Modern Languages and Literature

Web site

Department Chair, Russell Ganim
1110 Oldfather Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0315 | (402) 472-3745 | rganim1@unl.edu

Undergraduate Adviser
1111 Oldfather Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0315 | (402) 472-3745 | modlang2@unl.edu

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers courses in German, Japanese, the Romance Language group (French and Spanish), and the Slavic group (Russian, with Czech taught through the Division of Continuing Studies). Whenever possible, the courses are conducted in the target language, and upper-level courses encourage interdisciplinary work and work in comparative literature and cultural study. Instruction in reading, writing, aural and oral proficiency conveys an understanding of the life, literature and culture of these speech communities. Lectures and films, colloquia and visiting scholars, as well as placement testing and work in the language laboratory, supplement students' classroom activities.

A person who chooses a major or minor in a modern language not only acquires indispensable skills in communication but receives a deep and well-articulated knowledge of the liberal arts, training in problem-solving and the kind of understanding of cultures other than our own that is possible only through language study.

Careers
Many career opportunities exist for those with foreign language skills in areas such as international business, teaching (elementary through college levels and for corporations or governments), the Foreign Service, and translating. For example, a German language alumnus works as the administrative officer for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board and runs a bed and breakfast in Washington, D.C. Another works as a rare books librarian and Germanic and Slavic languages liaison. An alumna who majored in Spanish, with minors in Portuguese and French, is the director of audience research for the Voice of America-Radio Marti Program. A French alumna works at the National Gallery of Art as an art historical researcher and museum database contractor.

The Program
As a truly international, interconnected unit, the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers majors and minors in French, German, Russian and Spanish, and minors in Czech and Japanese. A minor is required for each of the majors. Many students minor in a second language, but you may also want to minor in another field in the arts or humanities, such as art or art history, English, European studies, political science, women's studies, history, music, philosophy or theater arts.

Resources
Modern language students have access to a newly renovated language laboratory. The lab has 64 booths with two-track audio systems; 30 of the booths are equipped with computers and 32 booths provide video monitors. A director and assistant supervise your lab work, which is an integral part of the program. Tutoring and help with translation are available at all times.

If you want to study abroad, you will be able to receive full credit at NU when enrolled in programs in France, Germany, Russia, Spain or Mexico. If you wish to have an intensive language experience in Spanish closer to home, you can participate on campus in the summer language house program, which offers second-year classes. Students eat breakfast and lunch as a group, using Spanish in all classes and activities.

The Kawasaki Reading Room for Japanese Studies was established in 1992 through a grant from Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corporation, U.S.A., in Lincoln. It houses a sizable collection of books and other reading materials relating to Japanese language and culture, including reference books, encyclopedias, historical and geographical atlases, videos, film and several periodicals and newspapers. The room is also available for use by Japanese conversation groups, for consultation, and for tutoring.

Activities
Students who major in a foreign language may enjoy being involved with the honorary societies or clubs of each language. These groups often sponsor speakers, talks and films. In addition, the Mary Riepma Ross Film Theater on campus regularly offers public showings of foreign films with English subtitles and each semester NU sponsors a number of foreign exchange students.

Scholarships and Financial Aid
High School seniors who are applying for admission should contact the Office of Admissions regarding application for freshman scholarships and all deadlines. For federal aid, student and parent(s) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available from your high school guidance counselor.

Current UNL students should contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to make sure they have applied for all appropriate scholarships and financial aid. In addition, the College of Arts and Sciences administers scholarships. The Department of Modern Languages gives merit and study abroad scholarships to qualified students of the languages every spring. For information about these college scholarships, deadlines, and the college’s Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form, see the Arts and Sciences Web site at http://ascweb.unl.edu/students/sfa.html.

Study Abroad
The department sponsors programs of study abroad that offer a diverse curricula in language and culture, opportunities for teaching, and internships in Besançon (France), Berlin (Germany), and Toledo (Spain), as well as programs of study abroad in Monterrey and Quéretaro (Mexico) and Bilbao (Spain) during summer sessions.

Graduate Programs
The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers the MA and PhD degrees in French, German, and Spanish. Programs consist of advanced work in the student's primary language, courses in literature, literary criticism, and linguistics, interdisciplinary work in other fields or languages, and independent study and research.