About the Program
Modern languages & literatures explores language, literature, the visual arts, digital media, material culture and social practices among other forms of cultural production. The program offers eight language areas in the field of cultural studies. You can begin a new language or attain fluency in a language you have already studied. While many courses are taught in the language of program, there are courses in English for students who are interested in learning about the culture.
Courses in Hebrew, Latin and Greek are offered through the Department of Classical Studies.
Paths of Study
- Major in Chinese Studies
- Major in French & Francophone Studies
- Major in Hispanic Studies
- Major in Japanese Studies
- Minor in Arabic Studies
- Minor in Chinese Studies
- Minor in French & Francophone Studies
- Minor in German Studies
- Minor in Hispanic Studies
- Minor in Italian Studies
- Minor in Japanese Studies
- Minor in Russian Language & Literature
Oldest Department in U.S. History
William & Mary's Department of Modern Languages & Literature is the oldest department in the United States, founded in 1779 through the efforts of alumnus Thomas Jefferson, then Governor of Virginia.
What Makes Us Different
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University Partnerships
W&M works with abroad schools in order for students to take part in their programs.
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TA Opportunities
Work as a Teaching Assistant for beginning and intermediate language classes.
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Real-World Experience
Train as a medical interpreter at Eastern Shore Rural Health clinics for Spanish-speaking farm workers.
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Gazetta
Join the team of this Russian language newspaper.
Applied Learning
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Research
Work as a research assistant in the Lab for the Documentation Analysis & Translation of Language in Society or the Chinese Digital Humanities Research Lab.
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Eight Language Houses
Experience the culture and practice language skills with other students and a live-in fellow.
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Study Abroad
Take part in summer or semester-long faculty-led programs in Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Outcomes
Modern languages & literature alumni are trained with critical writing skills and equipped with effective communication and research tools both in English and a second language. Many alumni go on to graduate and professional schools. Others begin careers with private companies, corporations, non-profit and government agencies working in areas of law, international relations, business, education and public health. With their in-depth linguistic and cultural training in global issues pertaining to immigration, social justice, histories of underrepresented peoples and the world of arts, education and diverse cultural expressions from around the globe, modern languages & literature alumni are poised for leadership in the 21st century.
Talk to Us
Want to learn more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.
Department of Modern Languages & Literatures
Current Majors
- Contact a: Chinese studies major
- Contact a: French & Francophone studies major
- Contact a: Hispanic studies major
- Contact a: Japanese studies major
Program Directors
- Ask the faculty: Contact the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.
