Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Location

Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
680 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 425
Montreal QC H3A 2M7
Telephone: 514-398-3650
Email: info.llcu [at] mcgill.ca
Website: mcgill.ca/langlitcultures

About Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures is dedicated to fostering a critical understanding of European and Latin American cultures in a global context. To this end, we offer programs in:

These programs immerse students in the study of specific languages, literatures, thought, cinemas, cultures, and national traditions while encouraging transnational approaches and cultural plurality. In addition, we offer a selection of courses that are not specific to just one language or culture, including film, eco-criticism, literary theory, book history, and digital humanities.

In terms of undergraduate studies, we seek to broaden students鈥� liberal arts background. Our goal is to enable our undergraduates to develop communicative skills in at least one target language and to provide critical tools to understand the complexities of other cultural traditions. The skills acquired are invaluable for careers in business, government, the media, cultural and literary fields, and numerous other professions.

For a list of LLCU courses offered, click here.

Graduate Studies

We are committed to international standards of excellence in graduate student training; our graduate programs in German, Hispanic, Italian, and Russian Studies offer a vibrant research environment combining the rigour of traditional philological inquiry with a range of other theoretical and methodological approaches, many of them informed and/or creatively challenged by broader transnational and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Students who envision graduate studies upon completion of the B.A. are strongly advised to pursue an honours or joint honours program (honours students must submit their thesis by March 15). Although the Major and Minor concentrations form an important part of the Multi-track B.A. in Arts, this general degree does not provide the specialized training called for by most graduate programs in the humanities and social sciences.

Undergraduate Advising

Students may need to obtain Departmental approval to register for language courses and are strongly urged to consult with the Department for advice/approval of their program plans. A placement test is available and may be booked before the start of term with the Language advisor of the respective area of study. Please see the Program Advisors section of our website at mcgill.ca/langlitcultures/contact.

Students may begin at the intermediate or advanced level in their first year if they have taken approved courses in high school, CEGEP, or through 91社区 Summer Studies. Please consult with our advisor for more information.

The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers undergraduate programs and concentrations which permit students to pursue a variety of intellectual and pre-professional options.

European Literature and Culture

The Minor Concentration in European Literature and Culture provides students with a broad foundation for understanding the development and interconnectedness of European culture, and its relevance for the comprehension of today's world through the study of literature and the arts from the Middle Ages to modern times. Knowledge of a language other than English is not required to complete the program.

Undergraduate Programs

Advisor: Stephanie Posthumus
680 Sherbrooke Street West, Room 331

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration European Literature and Culture (18 credits)

German Studies

With faculty members working at the forefront of literary, media, and cultural studies, the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 鈥� German Studies immerses students in both the rich literary traditions of the German language, and in the innovative directions of transdisciplinary research.

With our multiple major, minor, honours, and joint honours undergraduate programs, as well as our graduate program, we accommodate a broad range of student interests, from the debates of the eighteenth-century Enlightenment to questions of migration and multiculturalism in contemporary German culture. While our department offers a wide spectrum of courses in language, literature, and culture, our particular strengths lie in philosophy, critical theory, cultural studies, philology, cinema, and media studies. Students receive close attention and individual mentoring in both their academic and professional training.

We also consider German Studies to be part of a broader humanistic endeavor and encourage students to draw on the wealth of faculty working on relevant topics both at 91社区 and the many other Montreal universities, in departments and programs such as History, Philosophy, Music, Art History and Communications, Jewish Studies, English, and other national literatures.

Undergraduate Programs

Advisor: Tove Holmes
680 Sherbrooke Street West, Room 473
Telephone: 514-399-9429

Hispanic Studies

The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 鈥� Hispanic Studies offers courses in the literature, intellectual history, and civilization of Spain and Latin America, as well as in the Spanish language. The Department's undergraduate and graduate programs are committed to expanding the liberal arts background of students by helping to develop the skills of communication and critical reasoning, and by providing insight into the culture of other regional, linguistic, and national groups. Enrichment in these areas reduces provincialism and broadens intellectual horizons, regardless of the professional interests or fields of specialization that may guide students in other facets of their university education.

