Undergraduate Programs
Immerse Yourself in a World of Languages and Cultures
As a student, you have the unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of human expression and communication at the University of Delaware's Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Whether your passion lies in mastering a new language, delving into the literary masterpieces of diverse civilizations, or gaining a deeper understanding of global cultures, our dynamic department offers a transformative educational experience. From intensive language instruction to thought-provoking seminars on cultural studies, you'll have the chance to develop essential skills for success in our increasingly interconnected world. Join a vibrant community of scholars, engage in stimulating discussions, and embark on a journey of intellectual and personal growth that will prepare you to thrive in the 21st century.
Interested in studying other languages? We also offer courses in:
Study Abroad
We offer winter and summer programs for beginning students of language in Spain, Latin America, France, Martinique, Germany, Italy, Tunisia, Morocco, and other sites. Intermediate language students can participate in winter and/or summer session programs in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Martinique, Panama, Spain, or Morocco. For advanced language students, we offer semester programs in Paris, Granada, Buenos Aires, Salzburg, Rome, and Akita, Japan. Please consult the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures or the Center for Global Programs and Services for program details.
Latest News
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October 30, 2024 | Written by CAS Communication StaffFaculty experts to discuss research of newly minted Nobel laureates -
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October 28, 2024 | Written by Margo McDonoughAward winners from the College of Arts and Sciences -
Digging into archaeology in Portugal
October 17, 2024 | Written by Tracey BryantUD junior Marcus Beardsley helps excavate ancient Roman site
Delaware’s Bridge Program offers an advanced language pathway for high school students who have scored at least a 4 in the AP language and culture (or literature) exam. Students have the opportunity to complete one to three Bridge courses while in high school earning both high school and university credit. A student who completes three Bridge courses will graduate from high school with nine upper division college credits that count towards a major or minor in the language of study. The Delaware World Language Expansion Initiative facilitates infrastructure and provides ongoing funding for this critical continuation of Delaware’s ambitious Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program.
Students who have studied a language for four or more years and who have excelled academically, or those who have some native-speaker ability or study abroad experience, may wish to take the exemption exam (only for Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish). Passing the exemption exam yields no credit; however, it does exempt students from their foreign language requirement in the College of Arts and Science. Passing the exam also enables students to advance to the 200-level if they wish. PLEASE NOTE - Students may not advance beyond the 107 level without passing the exemption exam or obtaining AP credit.
The exemption exam can be taken only once. It cannot be taken once the student has begun or completed 105, 106, or 107.
Students who demonstrate proficiency (in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehending) in languages other than those listed above should contact the Foreign Language Placement Advisor to discuss their exemption.
Exemption exams are offered by appointment throughout the year.
Since space is limited, students interested in taking the exam should contact the Placement Advisor by email (cristaj@udel.edu) to schedule an appointment. The appointment should be scheduled a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the desired test date.
Please email or call the placement advisor to schedule appointments or to ask questions about this exam or other placement issues at:
Crista Johnson, Foreign Language Placement Advisor
320 Jastak-Burgess Hall
(302)-831-4667
cristaj@udel.edu
Who should test?
- Majors and minors in their second 200-level language class
- Minors in their first 400-level language course
- Majors taking any of these three advanced courses:
- LLCU421: Methods of Teaching World Languages
- SPAN491: Capstone
- LLCU 499: Skills Assessment, Career Planning and Portfolio Development
All students are welcome and encouraged to test, regardless of level! You may also test in more than one language and re-test as frequently as you'd like.
What is the Global Seal?
The Global Seal of Biliteracy™ is a national/internationally recognized credential, certifying proficiency in two or more languages, English and your target language (French, Spanish Chinese, Japanese, etc). The Global Seal is a standardized and external measure of language ability.
Why earn a Global Seal?
The Global Seal of Biliteracy is a serial-numbered Bilingual Credential that you can add to your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile in the Licenses and Certifications section to stand out in the job market.
How can you earn a Global Seal?
DLLC has partnered with the Avant STAMP 4S Proficiency test, one of the most affordable testing options for students to qualify for a Global Seal credential. High scores on the Avant STAMP 4S Proficiency test can qualify you for one of two Global Seal levels: Functional Fluency and Working Fluency.
The DLLC Proficiency Advisor will apply for the Global Seal of Biliteracy on your behalf once coursework information and scores have been received. Your personalized Global Seal of Biliteracy and unique serial-numbered credential will be given to the Avant testing administrator and then shared with you. For further questions, please contact testing administrator and proficiency advisor Blythe Milbury-Steen or make an appointment.
Avant STAMP 4S Proficiency Test
The Avant STAMP (Standards-Based Measurement of Proficiency) is an internationally recognized computer-based test of language proficiency. It tests all 4 skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. There are 30 listening and reading comprehension questions and 3 prompts each for writing and speaking.
Test questions are based on real-world, everyday situations and measure your language ability (Novice, Intermediate and Advanced with sub levels of Low, Mid and High) based on national standards set by the American Council for Teaching Foreign Language standards (ACTFL).
Cost: The test costs $42.90 (for all languages except Latin and Hebrew) and includes remote proctoring. You decide when and where you'd like to take the test.
Time limit: You have 3 hours to complete the test (the remote proctoring limits testing time). Most students report finishing within 2 hours.
- The Avant STAMP 4S Test Taker Guide includes information on remote proctoring (you will need to download proctoring software onto your computer and smartphone), testing tips, and a sample test.
- Testing accommodations are available
To Register
Testing registration is available each semester. Fall 2024 registration is currently open.
After payment, you will receive an email within 1-2 business days describing the next steps. Please register with your UD student email. You'll need to schedule a testing day/time in advance (it could be later that day or a future date, but the test will not automatically start upon completing registration).
Results will be available within 7-9 business days. The DLLC testing administrator will receive the results and share them with you. You don't need to do anything to access your results.
For questions about payment/registration, email Blythe Milbury-Steen or avantTC@avantassessment.com
Currently enrolled students may take courses at other institutions for transfer when such study meets the University’s transfer standards and the required prior approvals have been obtained prior to registration at the other institution. Not all institutions or courses are eligible for transfer.
Transfer of Credit Advisors
- Arabic: Ikram Masmoudi
- Classics: Marcaline Boyd
- Chinese: Haihong Yang
- French: Ali Alalou
- German: Iris Busch
- Hebrew: Eynat Gutman
- Italian: Riccarda Saggese
- Japanese: Mark Miller
- Portuguese: Cynthia Schmidt-Cruz
- Russian: Julia Hulings
- Spanish: Phillip Penix-Tadsen
- Other: Ali Alalou
Students who think they may need individual help, especially with 100 and 200 level Spanish and French language courses, are encouraged to contact the Language Resource Center or the Language Proficiency Center where tutoring is free.
Tutoring in other languages is available through the TutorFind Service at the Academic Enrichment Center. Please note that a fee is charged for these tutoring services and that the amount is determined by the Academic Enrichment Center.
If you are interested in becoming a tutor you must obtain an application from the TutorFind Service and have it approved by the appropriate faculty member listed below:
- Chinese – Jianguo Chen
- Classics – Annette Giesecke
- French – Flora Poindexter
- German – Iris Busch
- Italian – Riccarda Saggese
- Japanese – Mark Miller
- Russian – Julia Hulings
- Spanish – Hans-Jörg Busch