USC Center For Languages and Cultures

Annual Report
AY 2022-2023

USC CENTER FOR LANGUAGES AND CULTURES

USC Center for Languages and Cultures

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

Dear collegues,
As we conclude another academic year, I am inspired by our collective efforts to deliver exceptional language instruc-
tion, grow professionally, and engage in critical discussions about the future of language studies at USC. At the Cen-
ter for Languages and Cultures (CLC), we have continued to support our mission of enhancing language education,
despite facing various challenges.

Our CLC website has evolved into a pivotal resource hub, providing extensive information about language scholarships,
study abroad programs, intensive language courses, and a myriad of events and professional development opportu-
nities. Our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and effective communication has been instrumental in nurturing a
robust language community at USC.

This year, CLC hosted numerous professional workshops and talks, covering topics from technological innovations in
language classrooms to language proficiency assessment. These sessions offered invaluable opportunities for faculty
to engage with both external experts and our USC colleagues. In recognition of the exceptional work of our faculty, we
awarded various certificates and grants, extending my deepest gratitude to our language program directors and chairs
for their steadfast support during this period of transition.

A core focus of CLC has been advocacy and engagement. Through new banners, pamphlets, and displays, we have sig-
nificantly enhanced our visibility within the USC community. Initiatives such as Trojan Bloom, USC's multilingual journal,
and our "Language Days" and Information Booths have offered students creative ways to express themselves in various
languages and explore the diverse array of languages available at USC.

In our commitment to support language education, CLC has introduced several new and continued initiatives:

1. The Global Seal of Biliteracy project, enabling students to earn a certificate and digital badge through language
proficiency testing.
2. The Language Ambassadors initiative, fostering connections between USC students and local high schools to en-
courage language learning and cultural appreciation.
3. Digital badges for faculty recognition, acknowledging their participation in our workshops and talk series.
4. Ongoing Language Teaching Innovation Grants and the new Professional Development Grants, aiding faculty in their
pedagogical and professional development.

We have also supported faculty with instructional technology by providing a limited number of licenses for tools like
Kahoot and Quizlet, enhancing classroom engagement. Additionally, we continued awarding CLC Certificates of Profi-
ciency in Two or More Foreign Languages and supported the Language Exchange Program.

This year, we focused on community building, organizing meet-and-greet luncheons for faculty and actively working
on our social media presence on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, further connecting our language community.

In collaboration with the Dornsife Advancement office, we are continuing brainstoring ways to secure funds for student
scholarships, faculty development, and general program support. Your help in identifying potential donors and consid-
ering a personal donation is crucial.

Our partnership with the Dornsife Advising office is pivotal in improving information flow and encouraging more stu-
dents to engage in language studies.

Engaging with many of you and hearing your perspectives on language teaching and learning has been immensely
rewarding. I encourage everyone to join the conversation about promoting and supporting language programs at USC.

Evgeny Dengub
Director of the Center for Languages and Cultures
Professor (Teaching) of Russian

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

Language Learning Advocacy

The CLC is commited to language advocacy through events, dedicated
resources, and collaborative efforts to enhance multilingual education and
cultural understanding.
The CLC is actively engaged in language advocacy through a
variety of initiatives. This includes organizing events such as
language days and career panels, like the Traditional Language
Day on Trousdale and the Dornsife Languages Alumni Career
Panel. These events not only celebrate linguistic diversity but
also illustrate the practical applications of language skills in
various careers.

Additionally, the CLC has created dedicated webpages for both

students and faculty, offering resources for language learning
and instructional materials to promote language education.

The CLC also maintains regular communication with Dornsife

advising, particularly with Jessica Kanoski, Senior Assistant
Director of Language and Culture, to ensure cohesive support
for language programs. Another notable effort is the regu-
lar language booth set up on campus. This booth, staffed by
student workers and equipped with CLC materials, provides
a go-to spot for students to inquire about language learning
opportunities at USC.

These efforts collectively underscore the CLC's commitment

to fostering a vibrant, multilingual community and support-
ing language learning and cultural understanding across the
university.

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

Alumni Career Panel

Dornsife Languages Alumni Career Panel highlighted the vital role of
language proficiency in diverse careers, featuring insights from USC alumni
and representatives from the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps.

