Foreign Languages and Literature

Overview

At SIUE, we take our students out into the world and bring the world to our students. Our program curriculum includes subject areas focusing on the languages, literature, cultures and histories of diverse regions and countries.

Language learners are brought together in a variety of settings, including:

classrooms
language lab
study abroad destinations
language conversation hours
student organizations

While offering opportunities to study many different languages from around the world, we provide a balance between delivering courses to students majoring in foreign languages and literature and contributing to general education course requirements. Language courses are available in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Swahili, Ukrainian and Yoruba.

Majors and minors are available in:

French
German
Spanish

We also have interdisciplinary minors in:

What can I do with a degree in foreign languages and literature?

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, your language skills open the door to exciting job opportunities. Bilinguals earn more than their monolingual counterparts according to national job statistics. In the SIUE Department of Foreign Languages and Literature, your education is not confined to a classroom—it spans every corner of the globe.

Increasing diversity in the United States requires more professionals to have diverse language skills and cultural awareness. Students graduating with knowledge of one or more foreign languages will have a competitive edge in today’s high level of globalization. Recent graduates hold positions with companies such as:

Alloy Holdings
Boeing
Express Scripts
Deloitte Tohmatsu
Anheuser-Busch InBev
AIDS Foundation
Wells Fargo

Many of our students pursue a double major and combine foreign languages with fields such as:

Business
Law enforcement
Nursing
Medicine
Engineering
Construction

Training is also available for students completing degrees in business, pharmacy and nursing.

Courses Offered

Courses offered by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature are designed to provide students with insights into the culture and literature of foreign countries while they develop fluency in a second language. The study of a foreign language ranges from an introductory sequence through a minor or major concentration and represents an integral part of a broad, internationally enlightened education. Foreign language proficiency also increases students' understanding and command of their native language.

The department offers both major and minor concentrations in French, German, and Spanish, leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Language courses in Chinese, Italian, Russian, Ukrainian and Yoruba also are offered.

All incoming students with one year or more of high school foreign language study are required to take a placement assessment prior to enrolling in any course in that same language at SIUE. There is no charge for the assessment, and students may earn up to 16 hours of proficiency credit in accordance with University and departmental policies. Please contact the department for more information.

It is strongly recommended that students who choose a language major also select an additional major or minor concentration in another discipline. Such a combination will enhance students' educational and employment opportunities.

A current listing of language courses can be found on CougarNet.

Accreditation

Our K-12 teacher certification program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (CAEP/ACTFL).

Faculty

Our professors have trained at the finest universities in the United States and abroad. Staff members are experienced in all aspects of language teaching and are committed to student success and well-being. At SIUE, our students are never just a number. They receive personal attention in order to help them achieve their full potential.

View current foreign languages and literature faculty