Learn a Language
In everyday practice, the Center for World Languages & Cultures offers a wide variety of programs and languages to best suit your unique academic, professional and personal interests. All undergraduates must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language as part of the DU Common Curriculum.
The First-Year Language Program aims to enrich the first-year academic experience through excellence in teaching by developing linguistic skills and cultural sensitivity and awareness. Continue with a language you studied in high school or start with something new! Take Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish.
The CWLC also offers non-credit community language courses which are instructor-led and take place in the evenings, providing learners an opportunity to study various languages in an encouraging and fun group environment. In addition, we offer self-directed study with our Language Partners and courses designed with specific projects or professions in mind.
Resources by Level
First-Year Language Students
CWLC supports all undergraduate students as you complete your Common Curriculum language requirements.
All Undergraduates
Whether you need help with your current language courses or don't know where to begin, we are here to get you started.
Graduate Students
Check out our Language Proficiency Testing and browse our other language-learning opportunities.
We welcome anyone with an interest in learning a language to join our community language learning programs
- BA/Minor
- Bachelor's degrees and minors are available through the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures and the Department of Spanish Language, Literary & Cultural Studies.
- For-Credit Courses
- For-credit courses are available through the Department of Languages, Literatures & Culture; the Department of Spanish Language, Literary & Cultural Studies; and the Center for World Languages & Cultures.
- Non-Credit Courses
- The Center for World Languages & Cultures offers non-credit community courses.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
American Sign Language (Non-Credit Courses Only)
About this Program
While there is no major or minor available, the Center for World Languages & Cultures does offer a community course in American Sign Language. This non-credit course is offered in the evening and is open to the wider community. American Sign Language Level 2 is a 10-week course designed for people who have previous knowledge of American Sign Language and wish to practice and develop their language skills while developing cultural knowledge.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Arabic (Courses Only)
About this Program
While there is no major or minor available, the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures does provide advanced courses in Arabic.
Unlike traditional Arabic programs in the United States, students begin with spoken Arabic and gradually integrate Modern Standard Arabic through graded reading selections. By using the language in meaningful contexts, emphasis is placed on real communication and on developing proficiency in the language. Grammar is studied as it serves communication.
Studying Arabic can fulfill the foreign language requirement required of most undergraduate students at DU. Arabic students often pursue careers in fields such as journalism, business, translation, foreign service, finance, education and more.
Contact Maha Foster to learn more.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Chinese
About this Program
Delve into the world's most commonly spoken language while exploring a vibrant, varied culture. Our Chinese classes are designed to prepare our students to engage in a global world, equipped with Chinese language skills and cultural knowledge. Our students will apply their linguistic and cultural competencies to a wide variety of majors and careers, most notably, international studies and business. They will develop problem-solving skills to address future global challenges.
We offer study abroad opportunities in multiple locations in China to students who have completed two years of language study. Among them, the language immersion program at China Studies Institute hosted in Beijing University is one of our star programs.
Our faculty and students collaborate on opportunities that advance scholarly inquiry, cultivate critical and creative thought, and generate knowledge.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Chinese Concentration
About this Program
Delve into the world's most commonly spoken language while exploring a vibrant, varied culture. Our Chinese classes are designed to prepare our students to engage in a global world, equipped with Chinese language skills and cultural knowledge. Our students will apply their linguistic and cultural competencies to a wide variety of majors and careers, most notably, international studies and business. They will develop problem-solving skills to address future global challenges.
We offer study abroad opportunities in multiple locations in China to students who have completed two years of language study. Among them, the language immersion program at China Studies Institute hosted in Beijing University is one of our star programs.
Our faculty and students collaborate on opportunities that advance scholarly inquiry, cultivate critical and creative thought, and generate knowledge.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
French & Francophone Studies Concentration
About this Program
Our concentration in French and Francophone Studies hones your speaking, reading and translation skills while deepening your critical understanding of France and the Francophone world.
You'll receive an immersive language experience by studying literature, culture and film and by engaging in discussions and analyses with faculty and classmates in small, interactive classes. Take these studies a step further by completing a senior thesis in French and earning distinction in the language major. And you'll have access to the support and programs of DU’s Center for World Languages and Cultures along the way.