The 2023 Dornsife Languages Alumni Career Panel, a

collaboration between the Center for Languages and Cultures
and Dornsife Career Pathways, was a notable event in the past
year. Held on April 11, 2023, via Zoom, it brought together
alumni from USC's Chinese, French, and Arabic language
programs to discuss the impact of language proficiency and
cultural competency in their careers.

The panel featured three USC alumni who shared their

experiences and insights. Anna Lipscomb, a 2019 graduate,
spoke about her journey to becoming a Foreign Service Officer
in India, emphasizing the role of her language studies in her
career. Georgia Soares, a 2016 graduate, shared her experiences
interning at the French Consulate in Los Angeles and UNESCO
Headquarters in Paris, and her current role as a Ph.D. candidate
in Comparative Literature at Harvard University. Jamie Schlegel,
who graduated in 2021, discussed her work as a Program Analyst
at the Vera Institute of Justice and her previous internships,
highlighting the practical use of her Arabic language skills.

Additionally, the event featured representatives from the Peace

Corps and AmeriCorps, who added perspectives on the value of
language skills in various professional settings.

The panel concluded with a Q&A session and a networking

opportunity, allowing attendees to engage directly with the
panelists and gain deeper insights into the practical application
of language studies in diverse career paths.

The 2023 Dornsife Languages Alumni Career Panel successfully

demonstrated the importance and versatility of language profi-
ciency in the professional world.

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

Language Day on Trousdale

Continuing the wonderful tradition of hosting a
day for the language community outside Taper
Hall.
On March 8, 2023, the СLC organized Traditional Language Day on
Trousdale Parkway. This vibrant, day-long event was a celebration of
linguistic diversity and cultural exchange, situated just outside of Taper
Hall, the heart of USC's language departments.

Throughout the day, representatives from various language programs

enthusiastically engaged with the USC community, showcasing their
unique linguistic offerings and cultural richness. They spent the day
introducing their language programs, discussing the significance and
beauty of different languages, and sharing insights into the cultures they
represent.

The event was marked by a festive atmosphere, featuring an array

of activities designed to immerse attendees in different linguistic
and cultural experiences. Participants enjoyed playing language-
related games, participating in interactive activities, and engaging in
meaningful conversations about language learning.

In addition to the engaging activities, the event included the distribution

of food and prizes, adding an element of excitement and reward for
participants. The presence of delicious international cuisines and
the opportunity to win prizes created a welcoming and enjoyable
environment, encouraging more students and faculty to join in the
festivities.

The event provided a unique opportunity for students and faculty to

connect with one another, explore new languages, and gain a deeper
appreciation for the world's rich tapestry of cultures.

Spearheaded by Professor James Fortney and supported by the CLC,

Traditional Language Day successfully highlighted the importance of
language learning and cultural exchange at USC, fostering a sense of
global community and inclusivity on campus.

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

2021-22 Teaching Innovation Grant Recipient

Tin-Yu Tseng (EALC)
Project-based learning in an advanced
Chinese course
Implementing PBL in advanced Chinese course where
students select and present authentic materials
autonomously, alongside textbook curriculum,
constituting 24% of semester grade. Addition of Think-
Tac-Toe gamification element in Spring 2023, where
students select tasks from a table with input/output
types and cultural topics, diversifying task types and
meeting individual interests.

Congratulations!
In 2023, CLC continues to support faculty development and innovation in language
teaching at USC through its grant programs. Starting this year, CLC offers two types of
grants: the Language Teaching Innovation Grants and the new Professional Devel-
opment Grants.

The Language Teaching Innovation Grants are designed to support USC language
faculty as they implement new methodologies, strategies, and tools in line with the
learning goals of their programs. These grants aim to encourage faculty to explore inno-
vative methods in language pedagogy, expose students to a broader range of learning
opportunities, support and disseminate innovative teaching tools and techniques, and
develop inter-departmental relationships.

The new Professional Development Grants, offering up to $500 to RTCP faculty mem-
bers, are intended to assist with expenses related to their professional development.
These grants can be used for technology purchases, continuing education, research
expenses, conference participation, and other professional development costs. Priority
is given to those presenting at national conferences, especially first-time attendees.

These initiatives demonstrate CLC's commitment to enhancing the quality of language

education and supporting its faculty in their ongoing professional growth and develop-
ment.

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

2022-23 Lecture and Workshop Series

In Spring 2023, the CLC hosted a series of talks and workshops featuring world lead-
ing experts fon intercultural communication, focusing on developing intercultural
competence and innovative language teaching methods.

