World Languages & Cultures
Academic Department
The Department of World Languages and Cultures has courses in Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish. Students work on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They also learn about the literature and culture tied to each language. Students can earn a B.A. in Foreign Languages, concentrating on Spanish. They may choose between a liberal arts emphasis and a K-12 teaching emphasis. Students may opt for a major or minor in Asian Studies. They can explore a variety of courses covering Asian history and cultures. Additionally, they can enroll in Japanese and/or Chinese language courses. All three languages are also offered as minors.
Explore the World Language
Bridging Cultures Through Language
Students in Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese classes enjoy small groups with no more than 25 students. They build their language skills from beginner to advanced.
Four Students in a Spanish Class
Educators of World Language & Cultures
Professors help students improve their language skills by working with them one-on-one and in class. They also teach about different cultures and people from around the world
Professor Karla Del Carpio teaching her class
Celebrating Excellence Outside of the Classroom
Students Recognized at the 2025 HSS Honored Scholars Convocation
Lisette Arritola-Estrada, Guadalupe Torres Ramriez, and Finn Smith (not pictured) were honored at the 2025 HSS Honored Scholars Convocation for doing a great job in the World Language and Culture Program. Congratulations!
Students at Japan Cup
Our students attended the annual Japan Cup! Japan Cup is a fun, all day event where students who learn Japanese answer questions about different topics, like news and grammar.
Visit at the Heisei Teikyo University
Students at the Hesei Teikyo University.
Launch Your Future with a World Language & Culture Degree
Use your World Languages and Culture degree to follow a career that excited and challenges you. Student will gain skills and understandings of different cultures.
Education
While many alumni working in education-related roles may be teachers, several others use their degree and training in an educational services roles like instructional design.
Management and Operations
UNC alumni are ready to take on leadership and management roles in nonprofits, schools, and in both private and public companies.
Explore Our Language Club
Building community
Welcoming community where students passionate about Hispanic and Latin cultures and the Spanish language come together to learn, celebrate, and grow as a close-knit community
Spanish Club Osos Sin Fronteras
Embrace cultures
The Chinese Clubs gives students the opportunity to practice their Mandarin, celebrate Chinese culture, and have fun alongside fellow students. Activities include: Playing Chinese games (Mahjong, Chess, Go, Ping Pong, etc.) Chinese films Cooking Chinese food Immersion Excursions (Escape Rooms, Hikes) Karaoke/KTV Learnin
The Chinese Clubs
Explore diverse traditions
Join the Japanese Language Club and become part of the Japanese community! Students will have the chance to practice speaking in and listening to Japanese. The club meets every week at Candelaria Hall. For the current meeting time and room number, please refer to the BearConnect page or our Instagram
Japanese Culture and Language Club
Join Our Honor Society
Sigma Delta Pi, The National Collegiate Hispanic Honorary Society is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor those who attain excellence in the study of the Spanish language, literature and culture.
Faculty advisor: Enrique Bernales Albites
Placement Policies
At UNC, students can start or keep learning Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish. If you’re interested in Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish, see the Placement Exams Information below.
For Spanish and Chinese, UNC uses the WebCAPE language test. This test was created by Brigham Young University to help place students in the right language classes. The exam is designed to help you determine which course you should take given the level of your ability.
If you’re planning to study for the Japanese, please take the online Japanese placement exam using the link below. It should take about 20 minutes to complete. When you’re done, take a screenshot of your results and email it to HSS.StudentSuccess@unco.edu. The screenshot is important because it helps us place you in the correct class – you won’t be able to see your score again after closing the results page. Once we receive your score, you’ll get a follow-up email with more instructions and, if needed, access to register for the right course.
After you have taken the Spanish or Chinese placement, you will be given a placement exam. Please take screenshots or write down the points that have you received, and the class level is recommended for you. If your score is 200 or less, you may register for CHIN/SPAN 101. For any enrollment questions or concerns, please contact the Student Success Resource Center at HSS.StudentSuccess@Unco.edu
If you have never studied the language before, sign up for one of our beginner classes.
Course Options:
- Chin 101 Elementary Chinese 1
- JAPN 101 Elementary Japanese 1
- SPAN 100 Introductory Spanish
Students with some previous experience in the language they plan to study should contact the following faculty members:
| Chinese | Spanish | Spanish |
| Michelle Low | Sumiko Gibson | Enrique Bernales |
| (970) 351-1366 | (970) 351-2240 | (970) 351-4906 |
| Michelle.Low@unco.edu | Sumiko.Gibson@unco.edu | Enrique.BernalesAlbites@Unco.edu |