91社区 has bilateral exchange agreements with the Universidad de Salamanca (Spain), the Universidad Nacional Aut贸noma de M茅xico, and the Universidad de las Am茅ricas, Puebla (Mexico), as well as with other leading universities in the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world which allow student and faculty exchanges, and other collaborative ventures. Further information about these exchanges may be obtained from the Department or from the International Education website.

Undergraduate Programs

Advisor: Prof. Amanda Holmes
680 Sherbrooke Street West, Room 386
Telephone: 514-398-4400, ext. 00864

Note: Advanced Placement (AP) credits and courses taken at other universities in Quebec will not be accredited toward the Minor.

Italian Studies

The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 鈥� Italian Studies has a mission to maintain the traditions and study of the great classics, as well as to provide a window on an increasingly complex and diverse contemporary Italian culture. It promotes the study of the Italian language through an excellent and rigorous language training program. Its undergraduate and graduate programs also offer courses in Italian literature, both in Italian and in English, as well as in Italian film. The Department periodically invites scholars specializing in contemporary politics, the Italian immigrant experience, and social change, enabling students to gain both a broader and more critical understanding of various aspects of Italian culture through contact with specialists in these areas.

Undergraduate Programs

Advisor: Eugenio Bolongaro
680 Sherbrooke, Room 443
Telephone: 514-399-9423

Latin American and Caribbean Studies

The Honours Latin American and Caribbean Studies is designed to meet the needs of students who plan to attend graduate or professional school upon completion of the B.A. This program provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary understanding of Latin America and the Caribbean upon which more specialized coursework and research may be based. This program is recommended for students who envision graduate study in a specific discipline, such as History or Political Science. While the Faculty of Arts regulations require a minimum CGPA of 3.0 for Honours programs, in addition, students pursuing the Honours Latin American and Caribbean Studies must normally maintain a B+ (3.30) average in all program courses. Students must also meet all additional Faculty of Arts requirements for graduation with Honours.

The B.A. - Joint Honours Latin American and Caribbean Studies Component provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Latin American and Caribbean region. Students wishing to study at the Honours level in two disciplines can combine Joint Honours programs in any two Arts disciplines. For a list of available joint honours programs, see Faculty of Arts > Undergraduate > Overview of Programs Offered > Joint Honours Programs. Joint Honours students should consult an advisor in each department to discuss their course selection and their research project. Joint honours students are expected to maintain a program GPA of 3.30 and, according to Faculty regulations, a minimum CGPA of 3.00 in general. At least 9 of the 36 credits must be at the 400 level or above.

Undergraduate Programs

Advisor: Prof. Katherine Zien
Department of English, Arts Building
Telephone: 514-398-4400, ext. 09343

Liberal Arts

The Major Concentration in Liberal Arts exposes students to texts from and histories of a suitably wide range of cultures and societies. Students are able to choose among three intellectual streams: literature and the arts (including theatre and architecture); history, culture and society; and philosophy and religion. Students in each stream must satisfy distribution requirements in relation to minimum number of 300/400+ level courses; maximum number of courses in one discipline; geographical areas and historical periods. All students majoring in Liberal Arts are also required to complete a Minor Concentration in a language program (other than English). Students who are native speakers of a language other than English are strongly encouraged to fulfill this requirement in a third language.

The Honours in Liberal Arts exposes students to texts from and histories of a suitably wide range of cultures and societies. Students are able to choose among three intellectual streams: literature and the arts (including theatre and architecture); history, culture and society; and philosophy and religion. Students in each stream must satisfy a language requirement as well as distribution requirements in relation to minimum number of 300/400+ level courses; maximum number of courses in one discipline; geographical areas and historical periods. Honours student must maintain a program GPA of 3.30 and an overall GPA of 3.00. All students in the Honours Liberal Arts are also required to complete a Minor Concentration in a language program (other than English). Students who are native speakers of a language other than English are strongly encouraged to fulfill this requirement in a third language.

Undergraduate Programs

Advisor: Matteo Soranzo
680 Sherbrooke, Room 433

Russian and Slavic Studies

In addition to offering the only full undergraduate and graduate programs (including M.A. and Ph.D.) in Quebec, the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 鈥� Russian and Slavic Studies continues to attract one of the largest student enrolments in North America. We are proud to have approximately 25 graduates each year from undergraduate programs, many of whom have received credit for courses taken in Russia during their studies. Due to expanding global links鈥攂oth commercial and institutional鈥攎any opportunities are open to students with qualifications in Russian studies. Students may be interested in the organization of human society, comparative literature, and linguistics; Russian Studies are highly relevant to all of these.

Undergraduate Programs

Advisor: Lyudmila Parts
680 Sherbrooke, Room 332
Telephone: 514-399-9412

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2024-2025 (last updated Mar. 15, 2024) (disclaimer)

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration European Literature and Culture (18 credits)

The Minor Concentration in European Literature and Culture provides students with a broad foundation for understanding the development and interconnectedness of European culture, and its relevance for the comprehension of today鈥檚 world through the study of literature and the arts from the Middle Ages to modern times. Knowledge of a language other than English is...

For more information, see Minor Concentration European Literature and Culture (18 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration German Language (18 credits)

The Minor Concentration in German Language is designed to allow students to achieve linguistic proficiency in German and to introduce students to some of the major aspects of German culture. ...

For more information, see Minor Concentration German Language (18 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration German Studies (18 credits)

The Minor Concentration in German Studies provides an introduction to and critical understanding of a variety of aspects of German culture from the eighteenth century to the present day. It is designed to complement other forms of disciplinary and cultural inquiry, such as international studies, the digital humanities, and studies in other languages or geographic...

For more information, see Minor Concentration German Studies (18 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration German Studies (36 credits)

The Major Concentration in German Studies provides students with a rigorous and broad inquiry into the major features that have defined German cultural life since the eighteenth century. Knowledge of the German language is a core component of the major concentration and normally courses towards the major concentration will be taught in German. Courses will include...

For more information, see Major Concentration German Studies (36 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Honours German Studies (60 credits)

The Honours in German Studies provides students with a rigorous and broad inquiry into the major features that have defined German cultural life since the eighteenth century. Knowledge of the German language is a core component of the Honours program and all courses towards Honours will be taught in German. Courses will include the study of major works of...

For more information, see Honours German Studies (60 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Joint Honours Component German Studies (36 credits)

The Joint Honours 鈥� German Studies Component provides students with a rigorous and broad inquiry into the major features that have defined German cultural life since the eighteenth century. Knowledge of the German language is a core component of the Joint Honours Component and normally courses towards the Joint Honours Component will be taught in German. Courses...

For more information, see Joint Honours Component German Studies (36 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration Hispanic Studies (18 credits)

The Minor Concentration in Hispanic Studies provides students with a solid foundation on Spanish language and culture. It can be expanded to the Major Concentration in Hispanic Studies.

For more information, see Minor Concentration Hispanic Studies (18 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration Hispanic Studies (36 credits)

The Major Concentration in Hispanic Studies is a flexible program that examines the language and culture of Spain and Latin America in the areas of literature, film, digital humanities and intellectual history. The program focuses on skills of communication and critical reasoning through the analysis of Spanish and Latin American languages and cultural production.

For more information, see Major Concentration Hispanic Studies (36 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Honours Hispanic Studies (60 credits)

The Honours program in Hispanic Studies offers an in-depth study of the language and culture of Spain and Latin America in the areas of literature, film, digital humanities and intellectual history. The program focuses on skills of communication and critical reasoning through the analysis of Spanish and Latin American languages and cultural production. ...

For more information, see Honours Hispanic Studies (60 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Joint Honours Component Hispanic Studies (36 credits)

The Joint Honours - Hispanic Studies Component program offers an in-depth study of the language and culture of Spain and Latin America in the areas of literature, film, digital humanities and intellectual history. The program focuses on skills of communication and critical reasoning through the analysis of Spanish and Latin American languages and cultural...

