LCAL Unifies Language and Culture Programs Under New Major
By Karen Richters
As global communication and cultural exchange continue to shape an increasingly interconnected world, the Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics (LCAL) is introducing a newly unified undergraduate major — the B.A. in Languages and Cultures.
“This major reflects both who we have always been and where we are headed,” said Anne Lambright, department head and Paul Mellon Distinguished Professor of Hispanic Studies.
“Our language and culture programs have long shared a commitment to helping students understand how language shapes identities, communities and global relationships. By bringing these programs together within a unified major, we're creating greater flexibility for students while strengthening the interdisciplinary foundations that connect our work across languages and cultures.”
The interdisciplinary major brings together LCAL's language and culture studies programs within a shared framework that examines the relationships among language, culture and society. Students build a foundation in cultural studies and sociolinguistics before pursuing a concentration in one of nine areas: Arabic Studies, Chinese Studies, German Studies, Global French Studies, Hispanic Studies, Italian Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies or Russian Studies. Students may also choose a Comparative Studies concentration that integrates two languages and cultures.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the major welcomes students at all levels of language proficiency. Courses may count toward the major starting at any level, allowing students to begin a new language, strengthen existing skills or pursue advanced cultural study.
The new structure reflects LCAL's commitment to preparing students with the linguistic proficiency, cultural literacy and analytical skills needed to engage thoughtfully across cultures and communities.
LCAL's minors will remain unchanged. Students may continue to pursue minors in Arabic Studies, Chinese Studies, German Studies, Global French Studies, Hispanic Studies, Japanese Studies and Russian Studies, as well as the minor in Immersive Technologies in Arts & Culture, offered in partnership with IDeATe.