Welcome to the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
Mission Statement
At the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, our mission is to foster a vibrant learning environment where students can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of global languages and cultures. We believe that language learning is not just about mastering grammar and vocabulary; it's about embracing diversity, empathy, and understanding.
Through our comprehensive programs, we strive to provide students with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Students gain more than just linguistic proficiency by learning languages such as Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. They develop a deep appreciation for cultural nuances, historical contexts, and societal perspectives.
We aim to empower every student to become effective communicators, critical thinkers, and compassionate global citizens. Expanding their linguistic horizons, we aim to open doors to new opportunities, broaden their worldview, and cultivate lifelong learners equipped to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.
Vision Statement
A well-rounded education in a language, including cultural and historical context, language varieties, and linguistic study, cannot be provided by online translation tools. This is why it makes sense to major in a language on a campus located at the heart of one of the most diverse cities in the world.
Contact Information
- Location: King Hall D 1054
- Phone: (323) 343-4230
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 A.M - 12:00 P.M., 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. (Closed for lunch from 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.)
Our Programs
The Chinese program includes a major for the Bachelor of Arts degree and a minor. It emphasizes functional communicative skills in Chinese and offers a broad and in-depth study of Chinese language, linguistics, literature, and culture.
Acquiring functional skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing provides students with direct access to the Chinese people and society. They will also better understand and be able to interact with the people in mainland China, Taiwan, and Chinese communities in other countries. The study of Chinese language, linguistics, literature, and culture also broadens intellectual horizons, fosters appreciation for linguistic and cultural diversity, and helps prepare students to take their places as global citizens of the twenty-first century.
The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese is 120 units, of which 39 units are in the major. Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.
The undergraduate program in French offers a major for the Bachelor of Arts degree and a choice of minors in French or interdisciplinary Francophone Studies.
Emphasizing the acquisition of functional listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, the program equips students with direct access to French society and culture. Through this, students develop the ability to interact effectively with individuals from France and French-speaking communities worldwide. Furthermore, studying French language, linguistics, literature, and culture enriches students' intellectual perspectives, cultivates an appreciation for linguistic and cultural diversity, and prepares them to thrive as global citizens in the twenty-first century.
The Japanese program offers a major for the Bachelor of Arts degree and a minor. Emphasizing the development of functional communicative skills, the program provides an in-depth exploration of Japanese literature, language, and civilization.
By acquiring proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, alongside an understanding of Japanese culture, students gain direct access to Japanese society. This enables them to engage more effectively with the people and culture of Japan. Furthermore, studying Japanese literature, language, and civilization expands intellectual horizons, nurtures an appreciation for cultural and linguistic diversity, and prepares students to thrive as global citizens in the twenty-first century.
The Korean Program offers a Minor in Korean, providing students with proficiency in the Korean language and insights into Korean society and culture.
This minor can be valuable for students interested in various fields such as language studies, literature, industry, sociology, history, Asian culture, and politics, as well as those pursuing careers related to Korea in business or government.
By studying Korean literature, language, and civilization, students expand their intellectual horizons, develop an appreciation for cultural and linguistic diversity, and are better prepared to engage as global citizens in the twenty-first century.
The undergraduate program in Spanish includes a major for the Bachelor of Arts and a minor for students majoring in other fields.
The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish is 120 units, of which 48 units are in the major. Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.
Prior to beginning the Bachelor of Arts program in Spanish, students must have completed the second year of college-level Spanish or demonstrate equivalent language competency as evaluated by the Department faculty.
All students complete a Common Core of 27 units (3 lower division units and 24 upper-division units) and 21 units of electives.
Learn more about our Bachelor's Program
The Hybrid Delivery Mode Spanish M.A. is designed to enable students to attain a high level of proficiency in the Spanish language and literatures written in Hispanic countries, to solidify understanding of linguistic processes in standard and dialectal varieties of Spanish, and to employ the language skillfully in such pursuits as teaching, writing, translating, and communications, or as preparation for doctoral study. Several of the required seminars for the Spanish M.A. are offered in either an online or hybrid delivery mode in order to incorporate distance learning opportunities.