Academics

The department offers the following degrees:

Students may also choose from five minors in French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish.  Portuguese is offered on a regular basis at the basic, intermediate, and advanced level. Czech, Polish, and Ukrainian have been offered at the basic and intermediate level when there is sufficient demand.

As part of our instruction in language and cultural literacy in French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish, we offer:

Language courses

The basic language courses are taught following innovative pedagogical approaches to language learning. Once the student has completed the basic language sequence (either at GW or through previous language studies validated by a placement exam or by AP credit), a range of courses are available for advanced language study, including topics in pronunciation, business and commercial vocabulary, and journalistic style.

Literature, culture, and film courses

The department offers a wide variety of courses in literature, culture, and film. Introductory courses in French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish literature are regularly offered, as well as courses dedicated to specific periods, authors, or special topics. Culture courses introduce students to the historical and social settings in which the literature developed.

The Language Center

The GW Language Center supports language teaching/learning and research It provides resources and services to ensure the highest caliber language teaching and inquiry for GW students, faculty, departments, and programs.

Language Placement Exams

If you have ever studied French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish, you need to take the placement exam if you wish to continue studying the language at GW.