1. Manuela Wagner's Workshop: Professor Manuela Wagner from the University of Connecticut led a work-
shop on planning, teaching, and assessing intercultural competence in language education, bridging theory
with practice.
2. Gabriela C. Zapata's Presentation: Dr. Zapata offered theoretical and practical guidance on incorporating
intercultural citizenship into second language classes, based on the multiliteracies pedagogy Learning by
Design.
3. Tony Liddicoat's talk, "Developing a Critical Perspective in Intercultural Language Teaching and Learning,"
emphasized the need for an intercultural approach in language education, focusing on developing learners'
critical and reflective skills to engage effectively with linguistic and cultural diversity. He discussed strate-
gies for teachers to foster these skills, enhancing students' intercultural capabilities and agency as language
users.
4. Darla Deardorff's Talk: Titled "Developing Intercultural Competence: Prerequisite to Intercultural Dia-
logue and Bridging Divides," this talk by Dr. Deardorff provided an overview of methods for developing
intercultural competence, specifically exploring the UNESCO Story Circles methodology.

Many of these presentations are available on the

CLC's YouTube channel, providing valuable resourc-
es for those interested in intercultural communica-
tion and language education. The series showcased
the CLC's commitment to advancing language
teaching through intercultural understanding and
engagement with global experts.

As in previous years, faculty who attended most of

the sessions and completed the required form re-
ceived a certificate of completion for the series; this
year, we have introduced digital badges for recipi-
ents to share on social media, showcasing their achievements.

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

Assistant Lecturer Professional Development

The CLC Graduate Training and Professionalization Series in Fall 2022 provid-
ed graduate students with comprehensive support in language teaching train-
ing and job preparation, enhancing their readiness for academic careers.

The Center for Languages and Cultures at the University of Southern California organized
the Graduate Training and Professionalization Series in Fall 2022. This series aimed to assist
USC graduate students, especially those on the job market, in highlighting their language
teaching training and experience. The series provided guidance and individualized
attention to help students better frame their pedagogical experience.

Key components of the Graduate Training and Professionalization Series included:

1. Contemporary Foreign Language Teaching Frameworks and Concepts: Presented

by Professor Evgeny Dengub, this session served as a refresher on key language teaching
frameworks. Topics discussed included World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages,
ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines and Can-Do Statements, modes of communication, and
current trends in the language teaching field.

2. Job Application Process – Q&A Session with Language Faculty: This conversation
included faculty who have served on hiring committees and recently hired USC language
faculty, providing insights into what hiring committees look for in language teaching
candidates.

3. Mock Interviews Focused on Teaching Languages: Graduate students were invited

to participate in mock job interviews with USC language faculty. These interviews offered
valuable practice and feedback, helping students prepare for real-world academic job
interviews.

4. Review and Advice on Teaching Statements: This ongoing service allowed graduate
students seeking academic jobs with language teaching obligations to receive feedback
on their teaching philosophy and language teaching experience statements from USC
language faculty.

The Graduate students training and professionalization committee, chaired by Julia

Chamberlain, and including Evgeny Dengub, Yi-Hsien Liu, and Atiyeh Showrai, coordinated
the series. This initiative exemplifies the Center's commitment to preparing graduate
students for successful careers in academia, particularly in the field of language instruction.

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

New Award for Assistant Lecturers

Recognizing ALs for excellence in teaching

In 2023, the Center for Languages and Cultures introduced the

AL Award, a yearly recognition granted to assistant lecturers
demonstrating excellence in teaching a foreign language. The 2023
award winners were Lyr Colin, a Ph.D. graduate student in the Media
track of the Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture, for his
exceptional work in teaching French, and Sarah Matthews, a Ph.D.
candidate in Slavic Languages and Literatures, for her outstanding
contribution to teaching Russian.

Lyr Colin's approach combined the communicative approach and

direct, inductive method effectively in teaching French, engaging
students in meaningful, target-language communication. He also
organized the "Journée de la francophonie" and created the bi-weekly
event "En Chant," further contributing to the language learning
community.

Sarah Matthews excelled in making the Russian language accessible

and engaging for her students, drawing on her own learning
experiences. She created a positive, dynamic classroom environment
and was recognized for her dedication to students' progress and
innovative teaching methods.

