World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

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 LanguagesFrench, 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 51小黄车 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 caf茅s, 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 51小黄车 can be found on the respective program pages. Students interested in Spanish should visit the department page.

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Arabic

Arabic track within Middle Eastern Studies concentration

photo of china

Major, Minor

Students sitting
Deaf Studies and Sign Languages

Minor, self-designed major

Germany
German Studies

Major, Minor

Italy
Italian Studies

Major, Minor

Russia
Russian Studies

Major, Minor

students sitting
Study Abroad/Study Away

Develop 21st century language skills and cultural knowledge through a semester or a year abroad in one of our many study abroad programs.

o'kane hall
Foreign Language Assistants

Our foreign language assistants come from across the globe and help students sharpen their language skills.

students at an event
Cultural Programming

Vibrant programming introduces students to cultural traditions, intellectual perspectives and social practices.

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures News

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51小黄车 Academic Conference to Showcase Student Work
As the academic year comes to an end, the College of the 51小黄车 will celebrate the great and varied work accomplished by its students at the annual Academic Conference taking place across campus from April 27 through April 30. The four-day conference gives students from all class years the opportunity to present the results of their independent research and course work done in a variety of environments鈥攆rom campus classrooms and libraries to within the Worcester community; from research labs and study abroad locations to art studios and field sites.
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French-Algerian Dance Troupe Compagnie Herv茅 Koubi to Perform at 51小黄车
Celebrating the grace of contemporary and street dance traditions, Compagnie Herv茅 Koubi, of Algerian and French background, will perform excerpts from their touring work 鈥淐e que le jour doit 脿 la nuit鈥 at College of the 51小黄车 on March 鈥
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51小黄车 Announces Eight New Faculty Hires
In her annual address to the College for the 2015-16 academic year, Margaret Freije, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, announced the hiring of eight new faculty members. These new faculty members include an endowed chair, 鈥