Professors: Alkyam, He, Hernandez,  Herrera de La Muela, Herrman, Hilal, B. Lewis, J. Lewis, Ludewig, Reeck, Riess

Departmental Philosophy

In World Languages & Cultures, we focus on language use in conjunction with the diversity of human expression as windows into culture. Starting in our introductory courses, culture is deeply integrated in students’ experience with the language. Early on, we focus on everyday cultural practices, and cultural contexts become more complex as students progress. Exploration of history, society, and the arts become increasingly important through our program, but language study (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) remains an integral part of upper-level courses. Through this approach, students gain the linguistic and cultural tools necessary for more effective intercultural communication. 

Goals for our minors contribute to the broader liberal arts curriculum by preparing students in a way that makes the most of the major/minor combination. We expect minors to develop facility in the language as well as cultural understanding, and in turn they bring communication and cultural awareness skills to the discipline of their major. In addition, minors acquire the tools to understand and engage with the political, social, and cultural phenomena of the world regions that use the language they study. Our majors go further: they study, research, and analyze abstract problems and think and speak critically about them. In the capstone senior project, they ask an original research question, and answer it using literary, cultural, and media expressions, demonstrating at the same time advanced ability in language. 

Allegheny offers majors in French  and Spanish , and minors in Arabic , French , German , and Spanish , as well as courses in other languages (link to course search, WLC rubric). Students are encouraged to consult the corresponding sections of this Bulletin and peruse the current semester’s course offerings for details. As a shared principle, the department believes strongly in the importance of an experience abroad and experiential learning. The immersion provided by such experiences greatly enhances language ability and is essential to gaining a deep understanding of another culture. Allegheny’s Global Education office can connect students with opportunities in countries where the language they study is spoken.

Courses

To see the courses offered in this department or program, please use the “Course Search” link from the menu at the right of this page.