Why study in…
Arabic language and culture
Spoken daily by over 300 million people worldwide, Arabic is one of the world's major languages. The minor in Arabic language and culture provides you not only with a good knowledge of the language itself, but also with an invaluable perspective into Arabic culture, history, literature, philosophy, religion and society. In addition, agreements between the University of Ottawa and others in the Arab world allow you to go on exchange programs in countries such as Jordan, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Lebanon.
German
If you truly want to broaden your horizons in the 21st century, learning German will give you the edge you need. German is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Indeed, more than 120 million people have German as their mother tongue, while thousands of others study it for reasons both practical and social. With knowledge of German, you improve your employment opportunities: Germany has the largest economy in the European Union and the third largest in the world. German is a leading language of science, literature, art, philosophy and history. Bottom line: Being able to speak and write German puts you in high demand.
Our courses not only allow you to acquaint yourself with contemporary German, but also give you insights into the cultural and political history of German-speaking countries, and into German cinema and literature. Through exchange programs with Germany and Austria, you can even complete your degree in a native-speaking environment. And closer to home, the activities of the German Club provide an informal setting for honing your German-language skills.
Italian
Italy's cultural prominence extends from Roman times through the Renaissance and right to the present. According to UNESCO, more than 60% of the world's art treasures are found in Italy. Some of the most famous Western artists, writers and thinkers were Italian. That's why knowledge of Italian language and culture is vital for understanding the contexts of European art.
Italy also boasts one of the top five economies in the world, and many employers seek people who speak Italian. In this program, you of course come to understand Italian art and literature in depth, but you can also study Italian itself from its most basic to its most advanced composition and grammar levels.
Russian
The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers a range of courses focusing on the language, history and culture of a fascinating country: Russia. Russian, which is spoken in Russia and throughout the former Soviet Union, ranks fourth among the world's most widely used languages after Chinese, English and Spanish. The achievements of Russian writers and artists in ballet, cinema, theatre and painting are internationally renowned. Russia has a population of some 145 million and is the largest country in the world geographically. Since the fall of communism, the Russian economy and Russian life in general have gained new vigor. What's more, the country is easy to visit and offers a myriad of exciting experiences.
Spanish
Spanish is spoken by roughly 360 million people in Spain and the Americas. The political, social and cultural importance of Spanish increases every day, and a degree in Spanish opens an array of professional opportunities for you. As a student in the Spanish Section of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, you receive comprehensive training in language, linguistics, literature and culture. In addition, you enjoy a full program of social and cultural activities (films, lectures, conferences, Spanish Club, etc.), often with the cooperation of embassies in the national capital. You can also complete part of your studies abroad through exchange programs at universities in Spain and in Spanish America.
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