Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages and Cultural Studies (MLCS) Degree Program Guide

MLCS degree program guide header

Modern Languages and Cultural Studies (MLCS) is the study of languages, cultures, texts, and contexts. How do I say "welcome" in Arabic, Italian, or Swedish? How do the arts reflect cultural traditions? How can we better communicate across borders? What does language say about our changing society? Find answers to these questions and many more as an MLCS student.

Gain a rich and immersive educational experience that combines language proficiency with cultural insight. This program will equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an interconnected world.

Academic Requirements for Modern Languages and Cultural Studies Majors

General Requirements and Information
  • The Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies (MLCS) offers two Major routes leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Both routes emphasize the use of acquired skills in contexts outside the classroom
    • A language studies route allows students to focus on acquiring skills in one or more languages other than English
    • A cross-cultural studies route allows students to focus on studies that cut across linguistic, literary, and cultural traditions, while also developing skills in one or more languages other than English
Course Requirements
  • Language Route
    • 6 units at the senior level in one language taught in the Department of MLCS
    • 6 units at the senior level in the same language taught in the Department of MLCS OR 6 units at the senior level in an additional language taught in the Department of MLCS OR 6 units at the senior level in courses with the same prefix within the Department of MLCS taught in English
    • 12 units in courses with the same prefix within the Department of MLCS taught in English
    • 6 units of the 24 units listed above must be taken at the 400-level
    • a minimum of 6 units from courses that include significant experiential learning components appropriate to the area of study OR in an experience abroad or in Francophone areas of Canada

  • Cross-cultural Studies Route
    • 4 units at the senior level in one language OR split between two languages taught in the Department of MLCS. If credits are split between two languages, at least 6 units at the senior level must be earned in each language. 6 units of the 24 units taken must be at the 400-level
    • a minimum of 6 units from an experience abroad or in Francophone areas of Canada outside of the Edmonton Capital Region OR in courses that include significant experiential learning components related to the language(s) studied
Additional Notes
  • For a current list of languages that are available for the language studies route to the Major in MLCS, see the department webpage

Academic Requirements for Modern Languages and Cultural Studies Minors

Central/East European Studies
  • A minor in Central/East European Studies requires a minimum of 15 units to a maximum of 42 units as specified below, including at least 6 units at the 300- or 400-level
    • 6 units from one language at the senior level, selected from Polish, Russian or Ukrainian
    • 9 units selected from:
      • HIST 310 - A History of the Habsburg Monarchy, 1526-1918
      • HIST 312 - Foundations of East European History
      • HIST 313 - Medieval and Early Imperial Russia
      • HIST 318 - Modern Ukraine
      • HIST 320 - Russia from Reform to Revolution, 1800-1917
      • HIST 322 - Russia in the 20th Century
      • HIST 416 - Topics in Eastern European History
      • HIST 419 - Topics in Soviet History
      • SLAV 204 - Slavic Folklore and Mythology
      • SLAV 222 - Euromaidan: Origins and Aftermath of the Ukrainian Revolution
      • SLAV 299 - Special Topics
      • SLAV 399 - Special Topics
      • SLAV 475 - Slavic Languages and Cultures in the Community
      • SLAV 499 - Special Topics
French
  • A minor in French requires a minimum of 15 units to a maximum of 42 units at the senior level including at least 9 units in FREN at the 300- or 400-level
  • 6 units in 300-level FREN and 3 units in 400-level FREN are required
German
  • A minor in German requires a minimum of 12 units at the 300- or 400-level to a maximum of 42 units at the senior level in GERM
Italian Studies
  • A minor in Italian Studies requires a minimum of 15 units to a maximum of 42 units at the senior level, including at least 6 units at the 300- or 400-level
  • Italian Studies minors need to complete the following courses:
    • ITAL 211 - Intermediate Italian I
    • ITAL 212 - Intermediate Italian II
    • ITAL 299 - Special Topics
Latin American Studies
  • A minor in Latin American Studies requires a minimum of 18 units to a maximum of 42 units in LA ST or cross-listed Latin American Studies courses at the senior level
  • Latin American Studies minors need to complete the following courses:
    • LA ST 205 - Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
    • LA ST 210 - South America
  • 12 units in additional senior-level LA ST or cross-listed LA ST courses, which must include 3 units in LA ST at the 300 level or above and at least an additional 3 units in LA ST courses at the 400 level
  • *A minor in Latin American Studies may be combined with a major in Spanish
Polish
  • A minor in Polish requires a minimum of 12 units to a maximum of 42 units at the senior level, including at least 6 units at the 300- or 400-level
  • 6 units in senior-level language courses
  • 6 units at the 300- or 400-level in POLSH or SLAV
Russian
  • A minor in Russian requires a minimum of 12 units to a maximum of 42 units at the senior level, including at least 6 units at the 300- or 400-level
  • 6 units in senior-level language courses
  • 6 units at the 300- or 400-level in RUSS or SLAV
Scandinavian
  • A minor in Scandinavian requires a minimum of 12 units to a maximum of 42 units at the senior level, including at least 6 units at the 300- or 400-level
  • 6 units in one language at the senior level, selected from Norwegian or Swedish
  • 6 units at the 300- or 400-level in SCAND
Spanish
A minor in Spanish requires a minimum of 15 units to a maximum of 42 units at the senior level, including 3 units at the 400-level
Ukrainian
  • A minor in Ukrainian requires a minimum of 12 units to a maximum of 42 units at the senior level, including at least 6 units at the 300- or 400-level
  • 6 units in senior-level language courses
  • 6 units at the 300- or 400-level in UKR or SLAV
Ukrainian Folklore
  • A minor in Ukrainian Folklore requires a minimum of 12 units to a maximum of 42 units at the senior level, including at least 6 units at the 300- or 400-level
  • 6 units in senior-level language courses
  • 6 units at the 300- or 400-level in SLAV or FOLK

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of courses can Modern Languages and Cultural Studies students take?

  • MLCS 210 - Approaches to Cultural Studies
  • MLCS 231 - Language and Power
  • MLCS 300 - Introduction to Translation
  • MLCS 345 - Video Games across Cultures
  • MLCS 400 - The History of Translation
  • MLCS 473 - Cultural Representations, World Media and Ethics

What kinds of careers can you pursue with a Modern Languages and Cultural Studies degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with a Modern Languages and Cultural Studies degree. From cultural affairs to translation, graduates are equipped with intercultural communication, research and critical thinking skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information.

  • Translator & Interpreter
  • Copy Editor
  • Policy Analyst
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Cultural Program Director
  • Museum Curator
  • Cultural Event Coordinator
  • Community Advocate
  • International Sales & Marketing Coordinator
  • Localization Specialist
  • Educator (Professor, Secondary or Primary)
  • Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer
  • Cultural Affairs Specialist
  • International Aid Worker
  • Hospitality Manager
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

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