The World Languages interest area at Kirkwood is part of our Liberal Arts program. You'll work closely with the Advising and Transfer Center, as well as world languages faculty when selecting courses that interest you.

Course requirements include specialized language classes, as well as other humanities courses, math, and science. With many options to choose from, the advising process will help you determine your best course of action.

World Languages students should expect to take four consecutive language classes in the same language. 

Kirkwood is proud to also offer agreements with various universities in Iowa for students interested in American Sign Language:

• ASL minor - University of Iowa
• Interpreting program - Scott Community College

ASL-141 American Sign Language I (4)
Provides a beginning interactive course to promote comfort and knowledge in using grammar, syntax, vocabulary, fingerspelling, semantics and non-manual behaviors of American Sign Language in professional, social and everyday normal conversational situations. Emphasizes receptive and expressive skills. Course is taught in American Sign Language. Credits: 4, Hours: (4/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

ASL-171 American Sign Language II (4)
Continues development of American Sign Language grammar, syntax, vocabulary, fingerspelling, semantics and non-manual behaviors. Emphasizes comprehension, production skills, and use of language in a cultural context. Course is taught in American Sign Language. This course applies toward satisfaction of Historical/Cultural core for an AA degree. Credits: 4, Hours: (4/0/0/0), Prereq: ASL-141; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

ASL-245 American Sign Language III (4)
Expands on previously learned grammar, syntax, sentence structure, and vocabulary in more depth. Emphasizes expressive skills through storytelling exercises and use of the language in a variety of situations. Credits: 4, Hours: (4/0/0/0), Prereq: ASL-171; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

ASL-281 American Sign Language IV (4)
Focuses on an expanded awareness of the behaviors, values and issues in deaf culture through slang and varying levels of formality and socially appropriate language usage. Emphasizes receptive skills by reading signed stories and poetry. Credits: 4, Hours: (4/0/0/0), Prereq: ASL-245; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

FLF-141 Elementary French I (4)
Introduces the 5 Cs of second language acquisition (communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities) by developing the fundamental communicative skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, and providing the opportunity to examine the practices and products of various francophone cultures. Making comparisons and connections between the French and English language, practices, products, and people is an important course component. Open to students with little or no previous study of French. Credits: 4, Hours: (4/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

FLF-142 Elementary French II (4)
Continues to develop the 5 Cs of second language acquisition (communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities) by improving the fundamental communicative skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing acquired in Elementary French I. Examines the practices and products of francophone cultures. Includes discussion of the comparisons and connections that exist between various francophone cultures and language and our own. Credits: 4, Hours: (4/0/0/0), Prereq: FLF-141; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

FLF-241 Intermediate French I (4)
Develops the 5 Cs (communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities) by providing intensive practice in the fundamental communicative skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, with a methodic study of different cultural contexts and a review of the basic grammar. Examines the cultural practices and products of francophone countries. Credits: 4, Hours: (4/0/0/0), Prereq: FLF-142; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

FLF-242 Intermediate French II (4)
Continues to develop the 5 Cs (communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities) by expanding the repertoire of realia (movies, readings, Internet explorations) and class activities. Provides continuous practice in developing the communicative skills and encourages group discussion about everyday subjects as well as the practices and products of francophone cultures. Credits: 4, Hours: (4/0/0/0), Prereq: FLF-241; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

FLS-118 Spanish for Professionals: Hospitality (3)
Introduces the Spanish language with a special focus on culinary arts and hospitality. Covers vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening comprehension, and emphasizes oral communication in culinary and hospitality settings. Credits: 3, Hours: (3/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

FLS-118 Spanish for Professionals: Nursing (3)
Introduces the Spanish Language with a special focus on nursing and the medical field. Covers vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening comprehension, and emphasis oral communication in a medical or hospital setting. Credits: 3, Hours: (3/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

FLS-118 Spanish for Professionals: Respiratory Therapy (3)
Introduces the Spanish Language with a special focus on respiratory therapy and the medical field. Covers vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening comprehension, and emphasis oral communication specific to respiratory therapy. Credits: 3, Hours: (3/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

FLS-128 Conversational Spanish (3)
Develops conversational skills in the Spanish language. The emphasis is in acquiring proficiency in communicating in Spanish in work situations. Includes activities that promote basic Spanish grammar, specialized and everyday vocabulary and basic understanding of Latin American culture. Credits: 3, Hours: (2/2/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

FLS-141 Elementary Spanish I (4)
Develops fundamental skills in the Spanish language. Emphasis is on acquiring the proficiency to communicate with the native speaker in everyday situations. Includes activities that promote an understanding and knowledge of the Spanish-speaking peoples and their culture. Credits: 4, Hours: (4/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

FLS-142 Elementary Spanish II (4)
Allows the student to communicate with others on subjects of daily common experience in most informal and a limited number of formal conversations on activities related to family, work, health, friends, leisure activities, social life, environment, etc. The vocabulary used in this course is non-specialized, containing everyday words as well as frequently used expressions, all within a cultural context. Cultural facts from Hispanic and Latin American cultures will also be presented in the classroom. Credits: 4, Hours: (4/0/0/0), Prereq: FLS-141; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

FLS-241 Intermediate Spanish I (4)
Provides practice of language beyond the controlled situations of the elementary course. Develops fundamental skills in Spanish through activities aimed at expressing original ideas and conveying messages in correct Spanish with the aid of authentic resources. Class activities offer advanced training in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and understanding the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Grammar study includes a review of previously introduced topics as well as new ones. Credits: 4, Hours: (4/0/0/0), Prereq: FLS-142; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

FLS-242 Intermediate Spanish II (4)
Enables students to continue to develop all communication skills, using primarily materials from literature, contemporary newspapers and magazines aimed at providing a better understanding of the Hispanic and Latin cultures and pertinent current issues. Class activities include pronunciation exercises, some grammar review and class discussion that promotes spontaneous conversation. Credits: 4, Hours: (4/0/0/0), Prereq: FLS-241; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

FLS-266 Advanced Spanish: Latin American and Spanish Culture (3)
Develops communication skills through the study of the history, literature and cultures of the Spanish-speaking countries of the world. May emphasize a specific area (Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America) or explore common aspects of all or several areas. Conducted in Spanish. May be repeated (elective credit second time). Credits: 3, Hours: (3/0/0/0), Prereq: FLS-232; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A