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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

Speciality Program

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.

UR Au Pair

Upcoming Courses

Courses

American Sign Language for Beginners Part 2

This course is a continuation of our American Sign Language for Beginners class. Students will continue to practice fingerspelling and basic signs. Additional focus will be given to feelings, family, actions, question words and responses, and more.

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

English Fundamentals: Exploring U.S. Celebrations and Culture

This class offers language training and practice in English pronunciation, conversation, reading, and writing. Special attention will be given to U.S. celebrations and comparisons with students' home countries. This class is designed for English levels beginner to intermediate. New students and returning students are welcome!

Every week on Wednesday, starting on 02/17/21 and ending on 03/17/21, Synchronous Online

Spanish Level I

ˇBienvenidos! 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.

Every week on Monday, starting on 03/15/21 and ending on 04/05/21, Synchronous Online

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, Going All American, Breakfast at Tiffany's, or Paul Gauguin.

Available 01/04/2021-05/28/2021, online course offers 1 au pair credit. 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, Going All American, Breakfast at Tiffany's, or Paul Gauguin. This course offers 3 Au Pair Credits.

Available 01/04/2021-05/28/2021, online course offers 3 au pair credits. Students have 3 weeks to complete the course.

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.

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

The African-American Experience in Virginia

Bert Dunkerly returns this spring with new virtual history classes! This course digs behind the myths and legends of African-Americans in our state from the Colonial era through the Civil War, Reconstruction and the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.

Every week on Monday, starting on 04/05/21 and ending on 04/19/21, Synchronous Online

The Whiskey Rebellion

The name makes us laugh, but it was deadly serious. What brought on the rebellion and how did it unfold? We'll learn about its causes, how Virginia was involved, and what whiskey was like in the 1700s.

Every week on Tuesday, starting on 04/20/21 and ending on 04/27/21, Synchronous Online

Shakespeare for the Cautious

Shakespeare can be challenging to read and understand, but his vibrant characters and vivid language are worth the effort. This course provides a gentle introduction to some of Shakespeare's most accessible works at a comfortable pace and in a supportive environment.

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