The award, which includes an AL Teaching Excellence Award

Certificate and reimbursement for professional development activities,
recognizes nominees for their dedication to students’ linguistic and
cultural development, commitment to professional growth, innovation
in teaching, efforts to promote language and culture, and fostering
an inclusive classroom environment. The initiative reflects USC's
commitment to recognizing and encouraging excellence in language
instruction.

We are grateful to the members of the 2023 Award Committee

Members: Hagit Arieli-Chai (chair), Director of the Hebrew Language
Program, Hebrew Union College, Jenifer Crawford, Professor
of Clinical Education, Rossier School of Education, and Peyman
Noujoumian, Associate Professor (Teaching) of Persian, Director of the
Persian Language Program.

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

The language community here at USC is very

welcoming and everyone is willing to help.
Learning a new language has sparked my
interest to keep learning more languages, be
fluent in French and hope that one day I can
become a polyglot! Elsa Natalia Carrillo Diaz

I was met with incredibly dedicated

and passionate professors that pushed
me to expand my horizons, both
linguistically and culturally. Little did
I know, I would be able to put my
Russian skills to work a year later,
when I went on a USC Maymester to
Kyrgyzstan. My experience with USC's
language departments has almost convinced me to switch
to a language major! Eileen Zong

I have never met more welcoming,

genuine, passionate, and engaging
professors. I always looked forward to my
Italian classes, eager to challenge myself
and learn something new with my fellow
peers. Grayson Bradley

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1st Multilingual
Student Film
Festival
The USC Multilingual Student Film Festival, inaugurated in 2022, celebrated
student creativity and linguistic prowess, fostering a diverse community of
language learners

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

The CLC hosted its inaugural USC Multilingual

Student Film Festival in 2022.
This festival showcased the creativity and linguistic skills of students
registered in language study at USC.

Key features of the USC Multilingual Student Film Festival:

1. Festival Theme and Format: Students created original videos that

demonstrated their creativity and conversational skills in a target
language. Each participating language selected one video to represent
their group at the festival. The videos were judged by a jury panel
of faculty members from all participating languages and by a live
audience voting via smartphones.

2. Goals of the Festival: The festival aimed to create a community of

language learners among beginning students, showcase the richness
and diversity of language learning at USC, energize students, serve as
a creative assessment, and increase motivation to continue learning
languages at USC.

3. Competition Rules and Requirements: Students had to be registered

in a Basic Language course to participate. Each language program
presented only one video at the festival, with specific requirements for
video length, content, and group collaboration.

4. Winners and Recognition: Prizes were awarded to the first, second,

and third place winners. Additional honorary mentions were given for
best acting, cinematography, original/creative concept, and funniest
story.

5. 2022 Festival Highlights: The festival included films in various

languages, with winners in Arabic, German, and Russian. The jury
consisted of esteemed faculty and professionals, including Steven
Gonzalez (Chair), Susan Corban Harris, Olivia Verónica Martínez,
Shushan Karapetian, and Michael Renov.

The success of the festival has led to the planning of the second USC
Multilingual Student Film Festival in Spring 2024, with the theme
"HAPPY."

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

Multilingual Talent Show

The first CLC Multilingual Talent Show, a remarkable collaboration
between CLC and the Thornton School of Music, was a resounding
success, showcasing the diverse linguistic and cultural talents of USC
students. Special appreciation goes to Professor Suzanne Wali and
other committee members for their exceptional efforts in organizing
this event.

The talent show featured an array of performances, each highlighting

a different language and culture. Participants included:

- James Wroth, who presented in Chinese;

- Yvonne Carrick, delivering a beautiful rendition in French,
captivating the audience with her performance;
- Tyler Gibgot, combining his language skills in Spanish with a magic
trick, engaging the audience interactively;
- Anthony Khoory, who performed a touching piece in Arabic, titled
"Sleepless Nights" by Fairouz, bringing a blend of melody and cultural
depth to the stage;
- Steven Lupe and Jupiter Rose Gulley, performing “Offrande” by
Reynaldo Hahn in French, showcasing their vocal talent and depth of
emotion;
- Matthew Weir, who gave a heartfelt performance in Italian with the
piece "O Del Mio Amato Ben" by Stefano Donaudy
- Kyle Voong and Mark Willenbring, each adding to the French
repertoire with "Chanson de la Mariée" by Ravel, bringing a touch of
romance and elegance to the evening
- Students in MPVA 260 - 261, presenting the chorus "Va' pensiero"
from Verdi's Nabucco in Italian, adding a grand operatic element to
the show.

