Departments, Programs and Centers
Departments
World Languages and Cultures
(American Sign Language/English Interpreting, Arabic, Chinese, Classical Studies, French, German, Italian, Japanese Studies, Spanish, Translation Studies)- Chair: Professor Marta Antón
- Academic Advising: Cavanaugh Hall 545, (317) 274-0062, (317) 278-3658
- Website: http://liberalarts.iupui.edu/wlac
The Department of World Languages & Cultures is a partnership of programs in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, Classical Studies, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish dedicated to the study of cultures and to advancing the knowledge of some of the most widely used languages in today’s world.
The department is committed to the development of students’ linguistic and intercultural competence through a curriculum that fosters the multiple connections between language, culture and their applications to other disciplines. While promoting an international perspective, coursework and other activities enable students to become linguistically and culturally competent language users who can employ their knowledge and skills for academic and professional purposes as well as for personal enrichment. Advanced knowledge of a world language may be applied to a variety of careers in Communications, Business, Health, Government and Social services, Education, Science, Informatics, and Travel, among others.
The IUPUI Department of World Languages and Cultures offers an undergraduate major in American Sign Language/English Interpreting, French, German, and Spanish, Individualized majors in Arabic Studies, Chinese Studies, Classical Studies and Japanese Studies, a Master’s Degree in the Teaching of Spanish, minors in American Sign Language Studies, Arabic Studies, Chinese Studies, Classical Studies, Japanese Studies, French, German, and Spanish, as well as an Undergraduate Certificate in Translation Studies and an Undergraduate Certificate in Chinese Studies. Our department also teaches the content courses for the Bachelor of Science degree and teacher certification with the IU School of Education, as well as a dual degree option in French, German, and Spanish with the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI.
The language-specific programs are listed alphabetically, followed by the Undergraduate Certificate in Translation Studies and Interpreting and other World Languages and Cultures courses.
Credit in World Languages by Placement and Course Credential
All students admitted to IUPUI with previous knowledge of a world language taught at IUPUI are urged to take the appropriate placement test as the best means to assess their level of proficiency. The online test in French, German, or Spanish helps students place into a more advanced class depending upon their results. (Placement assessment for American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and Latin is conducted by appropriate faculty.) Students may test out of the first and/or second year of course work and qualify for special credits at a reduced fee after successfully completing the course into which they are placed. Special credits in world languages meet distribution requirements and count toward graduation. Up to a maximum of 14 special credits at the first- and second-year levels may be earned after IUPUI course validation, provided that the student is not a native speaker of the language. The Testing Center can be reached at (317) 274-2620 in the Business building, BS3003.
Native Speaker
A native speaker of the language is defined as a student who has attended a high school in the language for which credit is sought. Native speakers cannot obtain special credits at the first-year level in their native language as defined above, but may apply for second or third year special credit after IUPUI course validation.
The Multimedia Language Resource Center (MLRC)
The MLRC, located in CA 319, provides a variety of technological resources to enhance language learning.
Study Abroad
Many study abroad programs are available to IUPUI students. Study or internship experience abroad dramatically improves language students’ listening and conversational skills and ability to interact with people of different backgrounds while enhancing their employment opportunities in all fields. Programs range in length from short two- or three-week summer programs, to one semester and academic year-long programs. Students interested in study abroad opportunities should visit the Office of International Affairs' Study Abroad Office, ES 2129B, IUPUI, (317) 274-2081 or the Department of World Languages and Cultures office in CA545. The Study Abroad Office website has details about approved programs offered.
Contact the department office at (317) 274-0062, (317) 278-3658, or wlac@iupui.edu with questions or to subscribe to the department’s e-mail list for announcements and news. You may also visit the World languages and Cultures website: http://liberalarts.iupui.edu/wlac