Modern Languages and Cultural Studies
Welcome to Modern Languages and Cultural Studies!
The Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies (MLCS) is a multilingual and multidisciplinary home for studying, learning, researching, and experiencing different languages and cultures and gaining a transnational perspective. MLCS is committed to excellence in research and has world-renowned scholars in Applied Linguistics, Comparative and Transnational Literature, Media and Cultural Studies, and Translation Studies. We have a long list of award-winning teachers and offer language courses in ASL, Arabic, French, German, Irish, Italian, Norwegian, Old Norse, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Ukrainian, and transcultural courses in Comparative Literature, Folklore, Latin American Studies, Scandinavian Studies, and Slavic Studies. MLCS is committed to experiential learning and offers opportunities for study abroad and integrated Community Service Learning.
Programs
Undergraduate Degree Program
The BA in MLCS will give you a strong theoretical foundation steeped in languages, comparative, and cultural studies. Choose between 2 routes: Language Studies, with a focus on French, German or Spanish or Cross-Cultural Studies, with a focus on Comparative Literature, Latin American Studies, Scandinavian Studies, or Slavic Studies. Consider a BA Honors program in MLCS.
Study Abroad
Journey into other worlds with our Study Abroad option. Travel to and experience La Rochelle, France; Orienete, Cuba; Reykjavik, Iceland; and Ukraine in Warsaw, Poland.
Graduate Programs - MA Program and PhD Program
A graduate program in MLCS will help you develop and explore research questions in a creative, dynamic, and international learning environment that emphasizes both academic and professional training. Choose from four major areas or streams: Applied Linguistics, Media and Cultural Studies, Translation Studies, and Transnational and Comparative Literatures.
Certificate in Translation
A Certificate in Translation Studies will provide you with the necessary focus and skills to pursue further training in the profession. Undergraduate students in all Faculties may pursue this certificate.
winter Term 2027
TR 9:30 - 11 a.M.
SLAV /MLCS 399 - Slavic Gaming Cultures
This course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to gaming cultures in East Central Europe, in both traditional and digital forms.
No prior language or gaming experience is required - only a willingness to learn through and about games. Taught in English.
Instructor: Kostiantyn (Kostia) Moharychev
winter term 2027
TR 3:30 - 4:50 P.M.
ital 420 - Italian cinema
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Italian cinema with ITAL 420, exploring timeless classics and contemporary films. Engage in critical discussions on directors, genres, and Italy’s cinematic legacy through in-class lectures, screenings, guest speakers,
and online discussions.
Class is taught in English.
Instructor: Stefano Muneroni
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13 languages
for you to choose from
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20+ countries
where MLCS students and researchers work, play, and learn
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experience
other cultures in Study Abroad and Community Service Learning
Message from the Chair
The Department's history dates back to 1908 and is closely intertwined with the foundation of the University of Alberta. From its beginnings, language study was a fundamental part of a Bachelor of Arts degree, and today, students continue to be drawn into our courses, translation certificate, and high-demand study abroad programs. Language is a gateway to another culture to develop different ways of thinking and approaching the world. Our programs have an experiential component so students can easily understand the critical value of bringing language and culture studies to the local community to engage and connect to global communities. Every academic year, MLCS welcomes scholars and students from around the world who make our department a vibrant and exciting place to study, learn, and play!
Victoria Ruétalo
Department Chair
News + Events
Oct. 7 - Writing Identity
Join us on Wednesday, October 7 from 2-4 p.m. in the 2-20A Visualization Lab (Digital Scholarship Centre, Cameron Library) for "Writing Identity: Language Choice and Biscriptality in Belarus and Bosnia and Herzegovina: Digital Practices, Public Spaces, and the Symbolic Meaning of Script", the next lecture in our MLCS Research Conference Series which will be given by Dr. Maria Katarzyna Prenner, University of Graz (Austria).
Giving
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