EIU Department of
World Languages and Cultures

World Languages & Cultures 

at EIU

In an increasingly interconnected world, knowing how to speak two or more languages is a skill that’s in growing demand no matter where you live.

Whether you choose the World Language Major, a World Language Minor, or the Teacher Licensure track, our program prepares you to communicate and connect in the multilingual and multicultural world we share, expanding the range of professional opportunities open to you and increasing your power to act as citizen of the world. Our classrooms and lab provide you with a multicultural and vibrant environment for your learning.

Our curriculum aims to produce graduates who are functionally proficient in all three communicative modes (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational). In our small classes, you'll get intensive and effective practice in all skill areas -- speaking, reading, writing, listening and culture -- as described in the American Council on the Teaching of World Languages Proficiency Guidelines and the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages.

While significant emphasis is placed on the functional application of languages, the department vigorously continues to teach the traditional literatures of the present concentrations in French, German and Spanish. We strive also to expand the canon of these literatures to include as diverse a variety of time periods, geographical, and ethnic elements as possible. In addition to its current concentrations, the department will aggressively seek to provide training in other languages as need and opportunity arise.

All third and fourth semester courses (2201G and 2202G) may be counted to meet the Humanities General Education requirement.

BA in World Languages & Cultures

Choose from three languages of concentration (Spanish, French, German).

Minor in a World Language

Use your high school classes to jump ahead. With 4 years of high school study, many students start at the 3000 level. You need 12 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level to complete your Minor. 

Teacher Licensure 

We offer a Teacher Education Major as well as Teacher Education Minor in Spanish, French, and German.

ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES

Students in all our programs enhance their language skills and boost their résumés through...

• Teaching our after school program in elementary school (offered every semester) and earn Spanish, French or German credits
• Interning on and off campus
• Working as tutors in our language lab
• Serving as (paid) camp counselors in our new Summer Spanish Immersion Camp
• Collaborating with "Amigos and Friends" and TLC (The Language Company) international students on campus
• Participating in the many extracurricular activities that our diverse program offers...

Language Clubs

Weekly Conversation Tables

Honor Societies

Film Nights

Latin American Studies events