Degree Programs

The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers the following majors leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree: French, German, Spanish and two interdisciplinary concentrations in Language and World Trade and in Latin American Studies.

Proficiencies/Certifications

At all levels, language instruction at Samford is based on developing proficiency in the four skills of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing, studied within the geographical and cultural context of the target language. Instructional and assessment methodologies follow competency-based guidelines established by the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages. The campus experience is enhanced by language and computer laboratories and complemented by numerous opportunities to study in one of the department’s classrooms abroad. 

For students planning careers with international firms, service agencies, missions, teaching, or for those who seek the advantage of being bilingual in the multicultural world of the 21st century, the World Languages and Cultures majors provide the opportunity to develop advanced linguistic proficiency and increase cross-cultural understanding. All WLAC graduating seniors, upon completion of exit interviews and writing sample analysis, receive internationally recognized Oral and Writing Proficiency Ratings from the department’s ACTFL-trained examiners. 

In association with the National Association of Self-Instructional Language Programs, the Department offers self-instructional/tutorial language study in Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Swahili, and Russian. Other non-traditional Languages may also be available if there is sufficient demand. 

Students should consult the official academic catalog for all current hour requirements and requisites.