Outside the classroom, you can join the DU Francoscope Club, explore internship opportunities or study abroad in places like France, Senegal, Madagascar, Quebec, Belgium, Switzerland and Morocco.
Our graduates go on to become artists, computer programmers, translators, NGO directors and lawyers. And with French-speaking Canada as the United States’ most important export market, French-speakers have opportunities to excel in international commerce and business.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
French and Francophone Studies
About this Program
Our BA in French and Francophone Studies hones your speaking, reading and translation skills while deepening your critical understanding of France and the Francophone world.
You'll receive an immersive language experience by studying literature, culture and film and by engaging in discussions and analyses with faculty and classmates. Take these studies a step further by completing a senior thesis in French and earning distinction in the major.
Outside the classroom, you can join the DU Francoscope Club, explore internship opportunities or study abroad in places like France, Senegal, Madagascar, Quebec, Belgium, Switzerland and Morocco.
Our graduates go on to become artists, computer programmers, translators, NGO directors and lawyers. And with French-speaking Canada as the United States’ most important export market, French-speakers have opportunities to excel in international commerce and business.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
German
About this Program
Studying the language, cultures and histories of German speaking countries offers students opportunities to develop effective communication skills as well as intercultural competencies that will further their role as responsible global citizens. The German program complements language study with courses in German literature and film as well as contextual study of political and cultural histories.
Students collaborate closely with experienced faculty and take advantage of our many excellent study abroad programs to achieve their professional goals. With a degree in German, students have access to a broad range of career opportunities such as in international business, non-profits, the sciences and government.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
German (Non-Credit Courses Only)
About this Program
The Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures offers a BA with a concentration in German and minor in German. The Center for World Languages & Cultures offers community courses in German at several levels. These non-credit courses are offered in the evening and are open to the wider community.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
German Concentration
About this Program
Studying the language, cultures and histories of German-speaking countries offers students opportunities to develop effective communication skills as well as intercultural competencies that will further their role as responsible global citizens. The German program complements language study with courses in German literature and film as well as contextual study of political and cultural histories.
Students collaborate closely with experienced faculty through small, interactive classes and take advantage of our many excellent study abroad programs to achieve their professional goals. There are multiple ways to tie coursework into key out-of-classroom experiences, including service learning, internships and extracurricular activities. With a major in language, literatures and cultures and concentration in German, students have access to a broad range of career opportunities such as in international business, non-profits, the sciences and government.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Hebrew
About this Program
Modern Hebrew is the official language of Israel, one of the world’s fastest growing high-tech global economies and a country of constant importance on the world stage. Learning Hebrew at DU introduces students to Israel’s ethnic diversity and multiculturalism. Incorporating music, poetry, short stories, media and movies, the Hebrew Minor introduces students to Hebrew at various levels of the languages while enriching their exploration of Israel’s pluralist mosaic. The minor is particularly invaluable to research of the Middle East and its politics, economics, technology, journalism, religion, peace, migration and international studies as well as other fields of study.
The Hebrew program at DU emphasizes the proficiency approach to language instruction. In small class settings, personal attention is placed on the student’s linguistic abilities, learning style, sources of motivation and other individual factors. The learning experience is both innovative and varied, and the pedagogy ranges from traditional to novel methods of instruction.
The Center for Judaic Studies partners with us to provide a minor in Judaic studies with a Hebrew emphasis. Learn more about this option on the Judaic Studies minor program page.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Hebrew Concentration
About this Program
Modern Hebrew is the official language of Israel, one of the world’s fastest growing high-tech global economies and a country of constant importance on the world stage. Learning Hebrew at DU introduces students to Israel’s ethnic diversity and multiculturalism. Incorporating music, poetry, short stories, media and movies, the Hebrew concentration introduces students to Hebrew at various levels of the languages while enriching their exploration of Israel’s pluralist mosaic. The concentration is particularly invaluable to research of the Middle East and its politics, economics, technology, journalism, religion, peace, migration and international studies as well as other fields of study.
The Hebrew program at DU emphasizes the proficiency approach to language instruction. In small class settings, personal attention is placed on the student’s linguistic abilities, learning style, sources of motivation and other individual factors. The learning experience is both innovative and varied, and the pedagogy ranges from traditional to novel methods of instruction.
