Overview
The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is composed of five areas: French, German, Hispanic Studies, Japanese, and linguistics.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study modern languages, literatures, and cultures at 91AV?
This interdisciplinary major (and honours) exposes students to the practical study of language within small class sizes to provide an opportunity to acquire many skills, including superior communicative competence, cultural awareness, and aesthetic literacy.
At 91AV, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures is for students desiring a high competence in two languages plus knowledge of a third.
As a Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures major, you'll choose:
| Language #1 (33 credits) |
French or Spanish |
| Language #2 (24 credits) |
French, Spanish, or German |
| Language #3 (12 credits) |
French, Spanish, German, or Japanese |
Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures is available as:
- BA major (72 credits)
- BA honours (78 credits)
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Program highlights
Language Lab
The Language Lab, located within the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, provides students studying languages with a dedicated space to practice their language skills in:
- French
- German
- Japanese
- Spanish
Study abroad and exchanges
You are encouraged to take advantage of extracurricular opportunities to enhance your studies, and to participate in international study abroad and exchange programs to gain further exposure to both the language and culture you are studying.
91AV's study abroad and exchange opportunities include France, Germany, Spain, and Japan.
The MLLC interdisciplinary program brings together course offerings in language, literature, and culture in two main language groups of your choosing, while also providing proficiency in a third language.
Beginning language courses in German, Spanish, and Japanese* are designed for students who either have never studied the language previously or have had minimal experience with the language.
Placement of students in their first French course* will be decided on the basis of a French Language Skills Assessment given by the Department. All students who have not studied French at 91AV previously must complete this assessment before registering for a course in French.
Following introductory courses (or intermediate in the case of French) in your chosen languages in your first year, you will take more advanced language classes and have options to study French, German, and Spanish literature, film, and culture.
You will also learn the fundamentals of linguistics.
Fourth year offers the chance to pursue independent studies in French, German, and Spanish.
*No prior language knowledge is required for German, Spanish, or Japanese. Some knowledge of French is necessary — there is a required placement test to register for French classes.
SPAN 1101 — Introductory Spanish
This course teaches elements of Spanish grammar and pronunciation through practice and reading of prescribed texts. This is an intensive course designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Spanish.
FREN 2401 — Reading and Writing French I
This course requires that students already have a good command of the fundamental aspects of French in both its spoken and written forms. Its objectives are: to improve expression through the study and practice of appropriate sentence structures, such as sequence of past tenses, pronouns as complements, relative clauses, subordinate constructions requiring the subjunctive; to improve reading and analytical skills by examining and discussing texts that raise important and controversial issues; and to practice oral expression.
JAPA 1001 — Introductory Japanese I
This course introduces basic elements of the Japanese language including the essentials of grammar, pronunciation, and two writing systems: hiragana and katakana. It is intended for students with no prior background in Japanese.
LING 3001 — Fundamentals of Internal Linguistics
This course examines the nature and structure of language, the physiology of speech, word formation, theoretical concepts of sentence generation, and the phonological and historical forces involved in language creation and language change. It is recommended for senior students in language and literary studies, and students interested in language pathology.
GERM 2601 — Modern German Literature and Culture
This course offers a survey of key texts and ideas in modern German fiction from the Enlightenment to the twenty-first century.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Renata Schellenberg
Professor, German and Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
What can I do with a modern languages, literatures, and cultures degree?
Through experiential learning opportunities, faculty-supervised research, and close mentorship, students develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities valued by employers and graduate programs.
Recognized by Maclean's as Canada's top undergraduate university, 91AV's strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to top graduate and professional programs in education and law, while others move directly into careers in government and beyond.
Popular career paths for Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures graduates include:
- tourism development officer
- immigration officer
- border services officer
- intelligence officer
- interpreter/translator
- language consultant
- linguist
- immigrant/refugee support
- international student advisor
- exchange program co-ordinator
Alumni Spotlight
Laura Marie Wayne ('07)
Bachelor of Arts, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Filmmaker
What is it like to study at 91AV?
The professors in the Modern Languages and Literatures department are not only a privilege to work with because of their keen interest and extensive knowledge, but also because they are all passionate about student success and will support you throughout your entire journey studying languages at 91AV. I am so grateful for the support that I have received from the department. It is that sense of community that I always attribute most to Mount A.
/current-students/department-modern-languages-and-literatures
What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to modern languages, literatures, and cultures?
French Studies
French Studies develops your abilities in the language while increasing your awareness of French, French-Canadian, and francophone literatures and cultures.
German Studies
In addition to learning the language, German Studies will help you gain insight into the rich tradition of culture and literature in German-speaking countries.
Hispanic Studies
Hispanic Studies introduces both the Spanish language and the culture of the Hispanic world.