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Degree Programs > Arts & Sciences > Languages

University of Hawai'i KAPI'OLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE/ HAWAIIAN/ FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM

Languages Discipline Coordinator: Yukio Kataoka, Asst. Professor of Japanese

About Us

Kapi’olani Community College offers courses in American Sign Language, Chinese, Filipino, French, Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, plus courses in Literature in translation (Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiian, Spanish) and Literature and film (French) that are transferable to four-year universities. We also provide complete coursework in American Sign Language and English interpretation.

At Kapi’olani Community College, we champion diversity and international education. In 2000, Kapi’olani Community College was nationally recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE) as a national leader in internationalization.

Our Mission

In order to prepare our students for the global society and enhance their chances for success, through our second language curriculum, we strive to instill in our students the appreciation of diversity and guide our students to attain successful communication with cultural sensitivity. Students gain a deeper understanding of their own culture while experiencing first-hand, a culture different from their own. The importance of developing an understanding of one’s self and one’s relationship to the community, region, and the world is an emphasis unique to Kapi’olani Community College. Our General Education Skill Standards requires AA degree-seeking students to study a second language for one year.

Instruction Methods

Our caring and dedicated faculty strives to motivate students to learn a second language in innovative ways. Courses are proficiency-based, allowing students to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while also nurturing cultural awareness. Three-credit courses that emphasize oral proficiency are also offered. Our Distance Education courses are available through cable TV, the Hawaii Interactive Television System (HITS), and the Internet. Kapi’olani Community College also maintains a state-of-the-art language lab that offers additional technologically enhanced opportunities for language learning.

Language Requirements
Kapi’olani Community College AA degree:

Foreign or Hawaiian language requirement:

• Completion of first level of study (101 and 102 or equivalent) in ASL, CHNSE, FIL, FR, HAW, JPNSE, KOR, SPAN

Arts & Humanities requirement:

• Three courses (nine credits) from three of the four Arts & Humanities groups

  Included in Group 3 are:

  • Chinese Literature in Translation: EALL 261W, 262W
  • Japanese Literature in Translation: EALL 271W,272W
  • Spanish Literature in Translation: LLEA 260W
  • Introduction to French Literature/Film in Translation:
  • LLEA 239W

  EALL and LLEA courses and SPAN 210W (Hispanic Culture) also fulfill the Writing Intensive requirement (two Writing Intensive courses are required).

UHM Liberal Arts Foreign or Hawaiian language requirement:

• Completion of second level of study (101,102, 201, and 202 or equivalent) in ASL, CHNSE, FIL, FR, HAW, JPNSE, KOR, SPAN

UHM Arts & Humanities requirement:

• Two courses (six credits) from two different Arts, Humanities, & Literatures groups

  Included in Group 3 are:

  • Chinese Literature in translation: EALL 261W, 262W
  • Japanese Literature in translation: EALL 271W, 272W
  • Spanish Literature in Translation: LLEA 260W
  • Introduction to French Literature/Film in Translation:
  • LLEA 239W

Back Credit Policy

Students placed at levels above the 101 level in Hawaiian, American Sign Language or foreign languages offered at Kapi’olani Community College can receive, at no additional cost, credits for the courses they are exempted from upon completing the next course in the sequence with a grade of C or higher. Students who have language background should take the placement examination. The placement testing lab is located in ‘Iliahi 127. Call 734-9144 for current information on testing dates and times.

Study Abroad

Information on study abroad opportunities to Asian countries is available at the Honda International Center. Ask Tom Tsurutani about our International Student Exchange Program with Kansai, Aichi, and Kinran Universities in Japan and Hainan University in China. For study abroad programs in Korea, see Professor Yuen, ‘Olapa 127. Opportunities for UH system study abroad programs in Cuba, Argentina, Spain, Tahiti, Paris, Angers and Annecy France are publicized in French/Spanish classes or through Professor Beresiwsky, ‘Olapa 210.

Service-Learning

Kapi’olani Community College is a national leader in Service-Learning. In Service-Learning, students provide meaningful service in the community to help them better understand what they are learning in their college courses. The International Café is an example of a language-related Service-Learning opportunity. Through Service-Learning, students will better understand themselves, their community, and their coursework.

Japanese Language Department:
Webpage: http://programs.kcc.hawaii.edu/as/jpns.htm
Lisa Kobuke, lykobuke@hawaii.edu, (808) 734-9710