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The Roman philosopher Cicero said, “To know only one language is to remain a child.” Acquiring fluency in languages and learning about other cultures leads to a greater understanding of the people with whom you share the world. It also helps you develop a larger perspective and a better understanding of your own culture.
- Why Choose a Language or Cultural Studies Program?
- Undergraduate Degree Programs
- Certificate Programs
- Study Abroad Opportunities
- Careers
Why Choose a Language or Cultural Studies Program?
Learning the language and studying the culture of other countries can open doors to multiple career fields. Employers participating in an increasingly global economy welcome job applicants who can speak more than one language and understand cultures other than their own.
At Iowa, language study always involves much more than simply acquiring another speaking language. Even the most basic courses include the study of the cultures in which the language is spoken, as well as practice in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Many students who major in languages add a major or minor in another area, such as economics, journalism, political science, art, history, or psychology. Whether you are interested in the languages of ancient cultures or those spoken today, Iowa has a comprehensive list of language and cultural studies choices available.
Undergraduate Degree Programs
Iowa offers degrees in the following areas relating to language and/or cultural studies:
- African American Studies
- American Studies
- Anthropology
- Asian Languages & Literature (Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, and Sanskrit)
- Cinema & Comparative Literature
- Classical Languages (Greek and Latin, Ancient Civilization)
- English
- French
- Geography
- German
- International Studies
- Italian
- Linguistics (English as a Second Language)
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
Also, courses in Arabic, Old English, and Swahili are available on a regular basis. Courses in Biblical Hebrew, Celtic, Czech, Gothic, Kannada, Korean, Middle English, Middle High German, Old Norse, Polish, and Turkish are occasionally offered at Iowa.
Certificate Programs
The University offers Certificate Programs in several areas related to language and cultural studies, including:
- American Indian and Native Studies
- American Sign Language
- Global Health Studies
- International Business
- Latin American Studies
- Medieval Studies
- Sexuality Studies
Study Abroad
The University Office for Study Abroad sponsors more than 70 study abroad programs scattered across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. While all University students are encouraged to study abroad as undergraduates, students earning language and area studies degrees often find study abroad especially important.
Careers
Iowa students use their undergraduate training in language and cultural studies to prepare for positions in international and government service organizations, international business, international banking, interpreting, publishing, translation, and the travel/tourism industry.
Jobs that graduates might pursue include: language teacher, social worker, law enforcement officer, language librarian, customs officer, foreign-company representative, bank officer, importer, exporter, tour guide, foreign correspondent, publishing executive, editor, translator, entertainer, FBI agent, CIA officer, military officer, scientific researcher, missionary, interpreter, technical writer, journalist, United Nations officer, or Peace Corps volunteer.
Some of these jobs and career titles require advanced degrees or specialized training. Many students continue on for graduate work in such areas as law, business, nursing, and higher education.
Students who want to teach a language at the elementary or secondary level must be admitted to the College of Education’s Teacher Education Program, which prepares students for initial teacher licensure.
