World Languages, BA
The world languages major equips students with intermediate-advanced fluency in at least one language and beginning-intermediate fluency in at least one additional language. Having skills in multiple languages will prepare students for service and the workplace beyond CBU.
Program Intro
Are you working on five different languages in Duolingo and have at least a 365-day streak? Are you an avid traveler who sees learning languages as an act of hospitality and love?
The world languages major at CBU empowers purpose-driven students to bridge language and cultural barriers throughout the world for God's glory. It is one of very few programs in California where students gain proficiency in more than one language and is well-suited for students wanting to use these skills in business, ministry, education, government and anywhere else that values the ability to interact with people from diverse cultures and linguistic backgrounds.
Why Study World Languages at CBU?
Develop your language skills
In addition to gaining fluency in at least two languages, the major also requires students to select one of three concentrations to further develop their language skills, intercultural competence and/or workplace readiness: Deaf studies, global ministry or international business. Students within the major are strongly encouraged to participate in a practicum, service project and/or global travel where they can both use and develop their language and intercultural competence skills.
Broaden career opportunities in California
Language skills and intercultural competence are in high demand among employers, especially in California. Given CBU's Southern California location and student body, the world languages major offers opportunities for students to bring their linguistic and cultural heritage into the program while also creating a natural field for outreach and employment in the local community for world languages students after graduation.
What You'll Learn
- Speaking and Listening. Demonstrate intermediate conversational proficiency in two world languages.
- Written Communication. Create written texts that consider the audience, purpose, and circumstances surrounding the writing task(s).
- Christian Worldview. Articulate how the study of world languages and cultures fits within a Christian worldview.
- Intercultural Competence. Demonstrate intercultural knowledge and competence about diverse experiences and perspectives.
- Global Learning. Evaluate and apply diverse perspectives to complex subjects and problems within a global context.
Program Details
WRD 101: Introduction to World Languages
This course introduces students to topics related to the Christian faith, worldview, and the discipline of world languages. It is also designed to introduce students to the basic skills necessary for academic success in the world languages major and to provide students with an overview of the discipline including requirements of the major and expectations of professions in which that major may be applied.
WLD 300G: The Great Commission and the World (Global Study)
This course situates the study of world languages and cultures within a biblical framework. Students will analyze how the Great Commission and other biblical accounts bear on the study of world languages while also evaluating how faith shapes language and culture and vice versa. Additionally, the course provides an opportunity to travel abroad; students registered in this section will apply course concepts learned during the semester within a global setting.
WRD 490: Practicum in World Languages
The Practicum in World Languages is a three-unit, supervised course that provides a field experience for students majoring in world languages that correlates with their educational and vocational objectives. The site and schedule of learning activities are to be chosen and assigned in consultation with the department chair or program director.
- Deaf Studies Concentration
- Global Ministry Concentration
- International Business Concentration
W. Daniel Blair, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of American Sign Language
Director, Center for Deaf Studies
Office Phone: 951-343-4762
E-mail: dblair@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W.E. James Building, Room 264
Khamla Dhouti Martinez, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Program Director, Spanish
Office Phone: 951-343-4541
E-mail: kdmartinez@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Jame Building 259
Career Possibilities
Spanish majors can apply their field of study to a variety of careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.
- Translator
- Professional Interpreter
- Social Worker
- Political Aid
- ESL Teacher
- Business Consultant
- Social and Community Service Manager
- High School World Language Teacher
- Missionary
- Marketing Manager
- Publisher
- Journalist
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.