Prepare for life in a global society through the study of languages, literatures, and cultures.
The Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures houses seven distinct language and literature programs — Arabic, Chinese, Deaf Studies and Sign Languages, French, German, Italian, Russian — and a comparative literature program, Studies in World Literatures.
Students are strongly advised to carefully and intentionally select a language of study early in their academic careers that complements and enhances their undergraduate studies and expands post-graduate opportunities.
The department’s faculty members offer dynamic courses that integrate current pedagogical practices as well as cultural programming beyond the classroom. An essential component of our language courses is the practicum run by foreign language assistants, who come to 51С»Æ³µ from all over the globe to share the contemporary culture of their native countries and communities with our students.
Courses include offerings in literature, linguistics, film, and culture, which may be conducted in English or in the target language. Individual programs within the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures also host events, such as weekly language tables and cafés, film series, lectures, performances and cultural excursions. Study abroad and study away programs enable students to immerse themselves in the language and culture of other countries and communities and to greatly expand their language skills.
Languages and Programs
Information specific to each language program offered at 51С»Æ³µ can be found on the respective program pages. Students interested in Spanish should visit the department page.
Major, Minor
Develop 21st century language skills and cultural knowledge through a semester or a year abroad in one of our many study abroad programs.
Our foreign language assistants come from across the globe and help students sharpen their language skills.
Vibrant programming introduces students to cultural traditions, intellectual perspectives and social practices.