This recommended pathway meets the requirements of the AAS/DTA degree and prepares you for a university major in world languages. But you can customize your plan even more. Talk with your advisor about adapting it for your individual goals.
Note: you may choose to transfer after one year to continue your language study. If that's your plan, be sure to complete English 101 and 100-level math in your first three quarters. Completing those will boost your chances of being admitted to a university without a transfer degree.
Quarter 1 (15 credits)
ASL& 121 (5 credits)
or CHIN& 121 (5 credits)
or FREN& 121 (5 credits)
or GERM& 121 (5 credits)
or JAPN& 121 (5 credits)
or SPAN& 121 (5 credits)
The first course in your chosen language.
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
Elective (5 credits): see below for suggestions
or MATH 99 Intermediate algebra (5 credits)
In Quarter 2 you'll be taking 100-level math. If you're not ready for 100-level math, start now taking the sequence of courses leading to it. Otherwise, take an elective.
Career exploration:
- Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study.
- Look into upcoming study abroad opportunities. Planning at least six months in advance is best.
- Tune your ear. Listen to podcasts, radio and music and watch films and TV in the language you're learning.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish.
- Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
- Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center and the library.
Quarter 2 (15 credits)
ASL& 122 (5 credits)
or CHIN& 122 (5 credits)
or FREN& 122 (5 credits)
or GERM& 122 (5 credits)
or JAPN& 122 (5 credits)
or SPAN& 122 (5 credits)
The second course in your chosen language.
ANTH& 200 Intro to language (5 credits)
MATH& 107 Math in society (5 credits)
or PHIL& 117 Traditional logic (5 credits)
or MATH& 146 Intro to statistics (5 credits)
or MATH& 141 Precalculus I (5 credits)
If you plan to transfer after one year, taking MATH& 146 or MATH& 141 will keep you from needing more math after you transfer. Any of these four courses will meet your math requirement if you complete your AAS/DTA degree before transferring.
Career exploration:
- Compare the different language majors and combined majors at universities you're interested in.
- Start keeping a portfolio of your best work.
- Attend the international opportunities fair at WWU (early January).
Quarter 3 (15 credits)
ASL& 123 (5 credits)
or CHIN& 123 (5 credits)
or FREN& 123 (5 credits)
or GERM& 123 (5 credits)
or JAPN& 123 (5 credits)
or SPAN& 123 (5 credits)
The third course in your chosen language.
ANTH& 206 Cultural anthropology (5 credits)
CMST& 101 Intro to communication (5 credits)
or CMST& 210 Interpersonal communication (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Tune your ear. Attend performances and church services in the language you're learning.
- Job-shadow professionals such as a border agent, customs official, teacher, translator, interpreter, textbook writer, immigration lawyer, or international businessperson.
- Ask your instructors about nearby conferences you might attend next year.
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action items:
- Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
Quarter 4 (15 credits)
Learning Contract (5 credits): an independent study with a faculty mentor
or other elective (5 credits)
You can set up a learning contract to read, write and talk about literature, current events or other topics in the language you're learning.
CMST 225 Intercultural communication (5 credits)
Lab Science (5 credits): a physical or biological science with "MS l" at the end of the course description
Career exploration:
- Design a learning contract related to how you plan to use the language you're learning. Learn the vocabulary of your future field.
- Volunteer in an English language learner classroom or a community organization that serves English language learners.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications.
- Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 5 (15 credits)
ENGL 201 Advanced composition (5 credits)
Science (5 credits): a physical or biological science with "MS" or "MS l" at the end of the course description
Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description, but not an ANTH course.
Career exploration:
- Attend the international opportunities fair at WWU (early January).
Action items:
Quarter 6 (15-16 credits)
Learning Contract (3-5 credits): an independent study with a faculty mentor
or other elective (5 credits)
You can set up a learning contract to read, write and talk about literature, current events or other topics in the language you're learning.
Math/Science (5 credits): a course with "MS" or MS l" at the end of the course description. It can be a science, an additional 100-level math, or a programming course.
HUM& 101 Intro to humanities (6 credits)
Optional:
HUM 106 Humanities here and now (1 credit)
Earn your credit in this supplement to HUM& 101 by attending performances in the language you're learning.
Action items:
- Attend the spring job fair.