Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures

David L. Smith, Chair

Students who complete a degree program in foreign languages and literatures can read, write, speak, and listen effectively in another language. They study the literature, linguistics, culture, and civilization of the countries where those languages are spoken, combining cultural competence with the communicative skills necessary for the workplace or advanced study. Foreign languages and literatures students are encouraged to study abroad to learn more about the languages and cultures in their field. Foreign language and literatures majors pursue careers in healthcare, business, communications, law and education, to name a few, and they become more marketable, and get hired faster at a higher salary.

The Department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages and Literatures with five concentration areas: Classical Studies, French and Francophone Studies, German Studies, Spanish and Hispanic Studies, and Global Studies. There are also minors in Classical Studies , Foreign Language Education , French , German , Spanish and Hispanic Studies .

The Department offers Greek, Latin, Russian, and Japanese in support of Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences interdisciplinary minors in Asian Studies and Russian Studies , and individual concentrations in the Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies .

Foreign Languages and Literatures Accelerated MBA Program

French and Francophone, German Studies, and Spanish and Hispanic Studies majors who are interested in careers in business may complete the BA in Foreign Languages and Literatures with the Business Administration Minor , and if qualified may complete the Master of Business Administration in one additional year.

Foreign Language Placement Surveys

Students who have previously studied French, German, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish should take the respective placement surveys in order to ensure that they continue their study at the appropriate level. Please note that a placement survey is required for enrollment in all lower-level Spanish courses including level 1001. (See Admission and Readmission, Placement Testing .)

More information is available on the departmental website.