- Program Length4 Years
- CredentialBachelor Degree
-
Fully Available atNanaimo
-
Partially Available atCowichan, tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
As technology brings our world closer together, the ability to effectively communicate with people of different languages and cultures is an extremely employable asset in almost every industry. A minor in Languages and Culture at VIU will elevate your Bachelor of Arts degree by providing a valuable in-depth study of the French or Spanish language and culture. Students gain a deeper understanding of French and Spanish culture by studying both the language and important literary works.
Whether you are a future teacher, government worker, tourism executive, entrepreneur or even simply a world traveler, a minor in French or Spanish in this roman languages program will benefit both your work and personal life. Adding “proficiency in French or Spanish” is a favourable addition to your resume.
The Languages and Culture (Romance Languages) (BA) Program
The B.A. - Minor in Languages and Culture (Romance Languages) is designed to serve a variety of students whose overall program or career plans require or benefit from a strong grounding in another language or culture: not only B.Ed students, but also History, Anthropology, Global Studies, Liberal Studies, Business, Recreation and Tourism, etc. There is an identified need for people with second language skills in a wide variety of employment areas such as primary and secondary education, research, business, tourism, fisheries, forestry and other federal government services.
Students may choose to do concentrations in French or Spanish, and in either concentration may also choose any of the following cultural related courses: LANG 240, 417, 470, and 471. The program's strong interdisciplinary framework allows students to not only work in both French and Spanish, but also to include work from other departments. Students may also apply upper-level field school or exchange program credits to their minor, something that is often limited to language majors. The program is distinct (no other comparable Romance Languages Minor in BC), yet consistent with VIU's overall emphasis on global perspectives and multidisciplinary programs.
Requirements for a Minor
Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
French Concentration
Years 1 and 2: A minimum 'C+' average in 15 credits of first and second year French, or equivalent. Completion of French Immersion 12 allows students to start at FRCH 221, and take 9 rather than 15 credits - FRCH 221, FRCH 222, and FRCH 230 - before moving into upper level courses. Native French speakers should consult with department regarding eligibility.
|
Years 1 and 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
FRCH 121 - (Intermediate French I) |
3 |
|
FRCH 122 - (Intermediate French II) |
3 |
|
FRCH 221 - (French Oral and Written Practice I) |
3 |
|
FRCH 222 - (French Oral and Written Practice II) |
3 |
|
FRCH 230 - (Introduction to Francophone Culture and Literature) or |
3 |
Note: Students without French 12 must take FRCH 100 / FRCH 101 and/or FRCH 110 to meet the prerequisite for FRCH 121. (Prerequisite for FRCH 121 is French 12, or a 'B' in FRCH 101 or FRCH 110).
Years 3 and 4: A minimum 18 credits of third and fourth year French, Spanish, or Language courses.
|
Years 3 and 4 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
FRCH 300 - (Critical Analysis and Writing Skills) |
3 |
|
FRCH 301 - (Oral Expression and Cultural Exploration in French) |
3 |
|
and four courses from the following: |
12 |
Note 1: Students may apply up to 6 credits of upper-level courses outside the Modern Languages department that are clearly relevant to the student's specialization, such as ENGL 405 - Inter-American Studies, LING 350 - Linguistics and the Dimensions, LBST 420 - The Modern Experience & Beyond (counts as 3 credits).
Other courses may also apply; consult with the Minor Program Coordinator for specific course approval. (Students may not count any course for required credit, in more than one program).
Note 2: Students may also apply up to 9 credits from a field school or exchange program with approval from the Department.
Spanish Concentration
Years 1 and 2: A minimum 'C+' average in 15 credits of first and second year Spanish, or equivalent. (Native Spanish speakers should consult with the department regarding eligibility).
|
Years 1 and 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
SPAN 100 - (Beginning Spanish I) |
3 |
|
SPAN 101 - (Beginning Spanish II) |
3 |
|
SPAN 200 - (Intermediate Spanish I) |
3 |
|
SPAN 201 - (Intermediate Spanish I) |
3 |
|
Select one of the following: |
3 |
Years 3 and 4: A minimum 18 credits of third and fourth year Spanish, or Language courses.
|
Years 3 and 4 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
SPAN 300 - (Advanced Spanish I) |
3 |
|
SPAN 301 - (Advanced Spanish II) |
3 |
|
and four courses from the following: |
12 |
Note 1: Students may apply up to 6 credits of upper-level courses outside the Modern Languages department that are clearly relevant to the student's specialization, such as ENGL 405 - Inter-American Studies, LING 350 - Linguistics and the Dimensions, LBST 420 - The Modern Experience & Beyond (counts as 3 credits).
Other courses may also apply; consult with the Minor Program Coordinator for specific course approval. (Students may not count any course for required credit, in more than one program).
Note 2: Students may also apply up to 9 credits from a field school or exchange program with approval from the Department.
Domestic Fees | International Fees
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for One Year* |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) |
4,992.00 |
|
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) |
199.68 |
|
Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.35 per credit) |
220.50 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) |
220.80 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
7,397.98 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for One Year* |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (2 semesters x $11996.55 per semester) |
23,993.10 |
|
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) |
926.80 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) |
220.80 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
26,905.70 |
Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 per credit beyond 15 credits.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
UpdatedDomestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Aug 10, 2025
|
Nanaimo
|
|
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Comments
|
|||
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Aug 10, 2025
|
Cowichan
Partially Available
|
|
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Comments
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| Sep 2, 2025 | Ongoing |
tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
Partially Available
|
|
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 2, 2025
Accepting International Applications
No
Application Fee
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erin Johnson Comments
Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604.485.2878 or email PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025
|
Nanaimo
|
|
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 2, 2025
Next Intake(s)
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
International Admissions Officer Contact
Name: Elham Akhoundi Comments
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.