The Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers a major and a minor in Hispanic and Latin American Studies, minors in Italian and Spanish, and a Spanish Language for Medical Professionals Certificate. Students can also explore a treasure trove of other languages at the introductory level (and, in some cases, beyond) in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Japanese and Polish.
The study of modern languages, along with their literatures and cultures, is valuable both personally and professionally. Students develop effective communication skills as well as knowledge that provides an essential foundation for a beautifully diverse and changing world.
Language Placement
Students who continue the study of a modern language begun prior to college must take a placement exam to be placed at the appropriate course level. For more information please visit cas360.qu.edu/ and search for “Language Placement Exam.”
Study Away
Study away is encouraged for all students, especially those majoring in Hispanic and Latin American Studies or minoring in Italian or Spanish. Quinnipiac facilitates wonderful opportunities for study away and accepts relevant credit from colleges and universities abroad. Please visit the Study Abroad page for additional information.
The mission of the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures is to help students develop effective communication skills, cultural critical thinking, and knowledge in their chosen language of study. Students build a strong educational foundation to thrive as global citizens whose minds are opened to new ways of thinking, communicating, and perceiving the world in all of its rich multidimensionality.
Arabic (ARB)
ARB 210. Arab Culture and Society.3 Credits.
This course examines the historical, social, religious, cultural and artistic aspects of the modern Arab world. Students are exposed to traditions and customs of the Arabs in the Modern Middle East. Additionally, they become familiar with the diversity of the region and gain knowledge of the history and development of Arabic culture from the classical period to the present and the major cultural institutions of the Arabic-speaking world. The course provides students with a view of the cultural contours of the modern Arab world and the richness of the Arab cultural heritage.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
UC: Humanities, Intercultural Understand
ASL American Sign Language
Chinese (CN)
CN 210. Chinese Culture and Civilization.3 Credits.
This course introduces students to Chinese culture and civilization across time and regions. It provides an overview for students to grasp the important cultural concepts and to understand the great inventions created by China. Subjects include food and cuisine, traditional clothes, architecture and scenery, festival celebrations, Chinese arts, literature and proverbs, traditions and taboos, religious beliefs, and Chinese medicine. The course is conducted in English and does not require prior knowledge of Chinese.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
UC: Humanities, Intercultural Understand
French (FR)
German (GR)
Hebrew (HBR)
HBR 205. Israeli Pop Culture.3 Credits.
Ever wondered why Israeli television is all over Netflix, or why Sabra hummus came to dominate your supermarket shelves? In this course, we will examine multiple forms of popular culture, including television, music, social media, fashion, and more, to understand contemporary Israeli society, with a focus on debates over language, gender, and politics in a global context. This course is taught in English.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
Hispanic (HSP)
Italian (IT)
IT 211. Italian Cinema (in Eng.).3 Credits.
The study of Italian cinema and its main movements and periods guides students' exploration of Italian culture. From the postwar era to the hyper-contemporary, students study the most representative films of Italian cinema in order to analyze the ways in which cultural and national identity have been portrayed and typified by filmmakers representing a variety of cinematic and historical periods and genres. Taught in English.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every other year, Spring
UC: Fine Arts, Intercultural Understand
Japanese (JP)
JP 210. Introduction to Japanese Culture.3 Credits.
This course provides students with an overview of Japanese culture, including the history, arts, tradition, beliefs, customs, behaviors, society, food and other topics. Upon successful completion of the course, students possess a better understanding of Japan's culture and its people. Students expand their horizons with their new knowledge to understand a different culture and viewpoints. The course is conducted in English and does not require prior knowledge of Japanese.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
UC: Humanities, Intercultural Understand
Modern Language (ML)
Polish (POL)
Spanish (SP)
SP 303. Conversations in Spanish for Health Professionals.1 Credit.
Students practice conversations in Spanish focused on medical scenarios to increase their fluency in health-care settings.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
SP 401. Advanced Spanish Grammar.3 Credits.
This culminating course, designed to increase and perfect the knowledge of students who possess a strong command of Spanish grammar, includes instruction in verb tense usage, sentence syntax, lexical choices and idiomatic usage. Exercises to solidify knowledge are used extensively. The course is taught in English or Spanish or a blend of both, depending on the students enrolled in any given class.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed