Languages & Literary Studies

The study of languages, literatures, and cultures is an integral part of the liberal arts curriculum, as it provides students with an intercultural and humanistic education that prepares them for responsible and significant participation in local and global communities.

In addition to communicative competence in ten world languages, each of the programs offered by the department works to foster intellectual curiosity, empathy, openness, and knowledge of world cultures and their values, practices, and perspectives. Students acquire an appreciation for human diversity, an understanding of the purposes and possibilities of different forms of expression, and the experience and skills necessary to pursue graduate study and/or careers in a variety of fields, including education, business, information technology, and public service.

Programs

We offer instruction in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. There also are two programs in translation: Classical Studies, and Comparative Literature. The Department also offers courses on Second-Language Acquisition.

Learn more about our language programs

Language Placement

Not sure what level of language course you should take? Whether you've already started your education in another language or are just beginning, we can guide you.

Access to the placement test

People

Interested in a language? Have some questions? We're here for you.

Learn more about our faculty and staff

Facilities

Located in historic Pardee Hall, the facilities include a full-service, multimedia resource center, two student study lounges, and an encounter space for coffee, conversation, and exchange of ideas. There is a seminar learning space, three classrooms, and our faculty offices--the perfect enclave to immerse yourself in a language.

Learn more about our facilities

Study Abroad

An academic year, semester, summer, or interim session? The Department of Languages & Literary Studies Studies encourages all students to fully engage themselves in another culture and language.

Learn more about study abroad opportunities

Language Resource Center

The Languages & Literary Studies Resource Center at Lafayette College provides a collaborative learning environment whose mission is to foster a dialogue between cultures through the use of educational technology. The LLSRC at Lafayette complements and supports the ten different modern and classical languages, literature, and culture programs.

Language Resource Center