Majoring in an international language means studying the language, literature, and culture of the countries concerned. Knowledge of an international language deepens understanding of one's own culture and language and contributes toward a greater appreciation of other cultures.

The Department of International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures' goals and objectives for our students are:

1. Development of professional and marketable mastery of communicative skills in one or more foreign languages other than English;
2. Appropriation of linguistic skills, transferable selectively to a wide range of practical options, including--but not limited to--mass media, higher education, travel/leisure enterprises, the performing arts, teaching, diplomacy, law enforcement, military intelligence, the space program, business/marketing, international banking, politics, the Peace Corps, etc.;
3. Acquisition of knowledge and sensitivity about one or more literary and cultural heritages/traditions other than those of English-speaking countries;
4. Internalization of the principle of diversity as one of the cornerstones of personal, national, and international relationships, and promotion of its inherent values in the world at large;
5. Achievement of a high degree of information literacy by accessing national and international sources, and judicious evaluation of the same for form, value, and content.

The department's Multimedia Language Learning Center allows faculty and students to use technology to further the acquisition of world languages and cultural awareness. The applications of this technology enhance the department's capability to fulfill its mission in teaching and learning.

Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Portuguese, and Russian are offered through the intermediate level depending on student demand. Greek and Latin may also be offered.

International Programs

Students have an opportunity to study for a year through the California State University International Programs. California State University International Program opportunities pertaining to languages taught in the department are in Canada (Quebec), Chile, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and Taiwan. Students also have the option of studying abroad for a semester, year, or summer through the University Studies Abroad Consortium. Both these sponsoring organizations of study abroad have scholarships for interested students. See the University's study abroad adviser for more information. Approval of course equivalencies from study abroad programs must be authorized by the department prior to studying abroad and verified afterward.

Career Outlook

A degree in an international language increases employment prospects with employers such as the government, multinational corporations, airlines, shipping companies, wineries, travel agencies, hospitals, education, technology, and music. Language competency in a world language is necessary in different international programs (international relations, international business) and area studies programs (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and Pacific Basin).

In California and many other states, Spanish is a useful adjunct in the fields of social welfare, medicine, elementary and secondary teaching, and other areas of public service.

For students planning to attend graduate school, the knowledge of a foreign language is an important research tool and is a requirement in most disciplines.