locations in Richmond, such as the Jefferson Hotel, and explore lessons such as: business writing, professional etiquette, famous artists/American film, meditation for personal wellness, and more. All materials and fees are included. Come join us for a memorable weekend, while earning your au pair credits!
December 6, 7, 8. Friday 4-8pm; Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 10am-6pm
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!
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
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.
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
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.
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.
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
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.
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
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.
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!
Every week on Tuesday, starting on 11/26/19 and ending on 12/17/19, INTC, Room 230
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.
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
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. When a spirited drifter mother and child come into a French village to open a chocolate shop across the street from the town church, the townspeople can't abstain from the mysterious confections and the timing couldn't be worse as the traditional Lenten season is just beginning! 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.
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
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!
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
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.
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
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