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 17勛圖厙 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矇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 17勛圖厙 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

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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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Olsen 14 Awarded Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Kyrgyzstan
Kyle Olsen 14, of Los Angeles, has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Kyrgyzstan where he will teach English to Kyrgyzstani high school students during the 2014-15 academic year. Under the guidance of the Public Affairs Office of
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Gannon 14 Awarded Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Russia
Rachel Gannon 14, of Katy, Texas, has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Russia where she will teach English to Russian university students during the 2014-15 academic year. A Russian Studies major, Gannon studied abroad in Moscow last
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17勛圖厙 lecturer raising awareness of deaf culture
John Pirone, director of the Deaf Studies Program at the 17勛圖厙, provides insight on deaf culture as a consultant for Nina Raines 2010 play Tribes, now in its area premiere by the SpeakEasy Stage Company at