Modern Languages and Literatures

Union College began modern language study 200 years ago, ahead of its time in U.S. higher education. Today, we continue to value a global, multicultural education. Union offers full majors in Chinese, French, German, and Spanish, as well as interdepartmental majors in Russian and Japanese. Other language courses include Hebrew, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, and Swahili, with some linked to term-abroad programs.

Students can pair language majors or minors with any discipline, live in language-themed houses, and join clubs and language tables. Our library and language lab support language study, along with abroad programs in Argentina, France, Vietnam, and more

Experience China firsthand on Union's fall term abroad through CET Academic Programs, with options for electives, intensive language courses, and internships. Additional opportunities include independent study and a mini-term in Tianjin on traditional Chinese medicine.

Outside class, Chinese majors immerse in the language through film series, guest speakers, and Chinese Language Table gatherings. The Asian Student Union hosts events on Asian and Asian American issues, and students join the annual Pan-Asian American Workshop with nearby colleges.

As a French and Francophone Studies major at Union College, you’ll delve into language, culture, and literature with dedicated professors while exploring topics like gender studies, theater, and cinema. The curriculum emphasizes global awareness and Francophone cultures across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America.

Immersive experiences enrich your learning, including a term abroad in Rennes, France, where you’ll live with host families and study at the University of Rennes. Additional opportunities include visual arts mini-terms in Paris, a summer term in Senegal, and vibrant campus activities such as French Club, weekly French Table lunches, and events featuring guest speakers, poets, and artists

German Studies offers introductory courses in grammar, vocabulary, and conversation, progressing to cultural and literary topics. Upper-level courses examine social and cultural issues in German-speaking countries through literature, arts, and history. All courses emphasize critical thinking and expression.

In collaboration with the German Club, the program hosts events like film screenings, hikes, dinners, board games, and trips to German theaters and restaurants.

The Japanese major at Union provides a strong foundation in language and culture, with courses from beginner to advanced levels. Students can deepen their experience with a fall term abroad in Japan's Tohoku region, in partnership with Akita International University. This program includes intensive courses in both written and spoken Japanese, enhanced by a true immersion experience in university housing.

On campus, students studying Japanese can engage in diverse cultural events, including art exhibits, the Japanese Language Table, culinary activities, and film screenings.

Our multi-level Russian language courses focus on building skills to communicate with native speakers and include cultural elements like Russian songs, poetry, geography, and history. We also offer several courses in translation.

Beyond the classroom, students can join a Union team in the annual Russian Olympiada, a language competition with other colleges and universities. Our weekly Russian Table offers an informal setting for food and conversation, whether over breakfast in the dorms or lunch in the campus center.

As a Spanish and Hispanic Studies major, you'll explore Spain, Latin America, and U.S. Latino communities through diverse, engaging courses. Our faculty's research enriches their teaching, encouraging discussion, language skills, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.

Study-abroad programs in Spain and Argentina offer immersive experiences, while the Union College Spanish Club hosts films, lectures, social gatherings, cooking classes, and weekly Spanish Table conversations.