Students also have the opportunity to tie classwork into key out-of-classroom experiences, including service learning, internships, extracurricular activities and studying abroad in Israel.
The Center for Judaic Studies partners with us to provide a minor in Judaic studies with a Hebrew emphasis. Learn more about this option on the Judaic Studies minor program page.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Italian
About this Program
Studying Italian at DU will foster your ability to master more than one language and culture, an asset as a global citizen. In the Italian major, you’ll study the Italian language and its manifestations in history as well as cultural studies from the past to the present. Our faculty work closely with students to build an understanding of the relationship between language and culture.
Any language study requires immersion, and we offer study abroad options that support a variety of student interests. You can study language in Perugia, learn about business in Milan and Turin, or enhance your understanding of Italian art in Florence. You’ll finish the Italian degree with the necessary linguistic and cultural background to pursue prestigious fellowships or attend graduate school in Italian Studies. You’ll also gain a foundation of experience to achieve professional goals in the world of business, international relations and education.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Italian (Non-Credit Courses Only)
About this Program
The Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures offers a BA with a concentration in Italian and a minor in Italian. The Center for World Languages & Cultures offers a community course in Italian. This non-credit course is offered in the evening and is open to the wider community.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Italian Concentration
About this Program
Studying Italian at DU will foster your ability to master more than one language and culture, an asset as a global citizen. In the Italian concentration, you’ll study the Italian language and its manifestations in history as well as cultural studies from the past to the present. Our faculty work closely with students to build an understanding of the relationship between language and culture through small, interactive classes and independent study programs.
Any language study requires immersion, and we offer study abroad options that support a variety of student interests. You can study language in Perugia, learn about business in Milan and Turin, or enhance your understanding of Italian art in Florence. There are multiple ways to tie your studies into key out-of-classroom experiences, such as visiting performers, films, internships and extracurricular activities right on campus. You’ll finish the Italian degree with the necessary linguistic and cultural background to pursue prestigious fellowships or attend graduate school in Italian Studies. You’ll also gain a foundation of experience to achieve professional goals in the world of business, international relations and education.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Japanese
About this Program
The Japanese program at DU prepares students to become informed international citizens who develop effective Japanese language and cultural communication expertise. Our students apply their Japanese linguistic, literary and cultural competencies to a wide variety of majors, careers and future global challenges. At the same time, they deepen their empathy for and curiosity about the diversity of human experiences. Our faculty and students collaborate on opportunities that advance scholarly inquiry, cultivate critical and creative thought, and work to better our local and global communities.
Japanese clubs and events on DU's campus provide fun ways to further engage with Japanese language, literature and culture. With study abroad opportunities in desirably located premium universities in Japan you can hone your linguistic and cultural competencies while immersing yourself in contemporary Japanese life.
Alumni of the program have participated in the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program and have won the prestigious Boren Scholarship for Japanese and the competitive Critical Language Scholarship for Japanese, among other awards.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Japanese Concentration
About this Program
The Japanese concentration at DU prepares students to become informed international citizens who develop effective Japanese language and cultural communication expertise. Our students apply their Japanese linguistic, literary and cultural competencies to a wide variety of majors, careers and future global challenges. At the same time, they deepen their empathy for and curiosity about the diversity of human experiences. Our faculty and students collaborate on opportunities that advance scholarly inquiry, cultivate critical and creative thought, and work to better our local and global communities.
Japanese clubs and events on DU's campus provide fun ways to further engage with Japanese language, literature and culture. With study abroad opportunities in desirably located universities in Japan, you can hone your linguistic and cultural competencies while immersing yourself in contemporary Japanese life.
Alumni of the program have participated in the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program and have won the prestigious Boren Scholarship for Japanese and the competitive Critical Language Scholarship for Japanese, among other awards.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Korean (Courses Only)
About this Program
While there is no major or minor available, the Center for World Languages & Cultures does offer a for-credit beginning course in Korean. Korean is taught through a hybrid course that involves both online and in-person class sessions.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Latin
About this Program
The study of Latin is a proven way to deepen your appreciation of human culture while gaining insight into how the many modern languages descended from Latin or strongly influenced by it developed. It also helps you to refine your understanding of how English conveys spirit and meaning and to better employ English's unique powers. Building upon the elementary Latin sequence taught by the Center for World Languages and Cultures, the minor explores original texts composed long ago that still inform Western thought in the 21st century.
