The University of La Verne’s Modern Languages Department is home to the World Language Programs, the Writing Program, and Creative Writing. All share a common goal: strengthening students’ linguistic and communicative skills, be they in written or oral form, in their first or second language.
World Language Programs
Students are invited to familiarize themselves with the cultural richness and diversity of the world that comes with immersion in a foreign language. With majors in Spanish and French, a minor in Japanese, first-year courses in German, and an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in International Business and Language, those interested in modern languages have a wealth of opportunities to take either a quick exploration or a deep dive into the linguistic and literary expressions of dozens of countries.
Spanish and French are both offered as majors and minors at La Verne. Anyone completing the major should demonstrate competence and cultural sensitivity necessary to function alongside native speakers. Because fluency and awareness of French and Hispanic civilization is at the heart of these studies, the university strongly encourages students to take a semester of study in a host country. La Verne’s Study Abroad program can fill in the blanks for you.
The Japanese minor familiarizes La Verne students with the language through intensive study of the literature and culture of Japan. To help with assimilation, the university occasionally offers interim study abroad opportunities – short two-week excursions between Fall and Winter semesters – in addition to semester-long adventures in Tokyo.
The Writing Program
The Writing Program at the University of La Verne fosters the study and practice of writing as a life-long method of inquiry and learning foundational to ethical and reflective communication in academic, professional, and civic life.
Creative Writing
The Creative Writing Program challenges all students — majors, minors, passersby — to develop their craft, examine the culture around them, and expand readers’ understanding of what it means to live.
Our major and minor programs give students the opportunity to practice literary creative writing through a careful study of the modes and theories of the art, with an emphasis on contemporary applications. Courses encourage students to learn and employ techniques gleaned from literary creative writing while simultaneously helping students better understand the literary and cultural contexts of their work.