Department of Modern Languages

Gain career skills, break barriers, and explore new cultures.

Alumni Survey Student Placement & Requirements Student Survey

Our programs are designed to graduate majors and minors whose language skills provide them with enhanced opportunities for careers at the regional, national, and international levels. Students who wish to pursue grate programs are prepared for advanced study in language, literature, and culture. Our faculty deliver high quality language instruction based on nationally-recognized standards, and to contribute actively to cross-disciplinary international initiatives. Our students discover meaningful first encounters with cultures from around the world through our coursework, study abroad programs, and cultural events.

Our Chinese Flagship Program at WKU offers intensive language instruction with the goal of producing the next generation of global professionals with professional-level language proficiency in their area of expertise, advanced cultural skills, and experience abroad. The Chinese and Russian programs participate in the cutting-edge STEM+languages program offered through the Gatton Academy for Mathematics and Science.

Spanish

Major, Certificate, & Minor

Speakers of Spanish are needed in a wide variety of fields such as business, education, health care, journalism and social work.

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Chinese

Major, Certificate, & Minor

A variety of career options are open to those who have solid Chinese language skills: university scholars, teachers, international affairs, law, diplomacy, international business/trade, and more.

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Chinese Flagship (Intensive)

Major

Flagship focuses on supporting students in reaching a Superior, or professional, level of Chinese proficiency, as determined by the ACTFL scale, during their undergraduate career.

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Japanese

2 Years of Courses

Set yourself apart by taking on a language known for innovation, design, and creativity in traditional and modern arts.

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Russian

2 Years of Courses and *Minor

Russian continues to be a language of global importance.

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*The Russian and East European Studies Minor familiarizes students with significant political and economic issues and provides students a foundation for effective communication in Russian.

View the Minor

Latin American Studies

Minor

Study language, literature, culture, geography, history, government, and economics of the Americas.

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Declare a Language Major, Minor, or Cert.

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Scholarships

Departmental Funding

Scholarships

Chinese Flagship Funding

Scholarships

WKU Funding

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Spanish Tutoring

Walk-in appointments are welcome, but we encourage students to schedule appointments ahead of time.

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Language Advising

Do you have questions about learning a language, our programs, or our courses? Sign up for advising with Dr. Poole.

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Department of Modern Languages Statement of Affirmation

The mission of the Modern Languages Department is to cultivate communicative skills and cultural awareness that prepare students at Western Kentucky University to be more knowledgeable and sensitive citizens of the local, regional, and global communities. This encompasses understanding of past and current injustices faced by minority groups. We affirm the right of all people to learn and work without intimidation or threats of violence. We also support individual actions and policy initiatives which foster respect and equality at the local, state, and national level.

Modern Languages Student & Alumni Spotlight

Student Spotlight: Olivia Blackmon

Thinking Globally about the Future

Alumni Interview: Franklin Serrano

Being Bilingual Has Opened Doors

Alumni Interview: Maira Gomez

Learning a Second Language Is Critical

Student Spotlight: Savannah Stevens

Gain Perspective

CHIN 208 - Chinese Calligraphy (Conanade: Systems Course)

This skill-oriented course involves hands-on activities to familiarize students with the key techniques for traditional Chinese calligraphy. Taught in English.

3 Credit Hrs

SPAN 371

Spanish Composition and Grammar

Controlled written compositions and oral expression. Systematic and intensive review of grammar. Fulfills World Language with a grade of C or better.

3 Credit Hrs

Prerequisite(s): AVANT Lang Spanish Placement with a score of 5 (SPAN 202 or AVANT Lang Spanish Placement with a score of 5)

View all of our Colonnade Courses

Colonnade Explorations:

Literary Studies

MLNG 200 INTRO TO GLOBAL LITERATURE

Social & Cultural

SPAN 200 LATIN AMERICA PAST AND PRESENT
(Mostly Taught on Study Abroad Programs)

Colonnade Connections:

Systems

CHIN 208 CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY

Language Requirement:

View the WKU Colonnade Course Inventory to review courses.

Gain Career Skills

Get ahead with an international internship.
Language is a valuable professional skill in education, non-profits, government, marketing, and other fields.
Work internationally, for an international company, or for the United States Government.

Break Barriers

According to statistics people who know at least one foreign language, earn more than people who don’t.
Companies take language skills into account when hiring.
Be a leader in your workplace when your company engages international business.
Language is critical to national security.

Explore New Cultures

Make new friends from different countries.
Understand dialogues, phrases, jokes, movies, music, and books.
Make your travels easier and more enjoyable.
Understand different cultures better and get a other point of view on your own culture.