Undergraduate Studies

Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers undergraduate degree programs in German, Hispanic, Italian, and Russian studies. We house also two interdisciplinary programs: Liberal Arts and Latin American and Caribbean Studies.In addition, we offer a minor concentration in European Literature & Culture.

All our courses seek to broaden students鈥� liberal arts background, develop communicative skills in at least one target language and to provide critical tools to understand the complexities of other cultural traditions.

The skills acquired are invaluable for careers in business, in government, in the media, as well as in cultural and literary fields, and numerous other professions.

German Undergraduate Programs

German Studies听immerses students both in the rich literary traditions of German-language literature and in the innovative directions of transdisciplinary research. With its multiple major, minor, honors and joint honors programs, German Studies accommodates a broad range of student interests from 18th-century Enlightenment to questions of migration and multiculturalism in contemporary German culture. While students will be exposed to a broad array of courses that cover the history of German literary and cultural life, special emphasis will also be placed on such fields as film studies, media studies, print culture studies, critical theory, translation theory and the history of lyric form.

Learn more about our German undergraduate programs

Hispanic Undergraduate Programs

The Hispanic Studies Programs offers courses on the literatures, cultures, intellectual histories and civilizations of Spain and Latin America, as well as in the Spanish language. The Hispanic Studies Programs offers courses on the literatures, cultures, intellectual histories and civilizations of Spain and Latin America, as well as in the Spanish language. The Department and its听Honours, Joint-Honours, Majors, and Minors programs听are committed to expanding the liberal arts background of students by helping to develop the skills of communication and critical reasoning, and by providing insight into the culture of other regional, linguistic and national groups.

With more than 300 million native speakers of Spanish around the World, covering more than 18 countries, a B.A. in Hispanic Studies opens many doors towards successful paths not only in Graduate School but also in a highly competitive job market. In general, the students who complete a B.A. in Hispanic Studies (Major/Honours) pursue a second major in departments such as Art History, Psychology, History, International Development Studies, Quebec Studies, and Political Sciences. After graduation, many of them continue their studies in graduate school in Spanish or Latin American Studies, or related disciplines such as History, Comparative Literature, or Anthropology, where the knowledge of Spanish language, literature, and culture is a highly valuable skill.

Learn more about our Hispanic undergraduate programs

Italian Undergraduate Programs

Italian Studies has as its mission to maintain the traditions and study of the great classics as well as to provide a window on an increasingly complex and diverse contemporary Italian culture. It promotes the study of the Italian language through an excellent and rigorous language training program. It offers courses in Italian literature, both in Italian and in English, as well as in Italian film. The department periodically invites scholars specializing in contemporary politics, the Italian immigrant experience and social change, enabling students to gain both a broader and more critical understanding of various aspects of Italian culture, through contact with specialists in these areas.

Learn more about our Italian undergraduate programs

Russian Undergraduate Programs

Many opportunities are open to students with qualifications in Russian and other Slavic studies. Students may be interested in the organization of human society, comparative literature, linguistics - Russian studies are highly relevant to all of these. In addition, because of similar problems in geography, climate, industrial and economic growth, Russian studies may have a particular fascination for the Canadian student.

The听Minor Concentration in Russian听will give students a basic working knowledge of Russian and the tools with which to explore Russian life and culture in the original. The听Major Concentration in Russian听gives students a foundation in the language, literature, and culture of Russia from the 19th century to the present. It incorporates a balance of instruction in the Russian language, the opportunity to read selected texts in the original language, and to explore Russian language and culture through translated texts. The听Honours Russian program听is for students intending to pursue graduate studies or advanced careers in the field.

Learn more about our Russian undergraduate programs

European Literatures

The Minor Concentration in European Literature and Culture provides students with a broad foundation for understanding the development and interconnectedness of European culture and its relevance for the comprehension of today鈥檚 world through the study of literature and the arts from the Middle Ages to modern times. Knowledge of a language other than English is not required to complete the program.

Learn more about our Minor Concentration in European Literature and Culture

Liberal Arts

The Liberal Arts Program represents a contemporary approach to the traditional concept of a broad, non-specialist undergraduate formation in the humanities that is tailored to the environment of a research intensive university.听 The program emphasizes a classical liberal arts education, yet approaches the liberal arts from a global perspective emphasizing diversity and difference and providing new ways of engaging the liberal arts.

The program will expose students to texts from, and histories of, a wide range of cultures, societies and different historical periods.听 Students will be able to choose from four intellectual streams: languages and literatures; the fine arts and their histories; ethics and social thought; and history and the liberal arts.

