Languages and Cultures

Major

In today’s global society, knowledge of other languages and cultures expands your career opportunities. Learn Armenian, French, Italian or Japanese as a Languages and Cultures major.

Why Study Languages and Cultures?

The study of languages and cultures prepares you for an increasingly global and interdependent world that rewards knowledge of languages and cultural literacy.

By gaining proficiency in language skills and cultural competency, you'll expand your career possibilities and enjoy opportunities for personal enrichment in an international and intercultural environment.

Why Study Languages and Cultures at CSUN?

Language Study

You'll learn not just how to speak another language, but how to reason and present sound arguments using that language. In addition, you'll understand the nature of language, its function, structure and social purposes.

An Interdisciplinary Approach

In addition to studies in your target language, you'll take courses in the comparative study of cultures and literatures to gain insight into how language, culture and human nature are interrelated.

Intensive Cultural Study

Two required seminar courses provide intensive study of an age, movement, problem or theme, emphasizing the techniques of intercultural study. You'll complete a senior project, such as a research paper or a creative performance, that demonstrates the integrated knowledge, understanding and linguistic skills you've gained in the course of your studies.

What You'll Learn

We offer four options: Armenian, French, Italian and Japanese.

Knowledge of the Armenian language and culture has assumed a new importance since Armenia declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. As companies and nongovernmental organizations from overseas conduct business in Armenia, the need for professionals who are well versed in both the Armenian language and civilization has increased.

You'll study elementary and intermediate Armenian as well as such courses as:

  • Armenian Culture
  • Changing Roles of Armenian Women
  • Contemporary Issues in Armenia and Diaspora

You'll choose cultural studies courses, including:

  • Armenian Culture
  • Changing Roles of Armenian Women

Curriculum

Studying French expands your post-graduation opportunities. You'll learn about various aspects of French culture, including language, literature and history.

You'll develop skills in grammar, composition and communication and choose such courses as:

  • French Civilization
  • The Contemporary French World

For your remaining classes, you'll select electives from cultural studies and French courses.

Curriculum

You'll delve into Italian language, literature and culture and gain cross-cultural awareness by examining Italy's past and present literature, art, music, history, philosophy, politics and economy. If you're planning a career in art, business, communication, education, politics or international relations, you'll find this option an excellent choice.

You'll study intermediate Italian grammar, conversation and composition and choose from such courses as:

  • Literary Masterpieces of Humanism and Renaissance Literature
  • Modern Italian Culture
  • Aspects of the Italian-American Experience in Cinema, Literature, Philosophy, and Music

For your remaining classes, you'll select electives from cultural studies and Italian courses.

Curriculum

Japan is the third largest economy in the world and a pop culture powerhouse, known the world over for film, anime, manga, video games, fashion and more. You'll learn to read, write and converse in a language that has been the basis for some of the world’s most imaginative, influential storytellers.

You'll study intermediate Japanese and you may choose to learn to read and write 500 basic kanji characters use them in context. You'll choose additional courses such as:

  • Japanese Literature
  • Japanese Language and Society
  • Language and Culture in Japanese

You'll choose from such cultural studies electives as:

  • Modern Japanese Culture
  • Women Writers of Asia

Curriculum

Careers & Outcomes

Our majors have gone on to pursue employment in a broad array of fields. Sample job titles are listed below.

Job Titles

  • Teacher
  • Translator
  • Interpreter
  • Marketing Manager
  • Community Services Manager
  • Tourism Manager
  • Reporter
CSUN students looking at a globe

International study enhances your language skills

We encourage students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers are equivalent to courses in our department and may be used to fulfill some degree requirements.

Scholarships

The department offers multiple awards and scholarships to help our students in the successful completion of their major. Scholarships include:

  • Chitjian Family Scholarship in Armenian Studies
  • DiMascio Family Scholarship
  • MCLL Scholarship
  • Ralph Baccash Memorial Scholarship
  • Robert J. Barbera in Italian Studies Scholarship
  • TF Fund Scholarship in Armenian Studies
  • Varaz and Karina Shahmirian Scholarship in Armenian Studies

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