About World Literature and Cultural Studies
The Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics is excited to present a new major which allows students to concentrate (within the B.A. in Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures) in one primary language with the flexibility of building a customized package of electives that focuses on acquiring global cultural expertise. Language skills, combined with cultural competence and intercultural communication skills, develop professional adaptability and are in high demand for roles in sectors such as tourism, international business, diplomacy, education, and the growing field of AI-related professions.
The B.A. in Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers a major in World Literature and Cultural Studies. This major offers students a flexible route to acquiring language skills and cultural competence, ideal for undergraduates pursuing careers in international relations, education, politics, business and more.
[EFFECTIVE FALL 2025]
World Literatures and Cultural Studies Major (30 hours total)
Core Requirements (6 hours)
- LIN 2004 World Languages
- FOW 2100 Literature and the World
World Literatures and Cultural Studies Major Requirements (24 hours)
Language Coursework (12 hours):
Students will complete 12 credit hours of coursework beyond the 2220 level in a primary language. A minimum of 6 credit hours must be at the 4000-level.
Cultural Studies and Literature Coursework (12 hours):
Students will complete 12 credit hours of Cultural Studies in Translation coursework. These are courses taught in English (with all coursework done in English) that cover the literature, cinema, media, and culture associated with the specific linguistic areas of the world offered in our department:
- Arabic in Translation (ABT)
- Chinese in Translation (CHT)
- French in Translation (FRT)
- German in Translation (GET)
- Italian in Translation (ITT)
- Japanese in Translation (JPT)
- Russian in Translation (RUT)
- Spanish in Translation (SPT)
See also the following regularly-offered courses that count towards this major:
- ASN 3822 Traditions of East Asian Humanities
- ASN 4463 Conceptualizations of the Imagination in East Asia and Beyond
- FOW 3240 Literature and Sexuality
- IDS 3188 German Society Through Film: The Legacy of Nazi Crimes Against Humanity
- IDS 3312 Robots, Monsters, Avatars: Technology and the (Post-) Human Condition
- IDS 3195 Vistas on Florence: From Dante to the Big Flood of 1966
- IDS 3330 The Culture Is in the Cuisine: The Food of Italy
- IDS 3459 Cinema Gone Global
- SLL 3500 Slavic Culture and Civilization
- SLL 3510 The Slavic Vampire
- SLL 4200 Epic Song in Southern and Eastern Europe