Welcome to the Department of Languages

The Department of Languages is dedicated to the study of nine languages and their respective literatures and cultures, with courses ranging from introductory language skills to upper-level courses on specific topics. Our courses focus on the many different facets of literary, cultural, and linguistic expression found in the spoken and written languages featured in our department. Nearly 50 faculty members guide undergraduate students in understanding the issues involved in approaching another culture through the language of that culture. All languages majors experience this alternative world first-hand through study abroad.

Undergraduate Degrees in Languages

Language students may choose from three bachelors degrees, all of which stress substantive upper-level study in the humanities:

B.A. in Modern Languages - Available in American Sign Language, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.
B.A. in Language and International Trade - Available in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Includes rigorous study in one of the following professional options: Applied International Economics, International Trade, or Tourism. Courses for these options are taught in colleges other than the College of Architecture, Arts, and Humanities (AAH) that houses the Department of Languages.
B.S. in Language and International Health - Available in Spanish and Chinese. Administered jointly by the Spanish section and the College of Health, Education, and Human Development.

Through the School of Education, students may also pursue the B.A. in Secondary Education, available in French and Spanish. The B.A. in Secondary Education in French and Spanish is NCATE-accredited.

Language Placement Test

If your intended major requires a foreign language (or if you wish to take a foreign language course as an elective) and you plan to take French, German or Spanish to meet that requirement, you must take the Clemson Foreign Language Placement Test (FLPT) before registering for a foreign language course. Click here for more information...

Study Abroad

Regardless of the degree pursued, all language majors are required to study abroad prior to graduation. Students of Chinese, French, German, or Japanese are expected to study abroad for at least one academic year, and students of Spanish for at least one semester.

Minoring in Languages

Students may choose a minor in the following areas: American Sign Language, Chinese, East Asian Studies, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian Area Studies and Spanish.