Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
Welcome to the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures
The department offers various undergraduate degrees in French, German, Japanese and Spanish. Minors are offered in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. Courses in Arabic and Hebrew are also offered.
Students may prepare for careers in teaching in the five-year secondary education teaching and certification program (STEP). Students may also obtain translation certificates in Chinese, French, German or Spanish.
Additional majors: Additional majors are available in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish for students with any other major at Oakland University. The requirement is a minimum of 24 credits at the 3000-4000 level in the language being studied. You may also choose to broaden your horizon with a major in Two Modern Languages, B.A.
Study Abroad
Many of our students study abroad in programs offered by or affiliated with Oakland University. The department has a number of exchange programs with partner universities around the world. Visit the International Education website for more information and to begin your journey.
Career Services
Current job openings related to languages from OU Career Services. (Must log in using OU web ID to see the postings)
Program Requirements Translation Certificate, Modern Languages
The OU Pledge
The OU Pledge is Oakland University's commitment to provide undergraduate student with opportunities for meaningful, hands-on learning. This commitment seeks to enhance students' academic knowledge with experiential learning, internships and/or research experiences that empower them to make substantive professional contributions.
All language courses in this department include practical, real-life, and hands-on learning opportunities. In particular, language courses numbered 1140, 1150, 2140, and 2150 all have significant lab components that prioritize real-world applications of language skills. In addition, many of our upper-level courses include a specific focus on professional applications of language learning and we offer translations certificates in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. We also offer numerous faculty-led study abroad programs and exchange programs, which are the very embodiment of experimental learning.
Hands-on Courses:
Che 3550 - Translation: Chinese
CHE 3570 - Chinese Business Communication
CHE 4550 - Advanced Translation from English to Chinese
IT 3550 - Translation into English
IT 3570 - Italian Business Communication
JPN 3550 - Translation: Japanese into English
JPN 4570 - Business Japanese
FRH 3550 - Translation: French to English
FRH 3570 - French Business Communication
FRH 4550 - Translation into French
GRM 3550 - Translation into English
GRM 4550 - Translation into German
GRM 4570 - Business German
GRM 4800 - Independent Translation Project
SPN 3190 - Business Spanish: Communications and Journalism
SPN 3200 - Spanish for Technical Professions
SPN 3580 - Spanish for First Responders
SPN 3931 - Advanced Spanish and Academic Service Learning
SPN 4550 - Translation: English into Spanish
SPN 4570 - Business Spanish