For more information, see Joint Honours Component Hispanic Studies (36 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration Italian Studies (18 credits)

This program may be expanded to the Major Concentration Italian Studies.

For more information, see Minor Concentration Italian Studies (18 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration Italian Studies (36 credits)

All students wishing to register for the Major Concentration Italian Studies are strongly urged to meet with a departmental adviser.

For more information, see Major Concentration Italian Studies (36 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Honours Italian Studies (54 credits)

Honours students must maintain a GPA of 3.30 in their program courses and, according to Faculty regulations, a minimum CGPA of 3.00 in general. ...

For more information, see Honours Italian Studies (54 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Joint Honours Component Italian Studies (36 credits)

Students who wish to study at the Honours level in two Arts disciplines may apply to combine Joint Honours program components from two Arts disciplines. For a list of available Joint Honours programs, see "Overview of Programs Offered" and "Joint Honours Programs". ...

For more information, see Joint Honours Component Italian Studies (36 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration Russian (18 credits)

The Minor Concentration in Russian will give students a basic working knowledge of Russian and the tools with which to explore Russian life and culture in the original. Students who can demonstrate to the Department that they have acquired the equivalent competence elsewhere may waive prerequisites for 300-level courses and above. ...

For more information, see Minor Concentration Russian (18 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration Russian Culture (18 credits)

The Minor Concentration Russian Culture is designed primarily as an adjunct to area studies and/or programs in the humanities or social sciences. There are no Russian language requirements. This program may be expanded into a Major Concentration in Russian.

For more information, see Minor Concentration Russian Culture (18 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration Russian (36 credits)

The Major Concentration in Russian gives students a foundation in the language, literature, and culture of Russia from the 19th century to the present. It incorporates a balance of instruction in the Russian language, the opportunity to read selected texts in the original language, and to explore Russian language and culture through translated texts. ...

For more information, see Major Concentration Russian (36 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Honours Russian (60 credits)

The Honours Russian program is for students intending to pursue graduate studies or advanced careers in the field. Students must complete 60 credits in the program, and according to Faculty regulations, Honours students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 and maintain a minimum program GPA of 3.00. ...

For more information, see Honours Russian (60 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Joint Honours Component Russian (36 credits)

Students wishing to study at the Honours level in two disciplines can combine Joint Honours program components in any two Arts disciplines. For a list of available Joint Honours programs, see "Overview of Programs Offered" and "Joint Honours Programs".聽 ...

For more information, see Joint Honours Component Russian (36 credits).

Latin-American and Caribbean Studies

About Latin-American and Caribbean Studies

Established in 1971, the interdisciplinary program in Latin-American and Caribbean Studies offers a comprehensive array of courses on the peoples, cultures, history, literature, politics, economy, and geography of Latin America and the Caribbean, providing students with a broad-based understanding of this geographic region, and with the language and research skills required for advanced scholarship. The program in Latin-American and Caribbean Studies encourages the free exchange of ideas and perspectives in order to foster an environment suitable for serious reflection and critical analysis.

Study Abroad

Students in the program in Latin-American and Caribbean Studies are encouraged to consider the opportunities for foreign study and research made available by bilateral exchange agreements with leading universities in the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world. These exchanges are open to all members of the 91社区 community. Further information may be obtained from:

Service Point
3415 McTavish Street
Montreal QC H3A 0C8
Telephone: 514-398-7878

or from the International Education website.

An agreement of cooperation with the Center for Latin American Studies at Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.) permits Honours students in Latin-American and Caribbean Studies at 91社区 to count a portion of their undergraduate coursework toward the degree requirements for Georgetown's M.A. in Latin American Studies, thus permitting completion of the M.A. in one calendar year. See the Program Adviser for additional information.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

The Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program is designed for those students who wish to take advantage of the resources available at 91社区 to acquire a deeper understanding of the Latin American and Caribbean region and its peoples. The interdisciplinary program in Latin-American and Caribbean Studies offers an Honours, a Joint Honours degree, a Major*, and a Minor concentration as part of the Multi-track B.A. in Arts.

