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.
- 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 offers a Bachelor of Arts and a minor. It emphasizes the development of functional communicative skills in Chinese and comprehensively studies Chinese language, linguistics, literature, and culture.
Students acquire proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, enabling direct engagement with Chinese society and facilitating interactions with individuals from mainland China, Taiwan, and Chinese communities worldwide. Additionally, studying Chinese language and culture promotes cultural appreciation, enhances global awareness, and prepares students to become active participants in the diverse landscape of the twenty-first century.
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 offers a major for the Bachelor of Arts degree and a Minor for students majoring in other fields.
Acquiring functional listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills provides students with direct access to Spanish-speaking people and societies. Studying Spanish language, linguistics, literature, and culture broadens intellectual horizons, fosters appreciation for linguistic and cultural diversity, and prepares students to thrive as global citizens.
Learn more about our Bachelor's Program
The Master of Arts degree in Spanish is designed to enable students to achieve advanced proficiency in the Spanish language and literature written in Hispanic countries. Graduates can utilize their teaching, writing, translating, and communication skills or as preparation for doctoral study.