The School of Languages, Cultures, and Race at WSU Vancouver cultivates deeper understandings of linguistics, cultural, national, social and racial perspectives both within the United States and in a global context. It encourages you to make a difference by committing to these themes in our changing world through your education, scholarship, activism and outreach. The school seeks to advance social justice and the transformation of societies, including the effects of culture, popular culture and media on race and ethnic relations as well as advance understandings about the social production and influence of languages and cultural practices in the U.S. and around the globe.
Comparative Ethnic Studies minor
The comparative ethnic studies minor offers a unique opportunity to study the social, economic and political forces that have shaped the historic experience of diverse ethnic communities in the U.S. over the past 500 years that continue to determine our present circumstances and our future.
CES embraces interdisciplinary, comparative and transnational approaches to studying race relations and how race, gender, class, sexuality, nation and globalization come together. The coursework fosters an in-depth understanding of race and culture and prepares you to work and function in the multiracial and multicultural world in which we live.
By taking CES courses, you will learn how to:
- Understand how the social constructions of race impact the social fabric of our historical and contemporary world.
- Appreciate differences and actively and critically engage in civic responsibilities, especially with respect to identifying inequities and seeking social justice.
- Navigate an increasingly interconnected world and apply your education in any number of occupations.
Foreign Languages and Cultures minor in Spanish
Foreign Languages and Cultures is the study of languages other than English and the cultures where these languages are spoken. Studying a foreign language allows for direct access to people and cultures other than one’s own and furthers the development of global understanding and sensitivity. Proficiency in a foreign language is an important tool in a broad variety of professions.
Today, many leaders in business, politics and education realize that one of the many advantages of speaking a foreign language is to better understand your own. Study after study proves the importance of foreign languages, not just for professional reasons, but for lifelong brain health.
Skills you can market with a minor in Spanish:
- Language competency grounded in cultural understanding
- Understanding linguistic and cultural differences
- Ability to anticipate difficulties in social/marketing interactions and events
Global Studies Minor
Global studies examines economic, political, social and cultural practices from a transnational and cross-cultural perspective. The global studies minor is designed to provide you with an integrated exposure to globally related scholarship across the disciplines, and encourages you, no matter your major discipline, to think in terms of the globalization that marks the contemporary world. The program of study is designed to provide an exciting interdisciplinary global perspective on the arts, humanities, social sciences and sciences. The minor is flexible and complements majors from across the university, affording you the opportunity to reach beyond your major or to take courses related to majors outside of the context of the United States.
Skills you can market with a global studies minor:
- Proficiency (low-intermediate) in a language other than English
- Cross-cultural communication
- Awareness of cultural differences and sensitivity to cultural issues
- Global experience
- Ability to adjust to new environments
- Ability to interact effectively with people of different backgrounds
- Enhanced speaking and writing abilities
- Enhanced reading and listening comprehension skills
- Independent, critical and creative thinking with increased analytical and problem-solving skills
The School of Languages, Cultures, and Race also offers a certificate for business students named race and ethnicity in the corporate world and classes in Chinese and foreign languages and cultures.
Latinx Studies Certificate
See the bigger picture. Make a real impact.
This certificate gives you critical insight into Latinx histories, cultures, literatures, politics, and social dynamics—preparing you to engage thoughtfully with communities and workplaces.
What you’ll learn
- Deep understanding of Latinx histories and cultures in the U.S.
- Skills to navigate social and workplace dynamics with awareness
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with diverse groups
Pair it with your major
Combine this certificate with a Comparative Ethnic Studies minor or your chosen major to stand out academically and professionally. You’ll gain a fresh lens on culture, history, and politics that enriches any career path.
Make your impact
Develop an interdisciplinary approach to Latinx communities—locally in Washington and across the U.S.—and turn your knowledge into action.
Race and Ethnicity in the Corporate World Certificate
Learn to lead with insight, empathy, and impact.
This certificate helps you understand how race, culture, and inequality shape today’s workplaces—and gives you the skills to navigate them effectively.
What you’ll learn
- Communicate clearly and confidently with diverse teams
- Think critically and creatively to solve workplace challenges
- Recognize and respond to bias in productive ways
- Build cultural awareness and sensitivity that sets you apart
Pair it with your major
Combine this certificate with your business courses to stand out in any corporate career, from management to marketing, HR, or consulting.
Make your impact
Graduate with the tools and perspective to be a responsible, inclusive, and effective corporate citizen.