College of Letters and Science
212 Royce Hall
Box 951539
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1539
European Languages and Transcultural Studies
310-825-1145
The department provides advanced training in the cultural and linguistic traditions of Europe, emphasizes the transcultural relations between countries, while also framing these relations in a much broader global historical context that transcends Europe as a geographic space. This approach to culture and society promises to improve the understanding of history and the challenges of 21st century globalized existence. Concentrating on the shared European roots is key, as is the goal of complicating the very idea of Europe by underscoring the transcultural and global qualities of this space, especially in terms of colonial and imperial legacies. Today, Europe is a geopolitical space in which thinking about diversity, human rights, and religious tolerance remains important. The ELTS majors and minors include language training, the study of culture, literature, film and media, and a focus on the new applied humanities (digital, environmental, medical, urban) in order to consider how these have altered our relationship to cultural analysis and production. We also encourage study abroad, internship opportunities, and organize professionalization seminars.
The department provides advanced training in the cultural and linguistic traditions of Europe, emphasizes the transcultural relations between these countries, while also framing these in a much broader global historical context that transcends Europe as a geographic space.
The department trains students to think critically, to develop writing and research skills, and to understand the power of language to pursue advanced research in a challenging intellectual and globalized world. Students are prepared for graduate school and careers in education, international law and business, the arts, media and journalism, international health organizations, advertising, management consultancy, diplomacy, and publishing.
The various bachelor of arts (BA) degrees offered in ELTS share common foundational courses across language traditions and offer students the opportunity to specialize in individual language tracks. The BA in ELTS includes language training, but allows students design an individualized curriculum structured around ELTS offerings, whereas the BA in ELTS with individual language tracks provides students with a background in Europe and also in the various fields of French, Germanic, and Italian. In French, Germanic (Dutch, German, Yiddish), and Italian, this includes the study of culture, literature, and society, enhancing the understanding of the many facets of European civilization. In Scandinavian and Nordic Studies (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden), students explore how this region forms a geographic bridge between the American and European continents and a political bridge between Western and Eastern Europe. Together, the degrees offer undergraduate students a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of Europe, with a robust knowledge of the cultures and histories of this region from a global and transdisciplinary and transcultural perspective.
Students considering a major or minor in the department should consult with the departmental undergraduate adviser as soon as possible in their university career in order to select courses to fulfill major or minor requirements. The approved list of courses for each category of major or minor requirements is available in the department office (212 Royce Hall) and on the department website.
No credit is allowed for completing a less advanced course after successful completion of a more advanced course in Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Yiddish grammar and/or composition.
The graduate programs offer the master of arts (MA) degree and the doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree in French and Francophone Studies, Germanic Languages, and Italian; and an MA only in Scandinavian. Admission to graduate programs is prioritized for PhD degree applicants. They comprise advanced training in the various fields, as well as in literary criticism, cultural analysis, film studies, the applied humanities, and theory.
European Languages and Transcultural Studies courses are in the following subject areas:
