Department of Modern Languages and Cultures
Department of
Modern Languages and Cultures
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Overview
Language and cultural skills are crucial in today’s globalized economy and society and are valued across nearly all industries. The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures is committed to preparing students for active participation in a global society by providing coursework that deepens understanding of different languages and cultures. Students are able to complete an immersion or minor in any of the 10 languages offered by the department, or complete a bachelor’s degree in applied modern language and culture in Chinese, Japanese, French, or Spanish. The department also prepares students to participate in global experiences, such as study or work abroad.
10
Languages taught: ASL, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
24
Minor and immersion options: ASL, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Language Science, Latino/Latina/Latin American Studies, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
100%
Of students in the undergraduate degree program complete an international experience
Latest News
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June 6, 2024
Event in Genoa, Italy marks milestone for RIT experiential learning programs
RIT marked the 20th anniversary of its experiential learning programs in Genoa, Italy, with an event at the historic Palazzo Doria-Tursi, which houses Genoa’s city hall. The celebration, organized in collaboration with Door to Italy, an esteemed language school in Genoa that partners with RIT on the programs, highlighted the success of RIT’s study abroad and work abroad initiatives, which have enriched students’ academic and professional experiences over the past two decades.
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May 13, 2024
New graduate Peyton D’Anthony wins Fulbright award to teach in Kosovo
Peyton D’Anthony enjoys identifying patterns and creating new connections. Those are just two of the skills she hopes to instill in her students as a teacher in Kosovo this fall.
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May 13, 2024
Students will ‘live, learn, and explore’ abroad thanks to international fellowships and scholarships
Throughout the course of the academic year, hundreds of RIT students prepare to compete for some of the most prestigious international fellowships and scholarships available. Intensive research projects, applications, essays, and interviews all play a critical role in their selection.
Featured Work and Profiles
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2024 Fulbright Scholar: Sarah Sabal
Sabel, a double major in applied modern language and culture (Chinese option) and marketing, will pursue her graduate education at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan.
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RIT Graduate Awarded Prestigious Fulbright to Teach in Kosovo
After earning a double major in applied modern language and culture (Spanish) and international and global studies, D’Anthony will travel to a university in Kosovo for a 10-month...
Read More about RIT Graduate Awarded Prestigious Fulbright to Teach in Kosovo -
Second Major Empowers Student to Turn Her Passion into a Degree
Biotechnology and molecular bioscience student Tori Russell recently added applied modern language and culture as a second major, allowing her turn her interest in French into a degree.
Read More about Second Major Empowers Student to Turn Her Passion into a Degree -
Department of Education grant will fund the development of new materials and curricula for Chinese, Italian, and Spanish courses that focus on STEAM
Sara Armengot, Zhong Chen, Elisabetta DAmanda “I hope more students will be inspired to take on internships, co-ops, or other experiential learning opportunities where they can continue to further connect through languages other than English...” ...
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Meet Ryan Noyes
Double majoring in applied modern language and culture (Japanese track) and game design and development.
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From Rochester to Japan
Helping people connect, even when they speak different languages, is what drives Susannah Johnson (applied modern language and culture–Japanese option).
Read More about From Rochester to Japan
Undergraduate Programs
Students complete a language and cultural track in Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish along with a coursework in a technical or professional discipline such as computing, information technology, engineering, business, health sciences, art and design, or science, often leading to a minor or double major in that area. A required international experience immerses you in the language, culture, and traditions of your chosen track.
Applied modern language and culture is a distinctive language degree that pairs a proficiency in Chinese, French, Japanese, or Spanish with a major in the arts, business, computing, engineering, or the sciences.
Learn more about the Applied Modern Language and Culture BS programA degree in the Chinese language will immerse you in the language and culture, but paired with a major in the arts, business, computing, engineering, or the sciences, you will be prepared for an exceptional career in our globally connected world.
Learn more about the Chinese Option - Applied Modern Language and Culture BS programA bachelor’s degree in French will immerse you in the language and culture, but paired with a major in the arts, business, computing, engineering, or the sciences, you will be prepared for an exceptional career in our globally connected world.
Learn more about the French Option - Applied Modern Language and Culture BS programA degree in Japanese will immerse you in the language and culture, but paired with a major in the arts, business, computing, engineering, or the sciences, you will be prepared for an exceptional career in our globally connected world.
Learn more about the Japanese Option - Applied Modern Language and Culture BS programA degree in the Spanish language will immerse you in the language and culture, but paired with a major in the arts, business, computing, engineering, or the sciences, you will be prepared for an exceptional career in our globally connected world.
