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Introduction:
The Department of World Languages and Cultures sees its role in the life of the University as a vehicle for the development of the whole person in a multicultural context through the most basic activities of human life: personal expression and social interaction.
We offer majors in French, Spanish, Russian Studies and International Business, as well as French and Spanish Education. Students may also pursue minors in Arabic and Islamic Studies, Asian Studies, Chinese, French, Russian Studies, Spanish and Teaching English-Language Learners. Through these programs the Department prepares students for a future that demands a high level of linguistic proficiency and cultural competency.
Mission Statement
The Department of World Languages and Cultures supports the mission of the University by fostering meaningful language acquisition and cultural study that will enable our students to “exercise leadership in service toward a just world.”
The department promotes the acquisition of indispensable skills in intercultural communication for our students’ future careers and personal development. Understanding that we cannot truly understand a people without understanding their language, the department’s focus is on quality, student-centered instruction in the reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension skills necessary to function in our target languages. Courses in world cultures and literatures are a vital complement to language study and support the University core value of global responsibility, which “challenges us to learn how to steward the resources of the Earth wisely and to act in solidarity with its diverse peoples.”
In order to foster awareness of world cultures, the department supports study abroad experiences, sponsors speakers and other events on campus, and serves as a language and cultural resource to the greater Erie community. The department of World Languages and Cultures works to foster respect for others, an openness to difference, and productive relationships facilitated through intercultural communication.
Students must take a minimum of four (4) Asian language courses, such as the following:
An intensive study of the four abilities in Chinese language built on the knowledge and skills acquired from Intermediate Chinese I, with an emphasis on more sophisticated grammatical patterns, situational conversations, and reading.
CHNS 203
Choose four (4) of the following or other relevant couses offered. These courses may include any culture or literature courses offered by the Asian Studies or Chinese programs and/or relevant courses as offered by other departments such as those listed below. Students who are unsure as to whether a course can be counted toward the minor should consult the program director.
Studies the cultures of India, China, Korea and Japan through an examination of common roots and development in geography, history, arts and religion.
This course is designed to introduce students to the two influential and enduring civilizations that shaped the two cultural spheres in Asia: Chinese cultural sphere (Sinosphere) and Indian cultural sphere. Students will explore the major philosophies, religions, languages, history, and literatures of China and India. The class will also examine the cultural interactions and exchanges between these two civilizations throughout history. It aims to build a solid foundation from which students can analyze and understand the information and events in those two civilizations in Asia.
A comparative study of a variety of political systems emphasizing Asia. Survey of topics/problems related to economic development, democratization, government structure, and foreign relations with the United States. Specific countries examined include China, Japan, India, Indonesia and South Korea.
An historical and thematic introduction to Hinduism which will examine its array of beliefs and morals, myths and rituals, philosophies and poetry, gurus and teachers, gods and goddesses. Particular attention will be given to developments in Hinduism including the host of philosophical, historical, social and political contexts that have generated plural expressions of Hinduism in India and have contributed to a more global expression of Hinduism worldwide.
An introduction to the various world views encompassed under the rubric of Buddhism. This course surveys religious, philosophical and ritual developments in the history of Buddhism, beginning in the Indian context and extending throughout Asia and even into the West. The nature of reality, human community, suffering and liberation articulated in various versions of Buddhism will be primary themes for study.
