World Languages & CulturesProgram Description
The World Languages and Cultures major allows students to explore themes across cultures and time periods, compare national literatures and cultures, and analyze diverse types of texts (literary, visual, musical, etc.). The major has seven emphases—Arabic, Italian, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Comparative Literature, and Cultural Studies. If you select a language emphasis, your upper-division work in non-English languages will allow you to approach the cultures you study at an in-depth level that is especially beneficial for future academic study and intercultural understanding. The emphasis in Comparative Literature allows you to study 2 or 3 languages at an advanced level. The only emphasis completely in English (other than the BA requirement), the Cultural Studies emphasis allows you to select coursework from across campus on global and cultural topics.
The Student Experience
Consider joining a language club to practice your language skills and meet other students. All students complete a required practicum experience--a related study abroad, internship, CEL course, or research project with a faculty member.
Career Opportunities
The study of language and culture in the WLC major will prepare you for a variety of global careers. The WLC BA can prepare you for local and international work in translation, business, teaching, diplomacy, medicine, law, and social and community work. Students in World Languages & Cultures become K-12, world language and dual immersion teachers, administrators, or linguists, or entered the fields of publishing, international relations, Foreign Service, non-profit, and healthcare professions. Students also pursue further studies in graduate programs in their target language, comparative literature, and international studies, or professional degrees in law or medicine.
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This degree will prepare students from a wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds interested in employment with private and public organizations and agencies that work with historically underserved populations.
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