Learn more about the Spanish Option - Applied Modern Language and Culture BS programMinors and Immersions
The ASL and Deaf Cultural Studies immersion prepares students in the multi-disciplinary study of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. Open to hearing and deaf students, courses address topics in the field of ASL and Deaf Cultural Studies, including the study of ASL and its structure, ASL literature, literature in English pertaining to the Deaf experience, the history of Deaf people in the U.S. and around the world, Deaf art and cinema, the experience of Deaf people from racial, ethnic, and other underrepresented groups, intersectionality, oppression in the lives of Deaf people, and various political, legal, and educational issues affecting members of Deaf communities.
Learn more about the American Sign Language and Deaf Cultural Studies Immersion programThe American Sign Language and deaf cultural studies minor prepares students in the multidisciplinary study of American Sign Language and deaf culture. The minor is open to hearing and deaf students enrolled in all bachelor's degree programs. Courses in the minor address topics in the field of ASL and deaf cultural studies including the study of ASL and its structure, ASL literature, literature in English pertaining to the D/deaf experience, the history of D/deaf people in America and around the world, Deaf art and cinema, the experience of D/deaf people from racial, ethnic, and other minority groups, oppression in the lives D/deaf people, and various political, legal, and educational issues affecting members of the D/deaf community. The minor complements majors in fields such as business, imaging arts and sciences, health sciences, policy studies, professional and technical communication, psychology, and numerous scientific and technical fields.
Learn more about the American Sign Language and Deaf Cultural Studies Minor programThe language science immersion prepares students in the interdisciplinary scientific study and analysis of human language. Language science is directly applicable to students interested in computing and media, human-computer interaction, brain and cognition, language acquisition, human health, interpreting, relevant branches of engineering, and policy studies. Students can complete the immersion irrespective of their skills in languages other than English. Besides a core course on linguistic principles, students choose electives covering the technology of language, philosophy of language, and language in culture and society. Electives allow students to customize the immersion to their interests and needs, with the support of a faculty adviser.
Learn more about the Language Science Immersion programThe language science minor prepares students for the study and analysis of human language. The minor is directly applicable to students interested in computing and media, human-computer interaction, brain and cognition, language acquisition, human health, interpreting, relevant branches of engineering, and policy studies. Students can complete the minor requirements irrespective of their skills in languages other than English. Electives allow students to customize the minor to their interests and needs, with the support of a faculty adviser. The minor is an excellent complement to majors such as computer science, game design, information technology, psychology, sign language interpreting, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, bioengineering, science, or a foreign language.
Learn more about the Language Science Minor programThe Latino/Latina/Latin American studies immersion allows students to study Latino or Latin American culture. The goal is to introduce students to the customs and culture (history, art, literature, politics, anthropology, music) of Latin America or of Latinos in the U.S. Students become aware of the relationship between language and culture, and of the differences between their own language and culture and those of Spanish-speaking countries or Brazil.
Learn more about the Latino/Latina/Latin American Studies Immersion programThe Latino/Latina/Latin American studies minor provides at least two full years of instruction to prepare students for living and working within an intercultural society both at home and abroad. The minor's five courses foster cultural, or linguistic and cultural, proficiency. Part of the minor requirements may be taken abroad.