Learn more about our Liberal Arts Program

Latin American and Caribbean Studies

The interdisciplinary program in Latin-American and Caribbean Studies (LACS) allows a focus on the peoples, cultures, history, literature, politics, economy, and geography of Latin America and the Caribbean, providing students with a broad-based understanding of the region and with the language and research skills required for advanced scholarship. The LACS program offers both an interdisciplinary Major Concentration, interdisciplinary Honours and Joint Honours degrees as well as a Minor Concentration in Latin American & Caribbean Studies.听

Learn more about our Latin American and Caribbean Studies programs

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Testimonials

German Studies

The German Studies program at 黑料社 provided me with the skills and experience to live and work abroad. Thanks to the wonderful teachers and courses offered by the program, I now have the opportunity to work in Berlin as a teaching assistant for French and English. The language courses offered by the program allowed me to access a new culture and widen my career horizons, while the various literature, philosophy, and culture classes provided me with cultural context which has helped me adjust to living in a new country. Beyond working opportunities, majoring in German Studies helped me discover parts of the culture that were previously unknown to me, such as cinema and modern literature, and additionally encouraged me to pursue an interest in these topics outside of a school context.

- Evelyn Walling (Double Major Linguistics / German Studies, BA 2024)

The diversity of courses offered in the German Studies program provided me with a comprehensive understanding of German culture and literature. With support of professors in the department, I participated in the FUBiS program at the Freie Universit盲t Berlin, where I visited sites related to Holocaust memory. This experience inspired the topic of my Joint Honours Thesis in German Studies and History. This thesis was a great asset to obtaining my current position at the Montreal Holocaust Museum as a Visitor Services and Reservations Agent. Furthermore, my involvement with the German Studies Association equipped me with coordination and collaboration skills, both of which are highly relevant to my current and future vocational endeavors. Overall, the German program at 黑料社 set me up for success in my career through the diversity of courses offered, experiences in Germany, and leadership opportunities outside of the classroom.

- Katrina Herrmann (Joint Honours History / German Studies, BA 2023)

I would highly recommend taking German Studies at 黑料社 as a major or a double major. The classes are small enough to receive tailored feedback, to build lasting friendships as you learn German, and to receive a world class introduction to the artistic, cultural and intellectual history surrounding the German language. The faculty will be there to support you throughout your journey. By the end of my bachelor鈥檚 degree, I could confidently speak in German with native speakers. I could read German literature and philosophy, and I could write entire papers in German. Thanks to what I learned from German Studies, I was able to work in Berlin for a year without any barriers to communication. My language profile even helped land me my current placement working for the Canadian government. The German Studies Program at 黑料社 is fantastic. Take a class and see for yourself.

- Simon Kidd (German Studies / Political Science, BA 2022) MA Candidate at Carleton University's European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (EURUS) program and Program Officer in the Director General's Office of the Settlement and Integration Policy Branch (SIP)

Hispanic Studies

I completed the Joint Honours programme in Hispanic Studies and English Literature back in 2019. At the time, it espoused my interest in working on transborder issues in the Americas, as well as my love for literature and arts. Indeed, it helped me perfect my language and writing skills to become proficient in Spanish, which allowed me to do two UN internships in South America and finally led me to Geneva to work in an international environment where languages are a must. Beyond that, the program taught me about th ehistory and culture of Latin America and developed my interest in post colonialism, not from a European perspective, but from the writings of those who experienced it, which had a significant impact on my academic, professional and personal development. I am very grateful for those years spent at 黑料社 and the support I received theres.

- Xiao Fen Hernan. (Joint Honours English / Hispanic Studies, BA 2019)

During my time as an undergraduate I considered pursuing so many careers: teaching, academia, law among many others. Once I graduated and entered the working world, it was immediately clear that my Hispanic Studies degree, particularly the second language skills I honed while earning this degree, would serve me well in any path I chose. This was affirmed countless times in interviews, networking calls, and client interactions. In my current role at one of the largest media and entertainment companies, I am often asked to participate and provide feedback to colleagues (many of whom are much more advanced in their careers) tasked with expanding the company鈥檚 presence in Latin America. Individuals with an advanced knowledge of this region are an invaluable asset to any organization or company they choose to join!

