College of Arts & Sciences

Modern & Classical Languages, Literature & Cultures

7

Major track options

9

Minor track options

Many

Study abroad opportunities

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The Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Cultures program advances the study of languages and cultures around the world. Students develop advanced proficiency in Arabic, Chinese, Classical Greek, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, and/or Russian while studying the art, culture, film, folklore, literature, music, mythology, religion and theatre of the areas where these languages are spoken. In addition, the department provides service to the Commonwealth in language instruction and cultural awareness. Students choose one of seven tracks in the MCL major: Arabic and Islamic Studies, Chinese Studies, Classics, French and Francophone Studies, German Studies, Japan Studies, and Russian Studies. 

Careers

Grow Your Future

Students with advanced foreign language skills find work in government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), travel and tourism, International business, arts and entertainment and education.

Career opportunities in Modern and Classical languages

  • International business
  • International organizations
  • International law
  • Diplomatic corps
  • Red Cross
  • Non-profit organizations
  • intercultural communication
  • Foreign and public service
  • Tourism
  • Education
  • National Security
  • United Nations
  • Publishing
  • Translation
  • Journalism

Classes & Requirements

What You'll Study

The Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures major serves to advance the understanding and appreciation of language and cultural study domestically and abroad. Majors choose one of seven tracks: Arabic and Islamic studies; Chinese studies; classics; French and Francophone studies; German studies; Japan studies; and Russian studies.

 

Graduation Requirements

Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree must complete a minimum of 60 hours in biological, physical, mathematical and/or computer sciences. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences degrees in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.

UK Core Requirements

  • The Nature of Inquiry in Arts and Creativity (3 hours)
  • The Nature of Inquiry in the Humanities (3 hours)
  • The Nature of Inquiry in the Social Sciences (3 hours)
  • The nature of Inquiry in the Natural, Physical and Mathematical Sciences (3 hours)
  • Composition and Communication I (3 hours)
  • Composition and Communication II (3 hours)
  • Quantitative Foundations (3 hours)
  • Statistical and Inferential Reasoning (3 hours)
  • Community, Culture and Citizenship in the USA (3 hours)
  • Global Dynamics (3 hours)

Total Credit Hours - 30


Major Requirements 

MCL Core Requirements

  • MCL 100 - The World of Language [3 hours]
  • MCL 200 - Global Literacy [3 hours]
  • 200+level MCL course in an area other than the students field of concentration [3 hours]
  • MCL 495 - Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures Capstone [3 hours]

MCL Track Requirements

  • Students will be required to complete 12 hours of track requirements deppending on the language they choose to pursue [12 hours]
  • In addition, students will be required to complete an addition 18 hours of electives in their focus area (for a complete list of approved courses please refer to the UKY Bulletin [18 hours]

Total Hours - 42


MCLLC | Bachelor of Arts 

B.A. Major Sheet B.A. Four Year Plans

MCLLC | Bachelor of Science

B.S. Major Sheet B.S. Four Year Plans

Imagine Your Future

Interpreters and Translators

Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$49,110

per year in 2021

Number of Jobs

69,400

in 2021

10 Year Job Outlook

14,000

new jobs (average)

Work Environment

Interpreters and translators work in settings such as schools, hospitals, courtrooms, meeting rooms, and conference centers. Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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A&S Undecided/Exploratory Studies

Understanding that over 70 percent of university students will change their declared major at least once during their college careers, the College of Arts and Sciences has developed an Exploratory Studies program for students who have yet to decide the specific field of study that most closely aligns both their personal interests and their professional career goals and objectives. The Exploratory Studies Program provides students with an extraordinarily diverse educational environment that includes coursework spanning Math and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences and provides students with the unique opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest during their first several semesters on campus. For more information please contact a recruiting representative at asrecruting@uky.edu.