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Jamrich Hall in the summer

Mission Statement

As a welcoming community of international scholars, we provide a crucial component of NMU's undergraduate curriculum. Our courses and programs challenge students to cultivate global competencies in languages, literatures and cultures. The knowledge and skills students gain with us prepare them for a variety of professions, and are complementary and invaluable to fields and careers students pursue across campus and around the world.

View our Department Bylaws here.

The Department of Languages, Literatures and International Studies offers language courses in Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Russian and American Sign Language (ASL), as well as culture and literature courses in the target languages and in English. The department occasionally offers courses in other languages and helps facilitate university credit for students who study languages abroad.

Language and cultural studies provide an excellent liberal education. Knowledge of languages enhances virtually any career and increases employment opportunities. World language, culture and literature studies open students to new and exciting horizons, place them in contact with worldwide artistic and intellectual accomplishments, help them to understand other people and prepare them for success in an increasingly globalized world. 

The department offers programs leading to the bachelor of arts degree with majors in French, Spanish, secondary education French, secondary education Spanish and German Studies. Minors are offered in French, German, Spanish, Deaf Studies, French education, German education and Spanish education. Language students are encouraged to participate in language conversation tables.