The Department of World Languages and Cultures is committed to helping students become global citizens prepared with the linguistic and cultural proficiency necessary to be successful in an interconnected world. Rooted in the belief that language is the key to fostering cross-cultural understanding and facilitating international collaboration, the Department offers comprehensive degrees and creates opportunities for students to immerse themselves beyond the classroom in language clubs, community engagement, and study abroad programs. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in World Languages and Cultures with concentrations in Arabic Studies, Chinese Studies, French Studies, German Studies, Japanese Studies, Spanish Studies, and Spanish for the Professions as well as Minors in the same languages, Latin American Studies, and Comparative Literature. These programs encourage students to explore the richness of human diversity through language acquisition and cultural immersion. At the graduate level, the Department offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Spanish and a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Spanish Education degrees that provide advanced training for those looking to deepen their language and cultural studies expertise or enter a career in language education. 

The Department is dedicated to fostering career readiness competencies, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to excel in diverse professional fields such as international business, diplomacy, US Military and Intelligence, education, healthcare, arts, media, and a wide range of other professions and industries where cross-cultural communication is essential. In an era where the global economy demands intercultural competence, adaptability, and the ability to communicate across borders, the Department of World Languages and Cultures stands as a beacon of opportunity and cultivates the attributes needed for students to thrive in an ever-evolving professional landscape:

• Linguistic Proficiency: Our students develop the linguistic skills required to engage confidently in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. Through immersive experiences and engaging language training, we nurture proficiency in the languages of their chosen concentration.
• Cultural Competency: We emphasize the importance of cultural understanding, providing our students with the tools to navigate diverse global landscapes with respect and empathy. This prepares them for careers that demand cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Career Readiness: Our programs are designed with a focus on career readiness. We instill in our students the competencies demanded by employers in various sectors, ensuring they are well-prepared for success in fields such as international business, diplomacy, education, and more.
• Global Citizenship: We aspire to cultivate global citizens who appreciate the interconnectedness of the world and actively contribute to its betterment. Our graduates are equipped to bridge cultural divides and make meaningful contributions to a more harmonious global society.
• Educational Excellence: We maintain the highest standards of teaching and scholarship, fostering a dynamic learning environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual curiosity.
• ​Community Engagement: We engage with local and global communities to promote cultural exchange and facilitate opportunities for our students to apply their language, cultural, translation, and research skills beyond the classroom. 

Undergraduate

The B.A.in World Languages and Cultures, with concentrations in Arabic Studies, Chinese Studies, French Studies, German Studies, Japanese Studies, Spanish Studies, and Spanish for the Professions, embodies a commitment to nurturing global citizens who are proficient in more than one language, culturally sensitive, and well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of our interconnected world. Our curriculum is designed to align with career readiness competencies, equipping our graduates with a competitive edge in an increasingly international job market. Whether they aspire to work in international business, diplomacy, healthcare, education, national security, the military or any other field, our graduates are prepared to excel in their chosen professions, thanks to their linguistic dexterity and cultural competence.

We believe that language learning extends beyond the classroom, and as such, our program places a strong emphasis on community engagement. We encourage our students to actively immerse themselves in the communities of the languages they study, fostering cross-cultural connections and promoting intercultural dialogue. This engagement not only deepens their language skills but also enriches their worldview, instilling in them the values of empathy, respect, and global citizenship.

Graduate

The Department of World Languages and Cultures is committed to nurturing global leaders and fostering linguistic proficiency in Spanish through its M.A. Spanish degree program. Grounded in proficiency-oriented pedagogy and cultural studies, we are dedicated to instilling a lifelong passion for the Spanish language and culture, while simultaneously preparing our students for successful and meaningful careers that align with the demands of the modern workforce. The M.A. Spanish program guides students towards achievement of advanced-level proficiency in Spanish and prepares them to analyze and interpret the intellectual and cultural traditions and artifacts of the regions where Spanish is used. The program offers a variety of courses that engage students in the development of critical thinking and analytical skills through discussions of literary, cultural, social, philosophical, political, historical and contemporary texts and contexts. Its core values are:

• Proficiency: We believe in equipping our students with the language skills necessary to communicate effectively in Spanish. Our graduate program is designed to help students achieve high levels of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• ​Cultural Competence: We emphasize the importance of cultural understanding as an integral part of language learning. Our students gain insights into the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world, enabling them to navigate cross-cultural situations with respect and empathy.
• Career Readiness: We are dedicated to preparing our students for successful careers in a global economy. Through practical language skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, our graduates are well-equipped to excel in various professional fields where Spanish is needed.
• Global Citizenship: We foster a sense of global citizenship among our students, encouraging them to engage in meaningful dialogue, collaborate on international projects, and contribute positively to their communities and the world at large.
• Innovation: We continuously strive for excellence through innovative teaching methods and technologies that adapt to the evolving demands of language education.

For information about the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Spanish Education, please visit the College of Education, Teaching M.A.T. page https://catalog.georgiasouthern.edu/preview_program.

Programs

• World Languages and Cultures, B.A.

• Arabic Minor
• Chinese Minor
• Comparative Literature Minor
• Foreign Language Minor
• French Minor
• German Minor
• Japanese Minor
• Latin American Studies Minor
• Spanish for the Professions Minor
• Spanish Minor

• Spanish, M.A.