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 and Portuguese, with some linked to term-abroad programs.

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

As a Chinese major, you will develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in highly individualized settings. Our courses examine a broad spectrum of topics that explore Chinese literature, cinema, the contemporary mass media landscape, gender and sexuality, and Chinese commercialization and globalization.

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, 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. A study abroad program offers you to the opportunity to live in Freiburg and Berlin, two of Germany's most scenic and historic cities.

(Interdepartmental major only)

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 offer immersive experiences, while the Union College Spanish Club hosts films, lectures, social gatherings, cooking classes and weekly Spanish Table conversations.

What can a degree in a modern language do for you? Here is what our alumni have been up to: