World Languages & Cultures:Goals & Mission
Goals & Mission
Our goal is to prepare students for today's globalized marketplace with foreign-language abilities and intercultural expertise. Our students acquire excellent written and verbal communication skills in the target language and culture, and in doing so they also gain a better understanding of their own community. So it is no surprise that students with a foreign language degree are better equipped for the job market. These skills are gained quite naturally in our liberal arts and humanities program of study thanks to...
... An Internationally Recognized Faculty
Our faculty is active in their respective fields of research and they bring that expertise to the classes they teach. In addition to their research interests, they are involved in professional organizations serving in Executive Committees of national and international literature and language associations as well as editorial boards for peer reviewed journals. They are also committed to service in college and university boards that enrich the educational experience of ODU students in general.
... An Interdisciplinary Curriculum
In addition to publications, faculty research also stimulates topics with a transnational scope. Global and multicultural themes are the foundation of our interdisciplinary curriculum and provide a meaningful environment for learning. You will learn and practice how to research and integrate different fields of knowledge by addressing complex issues applying analytical thinking, practicing critical writing, sharpening your problem solving skills, understanding historical trends, and fostering intellectual curiosity.
Our course offerings will give you an essential preparation for the professional and graduate schools (law, medicine, library science, MPA, MBA), but can also lead to excellent jobs in government agencies, NGOs and high profile companies. Many of our alumni are well-placed in teaching language in the K-12 schools in the Hampton Roads community.
... The Support of the Language Learning Center
The Language Learning Center serves over 1,200 students and faculty and the Hampton Roads community in promoting the study of foreign languages offered at Old Dominion University. Our Director, Betty Rose Facer, coordinates and develops an array of language resources specifically designed for language acquisition, including podcasting of courses. Visit the LLC where you can use specialized language learning software, watch SCOLA broadcastings in the target language, and much more!
... Study Abroad Opportunities
Research shows that students who participate in international study rank at higher proficiency levels than those who do not. Experience the customs and culture of other people and immerse yourself in their language. Study Abroad at ODU provides short-term, semester and academic year programs. Language majors are offered financial support and Study Abroad works closely with our students to facilitate their travel and study.
... Practice in the Real World: Internships & Cooperative Education
We also encourage our students to partake in internships and cooperative education. The Hampton Roads is home to four Fortune 500 companies with links to Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Our region has a myriad of international firms based in the Arab speaking world. Make your language and culture skills work for you. Contact the Career Management Center to find the right opportunity and get the job!
If you're already bicultural or a heritage speaker, contact us to set up an appointment for an Experiential Learning test at the Office of Experiential Learning and Testing. Then sign up for the appropriate class and begin your journey to formal fluency in your native tongue.
Please call us at (757) 683-3973, come and visit us at Batten Arts & Letters 4001 to declare a Major or a Minor or to just sign up to learn a new language!