Overview
The Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics offers several academic degrees at the undergraduate level, each of which gives students unique opportunities to study and learn about foreign languages, cultures and linguistics. The department also offers a number of graduate degrees (M.A. and Ph.D.) with opportunities to specialize. Review the tiles below to find out more about our degree paths and majors.
Undergraduate Studies
B.A. in Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
The B.A. in Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics offers a uniquely comprehensive preparation for today’s globalized world, simultaneously training students in a specific foreign language of their choice (or a combination of two languages) and providing expertise through general courses on literature, culture, and film in a broader global perspective. In addition to acquiring foreign language skills in reading, writing and speaking, students also have the option to choose course work focused on professional fields (translation, languages for careers, etc.). Students in this degree will be required to (a) take two core courses: LIN 2004 World Languages and FOW 2100 Literature and the World, and (b) select one of the majors offered (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Dual Languages, and World Literature and Cultural Studies) and follow the Academic Map for that major. The B.A. in Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures provides students with marketable skills (language proficiency, global expertise, critical thinking) that help them stand out to potential employers in a wide variety of careers in government, diplomacy, foreign affairs, international relations, language teaching, tourism, hospitality, and international business and entrepreneurship.
Arabic
Chinese
French
German
Hebrew
Italian
Japanese
Linguistics
Middle Eastern Studies
Russian and Slavic
SpanishB.A./B.S. in Linguistics
Linguistics is a comprehensive discipline that refers to the scientific study of language. Students in the linguistics program analyze and engage with the structure and evolution of human language through both formal (syntax, phonology) and applied (language acquisition, psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics) methodologies. The program includes a diverse range of courses, both in general linguistics and the linguistics of specific languages and language families. This newly established program prepares students for in-demand careers in a variety of business sectors at national and international levels where an understanding of language structure and usage or programming is valuable. The curriculum leads to a B.A. degree by default, but students interested in pursuing more quantitative and advanced studies in graduate school may pursue a B.S.
B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies
The Departments of Anthropology, Art History, Classics, Economics, History, International Affairs, Modern Languages and Linguistics, Public Administration, and Religion offer an interdisciplinary major and minor in Middle Eastern Studies at the undergraduate level. The program is designed for: (1) general liberal arts students who wish to learn more about the Middle East; (2) students who wish to pursue graduate work in this field; and (3) students who seek employment in or relating to the Middle East. The Middle East Center, housed in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics, administers the major. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Middle Eastern Studies responds directly to a national and regional demand for resources and information to educate students, professionals, and the surrounding community about this important region of the world. An increasing number of jobs are available nationally and throughout the world for those with expertise in the Middle East and its languages.
Minors
All of the above major programs offer associated minors, including a Linguistics Entrepreneurship Minor. In addition, the department offers Minors in Arabic and Hebrew.
Graduate Studies
Programs with master's and Ph.D. offerings
East Asian Languages and Cultures