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Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Are we living in a “global village?” or is it just a “small world?” While technology has made instantaneous communication possible around the globe, most of its inhabitants still speak very different languages and live their daily lives in very different ways. Successful cross-cultural communication is not just “finding the words” to express an idea in another language, it is rather a question of learning to understanding the culture and society that produced and makes use of that language. Learning a second language is in fact an exercise in learning how to think in a new and unfamiliar way.
In the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, we offer students the opportunity to study four of the world’s most influential languages: French, German, Spanish and Japanese. Students are encouraged to enrich their language lessons with studies of the cultural and intellectual heritage of the countries where these languages are spoken. While studying French, learn about the resplendence of Paris, multiculturalism in France, the remarkable French film industry, the artistic and cultural achievements of contemporary Quebec, and the history and language of the Acadians in the Maritimes. While learning German, discover the excitement of turn-of-the-century Vienna or the forward-looking and provocative successes of German film. While taking a course in Spanish, study the origins and manifestations of the traditions of Spain or the diversity and multicultural aspects of Hispanic-American societies. While learning Japanese, take a course in the geography or history of Japan. And of course, for the advanced learner, the wonderful wealth of French, German, and Hispanic literatures will become a source of both language enrichment and intellectual stimulation.
The world may be smaller than it once was, but it remains wonderfully diverse. Getting to know other peoples and countries is eye-opening and rewarding. After all, if we want others to understand us as Canadians, we have to be able to understand them.
Our Programs
B.A. Honours
The Honours program is very highly specialized, intended for those who plan on continuing their studies in graduate school. We offer Honours in French Studies, in German Studies, and a special interdisciplinary Honours in Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures which combines any two of the three principal languages taught: French, German, Spanish.
B. A. Majors
We offer four different Majors: French Studies, German Studies, Hispanic Studies, and a special interdisciplinary Major in Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. The latter allows you to combine three of the four languages taught in the Department to different degrees of fluency.
B.A. Minors
We offer Minors in French, German, Spanish, and Japanese is included as a component of an interdisciplinary Minor in Asian Studies.
Linguistics
We offer three courses in linguistics (the study of language) to complement our degree programs.
Of course, all students, from any sector or specialization, are welcome and encouraged to take any of our language, culture or literature courses as electives within their own program.
Opportunities for study abroad
•France - Université de Strasbourg
•Germany - Universität Tübingen
•Spain - Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
•Japan - Kwansei Gakuin, near Kobe
•Application assistance for:
•Canadian Summer School in Kassel, Germany
•DAAD scholarships - German Government's Academic Exchange Service
•Summer semester study in Spain and Latin America
Opportunities to work as an English-language teaching assistant
Application assistance for:
• Germany (Pädagogischer Austauschdienst Deutschland)
•France (Assistants canadiens en France)
•Spain (Consejería de Educación en Estados Unidos y Canadá)
Opportunities outside the classroom
• Student-organized language clubs: Cercle Français, Deutches Klub, Club Hispanico
•Language Communities Residence when there is sufficient interest
International Film Festivals
• Certificate of bilingualism
Work opportunities on campus
For those with superior knowledge of French, German, or Spanish:
• Language Laboratory Monitor or Oral Practice Animator
• Private Language Tutor: The Department Secretary will post your notice
Career opportunities
Holders of a degree in French, German, or Spanish have numerous career options, among which the following are some of the most common: various branches of the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Civil Service; Language teaching; Translation; Cross-cultural facilitating; Diplomatic service; International law; International NGOs and Businesses.