American Culture and Civics | West Valley College

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American Culture and Civics

Certificate of Competency

This program provides instruction in English at a low-intermediate level. It is designed to introduce second language learners of English to a broad range of topics related to socio-economic, constitutional, and cultural traditions of the United States with emphasis upon key events, issues, and their backgrounds. The focus of the program is on communicative English skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, as well as reinforcing the key points of U.S. civics, history, government, and the Constitution.

Program Requirements (96-108 hours)

Course NumberCourse TitleHours
NCEL114AAmerican Culture and Civics I48 - 54 hours
NCEL114BAmerican Culture and Civics II48 - 54 hours

Total Certificate Hours: 96-108 hours

Certificates are listed as hours rather than college credit (units). Students must pass and complete the minimum number of hours required.

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

  • Respond orally and accurately to questions related to personal history, and general questions related to history, geography, culture, and governmental structure of the United States.
  • Demonstrate low-intermediate level communicative English skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking.
Last Updated 6/30/26