Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis IUPUI

Welcome to World Languages and Cultures

• Are you looking for an opportunity to improve your knowledge of another language for academic or professional purposes?
• Are you curious about other cultures, other countries or about your own cultural and linguistic heritage?
• Do you want to travel or to study and work abroad?
• Would you like to simply learn to communicate in another language?

The Department of World Languages & Cultures is a partnership of programs in:

American Sign Language,
Arabic,
Chinese,
Classical Studies,
French,
German,
Italian,
Japanese,
Spanish,
Translation Studies

dedicated to the study of cultures and to advancing the knowledge of some of the most widely used languages in today’s world.

The department is committed to the development of students’ linguistic and intercultural competence through a curriculum that fosters the multiple connections between language, culture and their applications to other disciplines. While promoting an international perspective, coursework and other activities enable students to become linguistically and culturally competent language users who can employ their knowledge and skills for academic and professional purposes as well as for personal enrichment. Advanced knowledge of a world language may be applied to a variety of careers in Communications, Business, Health, Government and Social services, Education, Science, Informatics, and Travel, among others.

The IUPUI Department of World Languages and Cultures offers an undergraduate major and minor in French, German, Spanish and American Sign Language/English Interpreting, and a minor and Individualized major in Arabic Studies, Chinese Studies, Classical Studies and Japanese Studies, as well as a Master’s Degree in the Teaching of Spanish and an Undergraduate Certificate in Translation Studies and a Certificate in Chinese Studies.

Our department also teaches the content courses for the Bachelor of Science degree and teacher certification with the IU School of Education, as well as a dual degree option in French, German, and Spanish with the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI.

Studying another language also:

• improves your knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary;
• increases your cognitive and verbal skills;
• prepares you to interact successfully with people of different cultures in an increasingly globalized environment.

Combined with other professional skills, your knowledge of a second language gives you an edge in a challenging job market, and yes, it makes you smarter!

Would you like to see the present and future course offerings? Click HERE and find your Program.

Marta Antón
Professor and Chair of WLAC