Modern Languages and Literatures

Union College began modern language instruction more than 200 years ago, ahead of its time in U.S. higher education. Today, we remain committed to global, multicultural learning.

Students can major in Chinese, French, German and Spanish, or pursue interdepartmental majors in Russian or Japanese—all supported by full-term and mini-term study abroad options. We also offer courses in Hebrew, Arabic, Italian and Portuguese.

Language study at Union provides both career-ready skills and lifelong enrichment. Many students combine language majors or minors with other fields, such as Russian and political science, Chinese and engineering, or Spanish and psychology.

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.

In French and Francophone studies, you’ll explore language, literature and culture from around the world. From day one, you’ll examine French’s global presence—including in North America—and learn to express yourself while making cross-cultural connections.

Immersive experiences enhance your learning. A full term in Rennes, France, includes living with host families, studying at the University of Rennes and a study trip to Morocco. A mini-term in Senegal is offered regularly. The curriculum emphasizes global awareness and interdisciplinary connections across Union’s programs. French Club, French Table and Francophone events offer other ways to connect—and contribute.

German Studies offers language courses for all levels, building skills in speaking, reading, writing and listening, while deepening cultural and intercultural understanding. Upper-level and interdisciplinary courses explore topics from fairy tales and films to Holocaust memoirs and environmental issues. The interdisciplinarity of our courses is also evident in those we offer in translation, including our newest courses, “Disability in Film” and “Poetry, Creative Writing and Narrative Medicine.”

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 offers a strong foundation in language and culture, with courses from beginner to advanced levels. Students also explore translation-based topics such as manga and anime.

A fall term abroad in Japan’s Tohoku region, in partnership with Akita International University, provides immersive language and culture study, including tea ceremony and flower arrangement. Students live in university housing with Japanese and international peers.

On campus, students take part in cultural events like art exhibits, Japanese Language Table, cooking activities and film screenings. Graduates pursue careers in business, government, law, education, journalism, IT and graduate study.

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: