Majors 

Courses in Global Cultures & Language Learning

Minors 

Multiple studies link the benefits of language learning to: 

• enhanced cognitive ability and flexibility
• delaying mental effects of aging
• empathy and effective interpersonal skills
• improved learning outcomes in other subjects

The following professions are seeing an increased need for language skills:

• Business
• Nursing
• Engineering and other STEM fields
• National Security and other government positions

Language is considered a critical part of a liberal arts education. Part of Grand Valley State University's vision and strategic priorities are to "inspire and equip students to be active life-long learners and global citizens" and to require global learning of all undergraduate majors. This does not mean that we expect all students to become fluent, but instead to have exposure to a second language and culture, which in turn leads to practical language skills. The Modern Languages and Literatures Department's (MLL) language courses offer not just the chance to study a language, but to actively engage with another culture on its own terms. Learn more about studying language?

The LRC is a learning lab and collaborative resource center for all students, not just language majors, it is a place for community. A few of its offerings include:

• Language Placement Exams (LPE)- The LRC manages the LPEs and simplifies the process for students to determine their placement in a language program.
• VR headsets- Allows students to tour other cultural sites and speak with native speakers in real life context.
• Interactive Puppet Theatre- Provides a medium for students to be creative in any language. 
• Video games-  Having games in English and other languages for the Xbox and PlayStation2 students can unwind and have fun.
• Multilingual movies- Students can view movies from a collection spanning over 2,000 films.
• Board games- With games in English and various other languages students can just have fun or use them as a learning tool.
• Study space- A welcoming space that provides a positive atmosphere for studying, relaxing, and collaboration. Plus it is always stocked with complimentary tea and coffee.
• Fun events- There is always some fun event being hosted by the LRC from trivia nights to dance lessons, there is bound to be an event for you.
• and More...- Check out their website.

• Minor

• Minor

• Major
• Major- Secondary Education
• Minor
• Minor- Secondary Education

• Major
• Major- Secondary Education
• Minor
• Minor- Secondary Education

Courses:

• ITA 101 & 102 - Beginning Italian I and II: Language and Culture
• ITA 201 & 202- Intermediate Italian I and II: Language and Culture
• ITA 280 - Special Topics in Italian
• ITA 380 - Special Topics in Italian

Courses:

• JPN 101 and 102- Beginning Japanese I and II: Language and Culture
• JPN 150 - Accelerated Beginning Japanese I and II: Language and Culture
• JPN 201 and 202- Intermediate Japanese I and II: Language and Culture
• JPN 301 and 302- Advanced Intermediate Japanese and II
• Plus 10 more course including Literature, Special Topics, Theater, and more.

• Major
• Major- Secondary Education
• Minor
• Minor- Secondary Education

Courses:

• MLL 100 - How to Learn a Foreign Language
• MLL 180 - Language and YOU
• MLL 300 - What's Language Got To Do With It?: Exploring Identity Through Language, Culture, and Literature

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The Modern Languages and Literatures Endowed Study Abroad Scholarship was established to encourage and assist language students to study abroad and gain life experience in the language they are studying at Grand Valley.

Studying abroad with Modern Literatures and Languages (MLL) is special because programs are Faculty-Led.

• Faculty-led programs within MLL are where students travel alongside MLL professors who are fluent in the language of the destination country.
• GVSU professors coordinate and lead their own study abroad programs in partnership with the Padnos International Center.
• Earn academic credits while participating in transformative and enriching experiences.
• Scholarships available through the Modern Languages and Literatures Endowed Study Abroad Scholarship.

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We're about to launch new badges through MLL, including the Multilingualism Badge and the Intercultural Fluency for Business Badge. Please bear with us while we finalize the details. 

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Events

Keep up to date with our events on our Events Page.

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