Learn more about the Latino/Latina/Latin American Studies Minor programThis immersion introduces students to the language, customs, and cultural aspects (history, art, literature, politics, anthropology, and music) of Arabic-speaking countries. The immersion consists of three language courses or two language courses and one culture course. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor adviser for placement evaluation before they register for language courses.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Arabic Immersion programThis minor provides two full years of modern language and culture instruction to prepare students for living and working within an intercultural society both at home and abroad. The minor consists of five courses, either five language courses or a combination of language courses with up to two culture courses. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor adviser for placement evaluation before they register. Part of the requirements for this minor can be fulfilled by courses taken abroad.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Arabic Minor programThis immersion introduces students to the language, customs, and cultural aspects (history, art, literature, politics, anthropology, and music) of Chinese-speaking countries. The immersion consists of three language courses or two language courses and one culture course. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor adviser for placement evaluation before they register.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Chinese Immersion programThis minor provides two full years of modern language and culture instruction to prepare students for living and working within an intercultural society both at home and abroad. The minor consists of five courses, either five language courses or a combination of language courses with up to two culture courses. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor adviser for placement evaluation before they register. Part of the requirements for this minor can be fulfilled by courses taken abroad.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Chinese Minor programThis immersion introduces students to the language, customs, and cultural aspects (history, art, literature, politics, anthropology, and music) of French-speaking countries. The immersion consists of three language courses or two language courses and one culture course. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor adviser for placement evaluation before they register.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – French Immersion programThis minor provides two full years of modern language and culture instruction to prepare students for living and working within an intercultural society both at home and abroad. The minor consists of five courses, either five language courses or a combination of language courses with up to two culture courses. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor adviser for placement evaluation before they register. Part of the requirements for this minor can be fulfilled by courses taken abroad.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – French Minor programThis immersion introduces students to the language, customs, and cultural aspects (history, art, literature, politics, anthropology, and music) of German-speaking countries. The immersion consists of three language courses or two language courses and one culture course. Students with previous language skills will begin the language courses at their current level of proficiency as determined by a placement test.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – German Immersion programThis minor provides two full years of modern language and culture instruction to prepare students for living and working within an intercultural society both at home and abroad. The minor consists of five courses, either five language courses or a combination of language courses with up to two culture courses. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor adviser for placement evaluation before they register. Part of the requirements for this minor can be fulfilled by courses taken abroad.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – German Minor programThis immersion introduces students to the language, customs, and cultural aspects (history, art, literature, politics, anthropology, and music) of Italy. The immersion consists of three language courses or two language courses and one culture course. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor adviser for placement evaluation before they register.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Italian Immersion programThis minor provides two full years of modern language and culture instruction to prepare students for living and working within an intercultural society both at home and abroad. The minor consists of five courses, either five language courses or a combination of language courses with up to two culture courses. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor adviser for placement evaluation before they register. Part of the requirements for this minor can be fulfilled by courses taken abroad.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Italian Minor programThis immersion introduces students to the language, customs, and cultural aspects (history, art, literature, politics, anthropology, and music) of Japan. The immersion consists of three language courses or two language courses and one culture course. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor advisor for placement evaluation before they register.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Japanese Immersion programThis minor provides two full years of modern language and culture instruction to prepare students for living and working within an intercultural society both at home and abroad. The minor consists of five courses, either five language courses or a combination of language courses with up to two culture courses. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor adviser for placement evaluation before they register. Part of the requirements for this minor can be fulfilled by courses taken abroad.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Japanese Minor programThis immersion introduces students to the language, customs, and cultural aspects (history, art, literature, politics, anthropology, and music) of Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries. The immersion consists of three language courses or two language courses and one culture course. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor advisor for placement evaluation before they register.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Portuguese Immersion programThis minor provides two full years of modern language and culture instruction to prepare students for living and working within an intercultural society both at home and abroad. The minor consists of five courses, either five language courses or a combination of language courses with up to two culture courses. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor advisor for placement evaluation before they register. Part of the requirements for this minor can be fulfilled by courses taken abroad.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Portuguese Minor programThis immersion introduces students to the language, customs, and cultural aspects (history, art, literature, politics, anthropology, and music) of Russia and Russian-speaking countries of the world. The immersion consists of three language courses or two language courses and one culture course. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor advisor for placement evaluation before they register.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Russian Immersion programThis minor provides two full years of modern language and culture instruction to prepare students for living and working within an intercultural society both at home and abroad. The minor consists of five courses, either five language courses or a combination of language courses with up to two culture courses. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor advisor for placement evaluation before they register. Part of the requirements for this minor can be fulfilled by courses taken abroad.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Russian Minor programThis immersion introduces students to the language, customs, and cultural aspects (history, art, literature, politics, anthropology, and music) of Spain and Spanish-speaking countries. The immersion consists of three language courses or two language courses and one culture course. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor adviser for placement evaluation before they register.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Spanish Immersion programThis minor provides two full years of modern language and culture instruction to prepare students for living and working within an intercultural society both at home and abroad. The minor consists of five courses, either five language courses or a combination of language courses with up to two culture courses. Students with previous language skills must consult the minor advisor for placement evaluation before they register. Part of the requirements for this minor can be fulfilled by courses taken abroad.
Learn more about the Modern Languages and Cultures – Spanish Minor programModern Languages Technology Center
The MLTC provides a broad range of services for faculty and students related to language instruction. This includes facility maintenance, room reservation, equipment loans, curriculum development assistance, professional development opportunities and more. The MLTC is home to a library of audio files and foreign-language films, many of which are available to stream remotely. Additionally, the MLTC has computers tailored for use in foreign languages.