This event not only celebrated the linguistic diversity at USC but also
fostered a sense of community among students from various cultural
backgrounds. The success of the talent show is a testament to the
vibrant, inclusive environment cultivated by CLC and its partners.

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

Trojan Bloom
The Center for Languages and Cultures continues its
steadfast support for the publication of Trojan Bloom,
a multilingual literary journal showcasing the creative
works of USC students. In the 2022/23 academic year,
the journal published two volumes, demonstrating the
vibrant linguistic and cultural diversity at USC.

The Spring 2023 volume was particularly notable,

featuring 42 works by students, illustrating the depth and
breadth of their creative talents.

Continuing its mission to celebrate multilingualism, Trojan

Bloom has expanded its scope to include submissions in
Hindi and Urdu, alongside other languages. Additionally,
the journal now welcomes contributions from graduate
students, further enriching the diversity of voices and
perspectives represented.

In a significant development, the CLC has partnered with

USC Digital Libraries, which now hosts digital versions of
Trojan Bloom. This collaboration enhances the journal's
accessibility and reach, allowing a broader audience
to engage with the students' creative expressions. The
digital archive of the journal can be accessed at the
following link.

As we bid farewell to Tania Apshankar, Trojan Bloom's

inaugural editor-in-chief, with her graduation in Spring
2023, we thank her for her dedicated efforts in the
journal's first year and warmly welcome Avi Mann as the
new chief editor

The continued success of Trojan Bloom underscores

the CLC's commitment to fostering a rich, multilingual
environment at USC and providing students with
platforms to express their linguistic and cultural identities
creatively.

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

Enjoy one of the poems published in the Spring 2023 issue ofTrojan Bloom

A breath by Christopher Dean Keating

Break the surface Разбить ворота
Fall deep into velvety night Упасть глубоко в бархатистую ночь
Let the air around you dissolve Пусть воздух вокруг вас растворится
As the world fades into blurred static Пока мир исчезает в размытой статике
Everything becomes dull noise Всё становится монотонным шумом
A cacophony of Stimulants Какофония стимуляторов
Drowning to a whisper Утонет, пока не станет шёпотом
In the silence В тишине
The atmosphere hangs a steel curtain Атмосфера вешает стальную занавеску
Across the falling stars in the synapses Через падающие звёзды в синапсах
Absorb the crisp absence Поглощайте чёткую пустоту
Cascading pure energy Чистая энергия рвётся вперёд
Release it Выпустите её
Accept what is not Примите, чего нет
Entertain what could be Представьте, что может быть
See what is Посмотрите, что есть
Exist right now Живите сейчас

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

Student Ambassadors Program

We sccessfully piloted the Language Ambassadors initiative
connected student representatives with local high schools to share language
experiences and foster cultural appreciation.

At the end of the Spring 2023 semeste, the CLC Outreach

Committed chaired by María Mercedes Fages Agudo
successfully piloted the Language Ambassadors
initiative. This innovative program was designed to
establish a network of student representatives who
share their experiences learning and using various
languages with local high school students and their
families. The initiative aims to encourage language
learning across all academic disciplines and foster cross-
cultural understanding and appreciation.

During the pilot phase in Spring 2023, several USC

students visited two local high schools: USC Hybrid
High School and Larchmont Charter School. The visits
were highly successful, with positive feedback from
both the USC student participants and the high schools.
The students enjoyed sharing their language learning
experiences and engaging with high school students,
while the schools appreciated the insights and inspiration
provided by the USC ambassadors.

The Language Ambassadors program involves a variety of

activities, including sharing enthusiasm for languages, visiting
K-12 campuses, creating language-focused activities and
materials, and acting as student representatives for language
programs both on and off-campus.

The ambassadors also develop social media content, provide

peer tutoring, and engage in community outreach.