As your study advances you will gain insight into ancient Mediterranean culture and society and the contributions of ancient writers in Latin to literature and philosophy, religion and law. These contributions have enduring impact on our modern world — the thoughts we think, the words we use, the ideals to which we aspire.
Students often pair Latin minors with majors in English, history, philosophy in the humanities, or with political science or other social sciences.
Courses taught in English with the GREK* code offer general education and elective credit for students curious or excited about mythology, drama happy or sad, or (with a nod to Disney Studios) true heroism.
Tutorials in classical Greek may be available upon application.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Latin Concentration
About this Program
The study of Latin is a proven way to deepen your appreciation of human culture while gaining insight into how the many modern languages descended from Latin or strongly influenced by it developed. It also helps you to refine your understanding of how English conveys spirit and meaning and to better employ English's unique powers. Building upon the elementary Latin sequence taught by the Center for World Languages and Cultures, the concentration explores original texts composed long ago that still inform Western thought in the 21st century.
As your study advances, you will gain insight into ancient Mediterranean culture and society and the contributions of ancient writers in Latin to literature and philosophy, religion and law. These contributions have enduring impact on our modern world — the thoughts we think, the words we use, the ideals to which we aspire.
Students often pair a Latin concentration with majors in English, history, philosophy in the humanities, or with political science or other social sciences.
Courses taught in English with the GREK* code offer general education and elective credit for students curious or excited about mythology, drama happy or sad, or (with a nod to Disney Studios) true heroism.
Tutorials in classical Greek may be available upon application.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Russian
About this Program
With a BA in Russian, you'll hone written and oral communication skills, as well as a deep knowledge of Russian culture, history, art, literature and politics.
We work to actively support dual-degree seekers who want to pair their knowledge of Russian with majors like international studies, international business and intercultural communications. You can even build your study of Russian culture into an honors thesis project that will allow you to graduate with distinction in the major.
DU houses one of the most extensive university collections of Russian literature, and you can expand your knowledge of Russian further through DU's Russian Club and Dobro Slovo, the National Slavic Honor Society.
Away from campus, immersive study abroad opportunities give you real-world experience in a country that wields enormous influence over global affairs. Because Russia is a political and economic international superpower, a thorough understanding of the language and culture means you'll have career options both at home and abroad.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Russian Concentration
About this Program
With a concentration in Russian, you'll hone written and oral communication skills, as well as a deep knowledge of Russian culture, history, art, literature and politics.
We work to actively support dual-degree seekers who want to pair their knowledge of Russian with majors like international studies, international business and intercultural communications. You can even build your study of Russian culture into an honors thesis project that will allow you to graduate with distinction in the major.
DU houses one of the most extensive university collections of Russian literature, and you can expand your knowledge of Russian further through DU's Russian Club and Dobro Slovo, the National Slavic Honor Society.
Away from campus, immersive study abroad opportunities give you real-world experience in a country that wields enormous influence over global affairs. Because Russia is a political and economic international superpower, a thorough understanding of the language and culture means you'll have career options both at home and abroad.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Spanish
About this Program
A BA in Spanish empowers you to connect with Spanish-speaking communities both locally and globally through three main areas of study: Latin America, Spain or Latino Studies.
Experienced instructors train you in written and oral communication, while literature specialists teach the diverse histories, cultures, literatures and films of the Spanish-speaking world. Our interdisciplinary approach builds your critical understanding of human rights, racial and ethnic identities, social change and language.
Our immersive educational experience prepares you for a wide range of careers. Want to study in Argentina, Mexico, Madrid? The Spanish major enriches your linguistic and cultural development by encouraging study abroad in a variety of countries.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Swedish (Courses Only)
About this Program
While there is no major or minor available, the Center for World Languages & Cultures does offer a for-credit beginning course in Swedish. Swedish is taught through a hybrid course that involves both online and in-person class sessions.
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