World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Prepare for life in a global society through the study of languages, literatures, and cultures.

The Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures houses seven distinct language and literature programs — Arabic, Chinese, Deaf Studies and Sign LanguagesFrench, German, Italian, Russian — and a comparative literature program, Studies in World Literatures.

Students are strongly advised to carefully and intentionally select a language of study early in their academic careers that complements and enhances their undergraduate studies and expands post-graduate opportunities.

The department’s faculty members offer dynamic courses that integrate current pedagogical practices as well as cultural programming beyond the classroom. An essential component of our language courses is the practicum run by foreign language assistants, who come to Holy Cross from all over the globe to share the contemporary culture of their native countries and communities with our students.

Courses include offerings in literature, linguistics, film, and culture, which may be conducted in English or in the target language. Individual programs within the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures also host events, such as weekly language tables and cafés, film series, lectures, performances and cultural excursions. Study abroad and study away programs enable students to immerse themselves in the language and culture of other countries and communities and to greatly expand their language skills.

Languages and Programs

Information specific to each language program offered at Holy Cross can be found on the respective program pages. Students interested in Spanish should visit the department page.

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Arabic

Arabic track within Middle Eastern Studies concentration

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Chinese Studies

Major, Minor

Students sitting
Deaf Studies and Sign Languages

Minor, self-designed major

Germany
German Studies

Major, Minor

Italy
Italian Studies

Major, Minor

Russia
Russian Studies

Major, Minor

students sitting
Study Abroad/Study Away

Develop 21st century language skills and cultural knowledge through a semester or a year abroad in one of our many study abroad programs.

o'kane hall
Foreign Language Assistants

Our foreign language assistants come from across the globe and help students sharpen their language skills.

students at an event
Cultural Programming

Vibrant programming introduces students to cultural traditions, intellectual perspectives and social practices.

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures News

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Holy Cross Academic Conference 2017 to Showcase Student Work
As the academic year nears its end, more than 350 students will present the results of their independent work in the performing and visual arts, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences at the 2017 Academic Conference, taking place across campus …
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Holy Cross Hosts Conference to Delve Into Tolstoy’s Controversial Take on Christianity
An international slate of acclaimed authors and scholars of the work of Russian writer Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) will participate in a conference titled “Tolstoy and Spirituality” on April 21-22 at the College of the Holy Cross. All conference sessions, which …
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Holy Cross Music Department Announces the Spring 2017 Concert Series
The College of the Holy Cross music department will kick off its spring concert series on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. in Brooks Concert Hall with artist-in-residence Saul Bitrán’s Cuarteto Latinoamericano: “Tribute to the Americas.” Cuarteto Latinoamericano is one …