The program continues to grow, and new visits and activities

are planned throughout the 2023-24 academic year. The CLC
looks forward to further expanding the initiative's reach and
impact, continuing to connect USC students with the broader
community through the power of language and cultural

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

Student Proficiency Testing and

Global Seal of Biliteracy
CLC's Global Seal of Biliteracy project offers USC students a chance
to validate their language skills through proficiency testing and earn
certificates, enhancing their future career prospects.
The Center for Languages and Cultures at the University of Southern California introduced the
Global Seal of Biliteracy project last year. This initiative offers USC students the opportunity
to earn a certificate and a digital badge by participating in a cultural and linguistic immersion
experience and demonstrating Functional or Working Fluency in a language other than
English through standardized testing. The testing assesses reading, writing, listening, and
speaking skills.

Key aspects of the Global Seal of Biliteracy include:

1. Proficiency Exam: The required exam for the Global Seal of Biliteracy is individual and
proctored, with four sections covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students must
achieve Functional or Working Fluency or higher in all four categories to obtain the Seal.

2. Requirements for the Seal: Students interested in obtaining the Global Seal of Biliteracy
must complete an interest form. They are responsible for signing up for the Proficiency exam
before the deadline each semester.

3. Partnership and Testing: The Center has partnered with Avant Assessment, a reputable
organization administering language tests (STAMP tests). Students who complete the test
will receive a report certifying their proficiency level. Depending on the proficiency level (at
least at Intermediate Mid), students can receive a Certificate of Global Seal of Biliteracy for
Functional Fluency, Working Fluency, or Professional Fluency.

4. Free Testing: The Center offers free language proficiency testing for students in reading,
listening, writing, and speaking on a limited basis. The tests are paid for by the Center for
Languages and Cultures (CLC).

This project presents a unique opportunity for students to receive external validation of their
language skills, which is beneficial for their CVs.

In 2023, 21 USC students have received their Global Seal certificate.

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

Gender-Inclusive Language Instruction

Conference
USC faculty are dedicated to embracing DEAI principles and fostering
language-inclusive classrooms, enriching the educational experience
for all students.

The CLC organized the first annual Gender-Inclusive

Language Instruction Conference in March 2023. This
conference, co-organized by Drs. Evgeny Dengub and
Liana Stepanyan, focused on the many issues of gender
inclusivity in the teaching of world languages.

Key highlights of the conference include:

Global Attendance: Over 400 people from around the

world registered to attend the conference online, reflecting
its international appeal and significance.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kris Knisely, a leading scholar in the

field, delivered an insightful keynote lecture.

Panel Presentations and Discussions: The conference

featured various panels addressing topics such as the
rationale for using gender-inclusive language, case
studies of different languages, navigating gender-neutral
language in the classroom, and gender-neutral instruction
initiatives.

Additionally, the Center for Languages and Cultures has

created a dedicated page for faculty resources on gender-
inclusive language teaching, furthering its commitment to
diversity and inclusion in education.

The Center is planning to host the second annual Gender-Inclusive Language Teaching
Conference in April 2024, continuing to build on the success of the first conference.

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USC Center for Languages and Cultures 2022-2023 Annual Report

Exploring Virtual Reality

CLC pioneering the integration of Virtual Reality into language teaching,
collaborating with Dornsife AIRE to provide students and faculty with
Meta Oculus VR sets and partnering with global companies to bring di-
verse VR language learning content to campus.
In response to the increasing trend of incorporating
Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in
education, the Center for Languages and Cultures
has initiated efforts to explore and integrate these
digital tools into language teaching. To facilitate this
exploration, the CLC established a faculty working
group led by Dr. Peyman Nojoumian tasked with
researching and experimenting with VR and AI
applications in language instruction.

This initiative, detailed on the CLC's website, has

led to a fruitful partnership with Dornsife AIRE
(Advanced and Innovative Research in Education),
aimed at bringing VR technology directly to students
and faculty.

AIRE, in close collaboration with the CLC, has

acquired several Meta Oculus VR sets, which are now
readily available for faculty and students interested
in delving into the immersive world of VR.

Furthering this endeavor, the CLC has initiated partnerships

with various U.S. and international companies. These
collaborations are focused on bringing specialized language
learning content to USC students, enhancing their educational
experience with cutting-edge VR applications. These
partnerships allow for a broader range of VR experiences
and content, tailored to the needs and interests of language
learners.

Through these efforts, the CLC demonstrates its commitment

to staying at the forefront of educational technology,
embracing innovative methods to enrich language learning
at USC. The support from Dornsife AIRE, particularly from
Director Monica Prado Garcia and Manager Melany Escobar,
has been pivotal in advancing this initiative, offering USC
students and faculty exciting new opportunities to explore

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