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World Languages, Literatures and Linguistics

The Department of World Languages, Literatures and Linguistics is home to a wide variety of quality programs and exciting opportunities. With courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin (Classics), Russian and Spanish, the department plays a crucial role in providing the basic foreign language component for the Bachelor of Arts degree in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. Our degrees in Chinese Studies, French, German Studies and Spanish, the area of emphasis in Russian Studies and the minor include advanced coursework in language, literature, culture and linguistics as well as innovative capstone experiences.

World languages, literatures and linguistics students participate in internationally recognized study abroad programs. They spend a summer, a semester or even a year earning credits and gaining experience in countries like China, France, Germany, Spain and Mexico. In addition to regular courses and study abroad, students off campus enroll in increasing numbers in the department’s online and distance-learning courses. Small class sizes and an array of student groups, honor societies and language clubs all contribute to a congenial atmosphere.

As a world languages, literatures and linguistics student you will:

  • Explore other cultures and how they communicate.
  • Expand your language knowledge in a linguistically diverse environment.
  • Experience literature from a variety of perspective.
  • Examine languages from different theoretical frameworks.
  • Become immersed in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
BA and Graduate Certificate programs are discontinued and no longer admitting new students.

How will I focus my studies?

Enhance your degree with a minor in the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Linguistics. The department offers 13 minors to complement your academic and career goals. 

Complement Your Degree with a Double Major

Students pursuing any undergraduate degree can easily complement their first major or degree with a WLLL major. Students can normally complete a double major or dual degree (e.g., B.A. and B.S.) without having to postpone their expected date of graduation.

Learn more at the World Languages, Literatures and Linguistics site