World Languages and Literature

The Department of World Languages and Literature (WLL) offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in World Languages and Literature with concentrations in French, German, Spanish, and Spanish for Health Sciences. A total of 30 upper-division (3000-4000 level) credit hours are required for a concentration in French, German, or Spanish. A total of 31 credit hours (Spanish 1140 and additional upper-division courses) are required for the concentration in Spanish for Health Sciences. These concentrations foster linguistic, cultural, pragmatic, and sociohistorical knowledge/abilities in the target language. The department also offers minors in French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Spanish for Health Sciences, in addition to introductory courses in Italian and Egyptian hieroglyphs.

It should be noted that the Spanish and German minors may be earned on campus, entirely online, or via a combination of the two.

In addition, the department participates in such interdisciplinary programs as International Studies, Latino and Latin American Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies, Medical Humanities, Business, and Sustainability and offers study abroad programs in France, Germany, Canada, Mexico and Spain.

Double Majors for Secondary Education World Language Majors

Students pursuing a B.S. from the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences with a primary major in Secondary Education (World Language-French or German or Spanish 7-12 Endorsement) and working toward Nebraska State Certification to teach in this area may also earn a second major in World Languages and Literature by declaring that major with the College of Arts & Sciences Advising Center or at the main office for the World Languages and Literature department.

Students will complete 30 credit hours in French, German, or Spanish with grades of C or above (this is different from the World Languages and Literature Department’s requirement of a minimum grade of C- or above). Students declaring this second major should work with their advisor to select courses that align with both programs and require no additional coursework on the part of the student.

Other Information

Courses in the 1110 (or 1100), 1120 (or 1200), 2110 (or 2100), 2120 sequences may not be taken out of order. Students must pass the prerequisite course with a grade of “C-” or better before taking the next course in the sequence and may not take an earlier course in any sequence for credit once they have received credit in a later course in any sequence. Spanish 1140 has no prerequisites and students can take it at any point.

All 3000 and 4000 level courses may be taken for honors credit in cooperation with the University Honors Program.

There is a laboratory fee for all world language courses at the 1000 and 2000 levels. Fees are used to support student learning through services that provide opportunities for language practice and communication.

Special Requirements

The Department of World Languages and Literature does not accept transfer credits from any institution for its 1000/2000 level courses except for those as allowed by the College of Arts and Sciences. To enroll in any French, German, or Spanish course beyond 1110, a student who has not successfully completed the prerequisite courses at UNO must take the appropriate placement exam and qualify for the desired course. Native and heritage speakers of French, German or Spanish wishing to take a course in their language of nurture are exempt from this requirement. They are advised to make an appointment with an advisor in the Department of World Languages and Literature for appropriate placement. All other students are subject to this requirement including transfer students. UNK/UNL students are not exempt from this requirement. The Department of World Languages and Literature reserves the right to cancel the registration of any student who has not met the prerequisites for a course. Transfer courses at the 3000/4000 level are subject to the approval of a departmental adviser and the department chair. All our language courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better in order for the student to continue to the next course.

Residency

All majors in World Languages and Literature must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in their major language at the 3000 or 4000 level in residence at UNO.

All minors in World Languages and Literature must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours in their minor language at the 3000 or 4000 level in residence at UNO.

Student Groups

The department of World Languages has active student groups such as: Le Cercle Français, Stammtisch, and Sigma Delta Pi. Visit the department website for more information.

Contact

301 Arts & Sciences Hall
402.554.4841

Website

Degrees Offered

World Languages and Literature, Bachelor of Arts

Minors Offered

In the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature at UNO, our goal is to provide students with the linguistic and cultural proficiency required of a global education. Language study at UNO provides a myriad of opportunities to use the language you are studying both within and outside of the classroom through study abroad opportunities and engagement in the Omaha community. Foreign Languages & Literature majors often pursue career paths such as the following:

  • business: human resources, sales, marketing, logistics, international business
  • law/law enforcement: police, immigration, law (international, immigration or environmental law)
  • government and non-profit services: non-profit management or administration, Peace Corps, Foreign Service, linguistics, social work, environmental justice, research (for think tanks, non-profits, government)
  • healthcare: healthcare navigation, patient relations, nursing, medicine, dentistry, speech therapy
  • education (p-16): teaching, bilingual assistance, administration (OPS requires that principals be or become bilingual), counseling, special education, library services
  • communication/journalism: radio, television, publishing (e.g. newspapers, magazines, blogs, books), and advertising. Specialized areas include writing, editing, proofreading, transcribing, subtitling, voice-over recording
  • travel and hospitality: travel agency services, tour guiding, event coordination, concierge services.