Mission Statement

MLCS embraces a rich diversity of specialists in language, applied linguistics, literatures and cultures. The Department encompasses programs in Germanic, Romance, and Slavic Studies that have few rivals in Canada and several programs that are unique. MLCS unites specialists in a scholarly quest that combines national disciplinary traditions with a unique interdisciplinary enterprise. From introductory to graduate levels our strength is the teaching of cultural literacy. We view cultural literacy not only as a command of the written and spoken language(s), but as a practical and critical grasp of the tools of cultural understanding. Cultural literacy is achieved through the development of linguistic competence and through the study of literary and social texts. In the spirit of diversity, the Department is committed to the exploration of innovative modes of teaching and research that draw upon common interests among our languages and disciplines and also strengthen our links to the greater academic community and to the community at large.

Degrees and Specializations at a Glance

Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics MA and PhD degrees with specializations in German Literature, German Philology and Linguistics. There are two routes leading to the MA degree: thesis-based and course-based. Humanities Computing (MA only) Two-year Master of Arts degree in Humanities Computing. The program integrates computing and its underlying technologies with disciplines such as literature, language and cultural studies. MLCS offers specializations in Applied Linguistics, French, German, Italian, Latin American Studies, Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian. Details: www.arts.ualberta.ca/huco/. Romance Languages, Literatures and Linguistics MA and PhD degrees with specializations in French Language, Literatures and Linguistics; Spanish and Latin American Studies; Italian Studies (MA only). Slavic and East European Studies MA and PhD degrees with specializations in Slavic Languages and Literatures (Russian, Ukrainian), Slavic Linguistics, and Ukrainian Folklore. There are two routes leading to the MA degree: thesis-based and course-based Applied Linguistics MA degree with specializations in German; Romance; or Slavic. Combined MA and PhD Programs in MLCS and Comparative Literature The Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies and the Department of Comparative Literature, Religion and Film/Media Studies have a reciprocal agreement that allows students to include courses from both Departments in MA and PhD programs. This agreement entitles students to combine MLCS disciplines with Comparative Literature, permitting them to take a major from one Department and a minor from the other. The degree awarded will be under the name and specialization of the department to which the student is admitted. Students must apply for admission to the department that administers the discipline in which they wish to major and must also meet that Department's normal requirements for admission. The following may serve as an example of possible combined programs: Any national literature in MLCS (e.g., French, German, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian) and Comparative Literature.