Bachelor of Arts in World Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Students majoring in world languages, literatures and cultures will gain proficiency in one or more world languages and explore humanistic and social scientific approaches to world cultures, which include Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin and Spanish.
Graduates will gain a broad knowledge of the cultural geographies explored in our courses: East Asia, the Ancient Mediterranean, the Francophone world, German-speaking Europe, Italy, the Near East and the Spanish-speaking world.
The B.A. in World Languages, Literatures and Cultures will develop students' linguistic and critical-analytical skills involving various types of texts. Linguistic and broadly based cultural studies provide an excellent grounding for diverse career paths, including law, business, medicine or health sciences, non-profit sector careers, high school or university level teaching, library and information science, and museum practice, among others.
Concentrations
- Asian studies
Asian studies offer a comprehensive understanding of Asia's diverse cultures, histories, languages, politics and economies. This concentration allows students to explore the rich and complex tapestry of Asia, examining its ancient civilizations, contemporary societies and global impact.
- Chinese
With its rapid economic growth, the world's largest population and its rich cultural traditions, China plays an important role in today's world. While traditional arts such as tea ceremonies, gardening and architecture have strongly impacted Western and other cultures, new trends in film, design and manufacturing continue to influence global culture. Students focusing on Chinese can pursue careers in foreign service, government and other organizations, serve as a consultant or analyst in corporations doing business with China or teach English in China.
- Classics, Greek and Latin
Classics is the study of the momentous achievements of ancient Greeks and Romans in literature, politics, language, philosophy, art, law, religion, sports and technology achievements, which laid the basis for much of Western culture today. In the classics program, students have the opportunity to learn about the realities of life in a culturally complex world in which not everyone was a king and every activity was not the sole province of men. A concentration in classics can prepare students for law school, medical school, graduate degrees, careers in government and more.
- French and Francophone Studies
A concentration in French studies prepares students for careers in government, the tourism industry, business and marketing, translation and interpretation and education. France is known for its fashion, food and culture and is a leader in global health and trade. The Detroit metro area has its roots in French culture; Detroit is across the river from Windsor, Canada (where French is an official language) and is currently home to over 300 French company operations.
- German
Studying German can prepare you for many different careers in art, design, education, law, finance, journalism, human resource management, manufacturing, global supply chain management and more. German immigrants have made an important impact in the Midwest, and due to the automotive and other industries, there continues to be a strong German presence in the area. As the European Union's most robust economy, Germany has also been central to the environmental and human rights movements, as well as a hub for artistic innovation.
- Italian
From food and fashion, music and literature, to manufacturing design, aerospace engineering and robotics, studying Italian can offer both professional and cultural opportunities as well as prepare students for medical and law school. Italy is one of the world's top economies, a leader in shaping global culture and design and home to many of the world's artistic treasures. Hundreds of Italian firms have offices in the U.S. and in Detroit.
- Japanese
Studying Japanese can prepare you for and complement many different career paths, such as education, engineering, business, etc. Japan, with its unique cultural tradition and modern economic prowess, has been an important geopolitical force throughout modern times. While traditional arts such as tea ceremonies, gardening and architecture have strongly impacted Western and other cultures, new trends in film (like anime) and the culinary arts, for example, continue to influence global culture. In the economic and industrial fields, Japan continues to lead the world in automotive engineering and design, consumer electronics and many other areas.
- Near Eastern Languages and Cultures
There's a rich artistic, religious and intellectual history to the Arabic language and culture, with an impact that encompasses modern cultures in the Middle East and North Africa. Today, Arabic is spoken by nearly 300 million people. It plays a crucial role in global communications, international affairs and the Detroit metro area. Whether you're interested in a career in law, economics, government, anthropology, public health or history, there is a huge demand for proficient Arabic speakers.
- Spanish
Spanish is critical for careers in the health professions, law, the manufacturing and automotive sectors, as well as education and the arts. Spoken by hundreds of millions of people worldwide and by over 35 million people in the U.S., Spanish is positioned to become even more important in global culture, politics and economies in the near future, especially in Michigan, where the Hispanic population continues to grow. Diverse cultures and perspectives from the Spanish-speaking world shape global television, film, music, food, politics and industry.
Career insights
This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.