World Languages & Literatures
Thrive in today's global world
PSU's Department of World Languages and Literatures plays a central role in preparing students to function in the global community. We offer courses in 17 languages, and our classes are designed to help you develop proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for eventual use in a broad variety of real-world settings.
COVID-19 Update
Our physical office (FMH 315) is closed, but we are still here to serve you. You can contact faculty and staff directly, contact us at world@pdx.edu, or stop by our virtual desk (via Zoom), Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We Stand Against Racism
Our department reaffirms its commitment to working toward a more just, inclusive, participatory, and anti-racist society. Read our statement.
Degree Programs
Undergraduate Majors and Minors
- Majors: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish
- Minors: American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, Chinese, Classical Studies, French, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Persian, Russian, and Spanish
- Certificates: Advanced Proficiency in Russian, Intercultural Competence for the Workplace, Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language, and World Language Pedagogy
Graduate Programs
- Master of Arts in World Language: German, Japanese, or Spanish
- Master of Arts in World Languages and Literatures
GET AN EDGE
Add a minor in World Languages to your degree. No matter what you are majoring in, adding a minor in a foreign language will spice up your resume and will boost your chance of getting a job. Employers love to hire multilingual people in any profession.
STAY CONNECTED WITH WLL
Polyglot, our departmental newsletter, is produced twice a year and keeps our alumni, family and friends up-to-date on what's going on with the WLL community.