Foreign Languages (FRLG) < Virginia Commonwealth University

This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

FRLG 100. Basic Language and Cultural Awareness Abroad: ____. 1 Hour.

Semester course. 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Introduces basic language skills and cultural customs and expectations to students of all disciplines planning foreign travel to a specific location. Students will learn useful vocabulary and phrases to apply in many different travel situations. Predominant focus will be placed on the culture of the specific region and include foundational communication skills. This course cannot be used to fulfill foreign language requirements for major, minor, collateral or General Education purposes. See Schedule of Classes for specific languages being taught each semester. Graded as pass/fail.

FRLG 101. Foreign Languages: ____. 4 Hours.

Continuous courses; 5 lecture/recitation hours. 4-4 credits. Prerequisite: completion of FRLG 101 to enroll in FRLG 102. Elementary grammar, reading and oral skills. Course may be repeated with different languages.

FRLG 102. Foreign Languages: ____. 4 Hours.

FRLG 201. Foreign Languages: ____. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FRLG 102. Continuation of the essentials of grammar with emphasis on achieving proficiency in aural comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills. Course may be repeated with different languages.

FRLG 202. Foreign Languages: ____. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FRLG 201. Designed to increase the student's proficiency through the study of selected cultural and literary texts. Course may be repeated with different languages.

FRLG 204. Language and Groups in the United States. 3,4 Hours.

Semester course; 3-4 lecture hours. 3-4 credits. Taught in English. This course introduces students to the sociocultural experience and formation of identity of non-English-speaking peoples in the United States. Students explore the dynamic between English and a specific heritage language and its interaction with artistic, cultural and social issues through fiction and nonfiction texts, films and multimedia pertaining to specific language groups, such as: Latinos, Italian-Americans, German-Americans or Native Americans. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: INTL 204.

FRLG 328. Language, Culture and Cognition. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 220 or 230. Introduces theoretical and methodological foundations for the study of language from sociocultural perspectives. The perspectives include linguistic, philosophical, psychological, sociological and anthropological contributions to the understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication as a social activity embedded in cultural contexts. No prior training in linguistics is presupposed. Crosslisted as: ANTH 328/ENGL 392/LING 392.

FRLG 345. Great Cities of the World. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An interdisciplinary course with a focus on the origin, expansion and significance of one or more cities, the specifics of its/their culture and the role of language. Particular emphasis will be placed on relating the physical, social and economic aspects of the city's growth and development to the cultural expression of urbanism. Crosslisted as: INTL 345/URSP 350.

FRLG 351. Exploring Languages Through Culture: ____. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course will give students the opportunity to learn about a topic through the exploration of cultural texts such as literature and film in French, German or Spanish in translation. The topics and focus will vary depending on the course instructor. This course will include a foreign language component, which means that students with sufficient language ability (202 or equivalent) will have the opportunity to take the course for foreign language credit through the completion of designated assignments in the target language. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: WRLD 351.

FRLG 493. World Languages Internship. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 field experience hours. 1-3 credits (40 clock hours per credit). Prerequisite: prior completion of 9 credits in the respective foreign language at the 300 level or demonstration of 300-level language proficiency through a placement test. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits, however only three credits can count toward the major concentration. Enrollment requires permission of the internships coordinator. Designed for the advanced student to gain workplace experience in the target foreign language in internationally oriented public and private organizations and agencies. All course work must be completed in the target language.

FRLG 510. Language Learning and Technology. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Introduces the variety of ways technology can be used to enhance language instruction and student learning. Targeted technologies include audio/visual media, language learning software, the Internet and multimedia resources. Attention also will be given to considerations of learning style, curricular integration and enhancement.

FRLG 575. Intercultural Communication. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). An experientially oriented seminar for persons preparing for or in careers necessitating intercultural communication among persons of differing cultural and/or national backgrounds. Special attention is given to teachers and other professionals who work with a clientele from Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. American cultural patterns broaden understanding of specific groups and engagement in intercultural communication. Crosslisted as: TEDU 575.

FRLG 591. Topics in Foreign Languages. 1-4 Hours.

Semester course; 1-4 lecture hours. 1-4 credits. A detailed study of selected topics in one or more of the foreign language or comparative courses offered by the department.