Department of World Languages & Literatures
The Department of World Languages & Literatures (WLL) offers courses in Arabic, Chinese, German, Hebrew, Hindi-Urdu, Japanese, Korean, Persian (Farsi), Russian, and Turkish languages and literatures as well as in comparative literature and translation. Courses conducted in English on world literatures, cinema, and culture contribute to general education at BU and fulfill many areas of the Hub. The department prepares students to enter an increasingly global workplace permeated by cultural and linguistic diversity.
Majors and Minors in World Languages & Literatures
Students may choose a major or a minor in Comparative Literature, Chinese, German, Japanese, Korean, and Russian, or a major in Middle Eastern and South Asian Languages & Literatures (MESALL). Minors are also available in Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian Cultural Studies.
Language and literature majors prepare students for careers or advanced study in international relations, government, education, journalism, international business, publishing, and translation. Many of our graduates have also entered professional programs in law and medicine.
The department encourages CAS students to obtain the greatest benefit from their second language requirement by pursuing a minor in their chosen language. Advanced courses in a language or its literature increase proficiency in that language, present the great works and epochs of the literature, and acquaint students with the contemporary culture and that culture’s roots in the past. Students plan a minor program with their advisor, consisting ordinarily of six courses in their language or literature.
An array of WLL courses in English translation, such as XL 100 Leaving Home, the XL 222–225 series on literatures of various global regions, and diverse cinema courses, are stepping-stones into the major or minor for students, even when they are at the early stages of language learning.
BA in Language & Literature to MFA in Literary Translation
Students interested in literary translation may begin coursework on an MFA while still completing their BA in language and literature. Working with faculty who are themselves professional translators, students work to refine stylistic and linguistic skills while learning the foundations of the field of translation studies. BA-to-MFA degree programs are offered in Ancient Greek, Chinese, French Studies, Japanese, German, Latin, Spanish, and Comparative Literature. Students should apply by February of their junior year. For more information about the requirements and how to apply, click on the links below.
Chinese/Literary Translation
Comparative Literature/Literary Translation
German/Literary Translation
Japanese/Literary Translation
Global House
The Global House Living-Learning Community at 610 Beacon Street welcomes students who are passionate about languages and cultures. Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are proficient at the second-term level (112) or above in African languages, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish are invited to apply. For more information, visit BU Housing.
Geddes Language Center
The Geddes Language Center, on the fifth floor of 685 Commonwealth Avenue, in the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) building, includes specially equipped classrooms, computers, audiovisual production facilities, screening rooms, and libraries of audiovisual materials.
Study Abroad Programs
Programs in Amman, Berlin, Haifa, Hong Kong, Kyoto, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo offer intensive language study as well as literature, civilization, and linguistics courses. Detailed information is available from the BU Study Abroad office and website.
