Languages and Cultures Department
Location: Arts and Humanities Building 377
Phone: 530-898-5388
Email: lanc@csuchico.edu
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Languages and Cultures Department
Majoring in a language means studying the language and culture of the people and places where the language is spoken. Knowledge of a foreign language deepens understanding of one's own language and culture and contributes toward a greater appreciation of other cultures. Area studies majors further attain an interdisciplinary perspective on a diverse region of the world. Our programs are designed to help students develop the linguistic and cultural knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to a multilingual, international society.
Explore Our Programs
Curious about what we offer? Browse our program pages to uncover details on majors, career paths, and unique learning experiences.
Master’s, Certificates, and Credentials
Minors
We offer minors in African Studies, Asian Studies, European Studies, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin American Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, and Spanish.
Why Choose Languages and Cultures at Chico State
LANC majors are more employable
Language and intercultural skills provide a competitive advantage across sectors of the job market. Proficiency in a language other than English boosts salary and job prospects by as much as 35%.
Study abroad and explore the world
Many LANC students opt to spend a summer, semester, or a year studying in another country. Students apply coursework taken abroad to their major requirements.
Low-unit majors
LANC offers low-unit majors that are easy to combine with minors or an additional major to suit a variety of interests.
Courses You Can Take
Spanish for Healthcare
Develop Spanish language skills for healthcare learning communication and cultural sensitivity through reading, role play, and vocabulary activities.
Introduction to Translation
Acquire translation basics, strategies, resources, and career insights, addressing logistical and ethical aspects of professional practice.
Spanish for Business
Practice Spanish language skills needed to communicate effectively and in a culturally sensitive manner in a variety of business situations and settings.
Multiple Film Courses
From French Cinema to Latin American Film and Culture, explore multiple film courses focuses on the cultural richness expressed in the medium of film.
Learning Experience
Hands-on Opportunities
Students tutor, translate, teach, take part in public performances, and engage with community partners such as the Migrant Clinicians Network or local public schools.
Program and Study Abroad Advisors
A program advisor in LANC or a study abroad advisor can help you choose the program that is right for you.
Award-Winning Faculty
LANC Department faculty are recognized for their outstanding teaching, research, and service.
Winner of the Outstanding Faculty Service Award, Hannah Burdette has played a significant role in helping the University define what it means to be a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Recognized as Outstanding Teacher, Sarah Anderson keeps upwards of a dozen Spanish and Latin American studies courses in her regular rotation and teaches a variety of upper- and lower-division subjects.
Frieda Fichtner was awarded the Outstanding Early Career Faculty Award for transforming shrinking programs and outdated credentials and degree pathways within the LANC department.
Student Life
Language Conversation Hours
Take part in our weekly conversation hours in Spanish, German, Japanese, French, and Italian! You can practice your burgeoning language skills in a fun, informal setting while also meeting others who share your interest in the language and culture. All proficiency levels are welcome!
Cultural Events
The department and its associated clubs offer diverse cultural events each semester. These include karaoke events, film and game nights, trivia competitions, potluck picnics, and lots of cultural celebrations.
Discover Stories and More
Chico State Today“I think that learning a language, and going and seeing other countries really opens you up to a whole new world view.”
Adrian Elliott is a German and Art Studio major who traveled abroad and found learning a language to be enjoyable and enriching.
What are Languages and Cultures alumni doing?
Teaching Spanish in the Region
Many Spanish teachers in the Northern California region are graduates of the Spanish program at Chico State.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation
After finishing grad school and an international internship, one graduate of the Languages and Cultures Department now works on nuclear non-proliferation.
Working abroad as an Engineer
Languages and Cultures majors pair well with other disciplines. One alumnus is a software engineer living and working in Germany because he majored in German and Engineering at Chico State.
Nonprofit Work
Knowledge and communication skills from one alumna’s Latin American Studies major is essential in her director position at an organic farming nonprofit organization.
Health Professions
One Asian Studies graduate uses linguistic and intercultural communication skills daily in her job as a hospital social worker and case manager.
International Education
Many LANC grads use their intercultural skills in careers as study abroad advisors, international student advisors, or teaching English abroad.
Graduate School is Common
Graduates interested in a career in teaching languages pursue our MA in Language Teaching .
Other LANC graduates have been accepted to top master’s and doctoral programs in Spanish, Latin American Studies, Linguistics, International Affairs, Public Administration, Law, Higher Education Organization and Leadership, Social Work, Geography, Medical Anthropology, Archaeology, and others.
Languages and Cultures Department
Location: Arts and Humanities Building 377
Phone: 530-898-5388
Email: lanc@csuchico.edu