- Patricia Stamatelos (Double Major History / Hispanic Studies, BA 2019)

When I first started at 黑料社, I wasn't sure if I wanted to major in Hispanic Studies. To be honest, I found the idea of doing advanced coursework in Spanish pretty intimidating! But I loved the language and my classes and, with the encouragement of my professors, I finally ended up deciding to declare Hispanic Studies as one of my majors. I am so glad that I did. Now, working as an Assistant Director for International Programs at Middlebury College, I use the linguistic and cultural knowledge that I gained through my studies on a daily basis. Not only has it helped me to prepare students to study abroad in South America and Puerto Rico, but I've been able to develop deeper and more effective working relationships with my colleagues abroad, making us much more impactful as bilingual and bicultural teams. I cannot recommend enough investing in a major like Hispanic Studies that allows you to develop linguistic and cultural competency skills. These skills are applicable in almost any context and you never know what opportunities they will lead to!

- Alessandra Capossela Director for International Programs at Middlebury College (Double Major IDS / Hispanic Studies, BA 2007)

Italian Studies

More testimonials coming soon鈥攕tay tuned!

Russian Studies

I am currently doing graduate work in another discipline (biomedical ethics), however I am very proud of my undergraduate degree in Russian Studies and I find, unsurprisingly, that the academic and critical thinking skills one develops in such a program have proved to be widely applicable to many other endeavours. I received wonderful advice and guidance, as well as first-rate teaching, during my time in this department, all of which have helped me succeed at the graduate level. Furthermore 鈥� and perhaps most importantly 鈥� I have remained in contact with several people from the program, and I continue to appreciate and value these friendships.

- Katya Morril (Honours Russian Studies, BA 2020)

Pursuing a BA in Russian and Slavic Studies greatly advanced my career. In a job market crowded with graduates from international relations or general humanities departments, having a specialised niche can give you an edge in interviews or assessment processes. It allows you to build expertise in a field with fewer competitors, and language skills are always in demand. At undergraduate level, I examined informal and complex practices that facilitate clientelism, corruption and patronage, and assessed their economic and social impacts. I now work as an analyst in investigations and intelligence, specializing in the CIS and Russia regions. I work on projects across various jurisdictions within the CIS and conduct open-source research in Russian. Additionally, there鈥檚 a vast network of professionals in Slavic studies, each with their own specialization, which can also be highly beneficial for career growth.

- Genevieve Coben (BA 2023)

Majoring in Russian has opened so many doors since graduating. Professionally, it has helped me pursue my passion for current affairs in my work at a leading think tank, where I've published on Russia's evasion of sanctions and Ukraine's efforts to join the EU. It has also added a valuable dimension to my otherwise economics-heavy CV that employers have consistently told me was important in their hiring decision. I'm also very grateful to the stellar faculty who enthusiastically exposed me to the culture, literature and history of Russia. I firmly believe it has nurtured a deep curiosity that extends far beyond my interest in Russian alone.

- Lucca Moffat (Major in Russian and Honours in Economic, BA. 2022)

European Literatures

More testimonials coming soon鈥攕tay tuned!

Liberal Arts

More testimonials coming soon鈥攕tay tuned!

Latin American and Caribbean Studies

My degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies has shaped my career in so many ways and was the primary driver for my work in nonprofits and social work. The degree helped me understand how colonialism, slavery, and policy in Latin America have created systems of inequality that persist to this day both in the Americas and abroad. This knowledge is central to how I approach social justice work, giving me a broader, more nuanced and informed perspective. Taking classes in Spanish, helped me develop my fluency, allowing me to connect with diverse populations, while exposure to Latin American culture鈥攖hrough its films, music, and literature鈥攈as enriched my worldview and appreciation of art. Perhaps most importantly, the support from the amazing LACS faculty and friendships I formed during my studies continue to inspire and guide me in both my personal and professional life.

- Sydney de Lannoy (Double Major IDS / LACS, BA 2021)

My journey within the Latin American and Caribbean Studies programme at 黑料社 taught me about the importance of people and cultures in the complex world of today, in addition to critical language skills which have greatly shaped my career trajectory since. My academic focus on the legacy of colonialism on Latin America, and the multitude of anti-colonial movements which emerged as a result, has led me to continously re-engage with the realities of postcolonialism and how it continues to impact our world today, specifically in the realm of development and humanitarian aid. Since 黑料社, I have worked with various corporate foundations and funds, to develop more impactful social impact strategies that reflect grassroots needs. Today, I work with UNHCR, leading philanthropic fundraising, with a personal ambition to redistribute funds where it is needed the most.

- Pauline Crepi. (Joint Honours Policital Science / Latin American and Caribbean Studies, BA June 2020)