Note: * Major concentration offered by Latin American and Caribbean Studies (Major Concentration Latin American Studies) is currently under review pending government approval

Further information for new and returning students is available at mcgill.ca/langlitcultures/undergraduate.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2024-2025 (last updated Mar. 15, 2024) (disclaimer)

Latin-American and Caribbean Studies Faculty

Program Chair
Katherine Zein (English)
Program Committee
M Balan (Political Science/Institute for the Study of International Development); E. Kohn (Anthropology); C. LeGrand (History and Classical Studies); F. Macchi (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures); C Raynor (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures); D. Studnicki-Gizbert (History and Classical Studies); K. Zien (English)

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2024-2025 (last updated Mar. 15, 2024) (disclaimer)

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration Latin American & Caribbean Studies (18 credits)

The B.A.; Minor Concentration in Latin American and Caribbean Studies focuses on a broad, interdisciplinary view of key aspects of Latin America and the Caribbean. The program may be expanded to the Major Concentration in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

For more information, see Minor Concentration Latin American & Caribbean Studies (18 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration Latin American & Caribbean Studies (36 credits)

For more information, see Major Concentration Latin American & Caribbean Studies (36 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Honours Latin American and Caribbean Studies (60 credits)

For more information, see Honours Latin American and Caribbean Studies (60 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Joint Honours Component Latin American and Caribbean Studies (36 credits)

The B.A.; Joint Honours Latin American and Caribbean Studies Component provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Latin American and Caribbean region. Students wishing to study at the Honours level in two disciplines can combine Joint Honours programs in any two Arts disciplines. For a list of available Joint Honours programs, see ...

For more information, see Joint Honours Component Latin American and Caribbean Studies (36 credits).

Liberal Arts

About Liberal Arts

The Liberal Arts program represents a contemporary approach to the traditional concept of a broad, non-specialist undergraduate education in the humanities that is tailored to the environment of a research-intensive university. The program recognizes the value of a classical liberal arts education, yet approaches the liberal arts from a global perspective, emphasizing diversity and difference, and providing new ways of engaging the liberal arts.

The program exposes students to texts from, and histories of a wide range of cultures and societies. Students will be able to choose from three intellectual streams:

Literature and the arts (including theatre and architecture)
History, culture, and society
Philosophy and religion

Students will be expected to satisfy distribution requirements across geographical regions of the world and historical periods.

Students in the program will also be required to develop a working knowledge of, and take courses in, a language other than English. Students who are native speakers of a language other than English will be strongly encouraged to develop a working knowledge of, and take courses in, a third language.

The Liberal Arts program is designed to provide students with tools for critical inquiry and effective communication skills. It affirms in an innovative way the Faculty of Arts' commitment to the humanities and its core mission to foster cross-disciplinary perspectives; diverse and engaged communities; and critical thinking.

For further information, please contact the Director, Liberal Arts Program:

Prof. Matteo Soranzo
Email: matteo.soranzo [at] mcgill.ca

or visit mcgill.ca/langlitcultures/programs/liberal-arts-program.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2024-2025 (last updated Mar. 15, 2024) (disclaimer)

Liberal Arts Faculty

Program Chair/Director
M. Soranzo 鈥� Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Program Committee
E. Bolongaro 鈥� Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; I. Daunais 鈥� D茅partement des litt茅ratures de langue fran莽aise, de traduction et de cr茅ation; S. Posthumus 鈥� Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2024-2025 (last updated Mar. 15, 2024) (disclaimer)

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration Liberal Arts (36 credits)

For more information, see Major Concentration Liberal Arts (36 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Honours Liberal Arts (60 credits)

For more information, see Honours Liberal Arts (60 credits).

Faculty of Arts—2024-2025 (last updated Mar. 15, 2024) (disclaimer)

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