DEPARTMENT OF WORLD LANGUAGES AND CULTURES
The Department of World Languages and Cultures serves the mission of the College of Letters & Sciences and the University as a whole by encouraging students to develop diverse perspectives, civic responsibility and engagement, and personal and professional integrity while preparing for careers and lifelong learning. Engaging with a world language benefits our students by improving their ability to make connections across the curriculum with other subjects. The Department offers a comprehensive curriculum in French, German, Spanish, and Spanish as a Heritage Language, as well as an array of courses in Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. Undergraduate students may fulfill major, College, and University requirements, as well as acquire language skills for other opportunities.
Through our programs, students develop skills in listening comprehension, oral and written communication, and textual literacy, which facilitate awareness and appreciation of the contributions of world cultures to contemporary society. Our courses foster cultural sensitivity and respect through engagement with global languages, ideas, and literatures. Students further develop critical thinking skills through reflecting on the differences and similarities between the target cultures and their own.
The World Languages and Cultures Department's expertise in various languages reaches out into and serves the larger community and region. Faculty, academic staff and/or student interns provide valuable professional assistance with translation and interpreting. Service learning components in some courses help students see real-life applications of their world language skills. These activities benefit area institutions and organizations while creating ties between the university and surrounding communities.
Contact us
Pilar Melero
Department Chair and Professor
262-472-3173
Laurentide Hall 3110
Nicole Romero
Department Assistant
262-472-1975
Laurentide Hall 3112
UW-Whitewater offers students a wide variety of scholarships, both through the university, individual colleges, and departments. The Department of World Languages and Cultures has a number of scholarships and awards geared specifically toward our students, including:
- Peter Hoff Study Abroad Scholarship
- The Qatar Scholarship Program
- AL Muammar Scholarship
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
- Critical Languages Scholarship Program
- Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
- Boren Scholarship
- Aldo & Adriana Busot Scholarship
More information about these and other scholarships is available through the scholarship portal.
The Department of World Languages and Cultures supports a number of student clubs and organizations, including German Club, French Club, Spanish Club, and more.
If you have taken language classes previously and would like to continue taking French, German, or Spanish coursework at UWW, then you will need to take the appropriate World Language placement exam. These are available only as online, unproctored exams. Please take the test at least 2 weeks before you attend a SOAR, so your scores can be processed and will be available for course registration during the event.
Please contact Pilar Melero, the Chair and Coordinator of the World Languages Department if you are:
- A heritage speaker/speaker of Spanish: The World Language Department Coordinator will determine whether or not you should take the UW System Spanish Placement test.
- Interested in taking Arabic, Chinese, or Japanese and have prior experience with that language.
Language Testing International (LTI) provides language proficiency testing for both assessment and professional certifications. The two tests offered to UW-Whitewater students are the OPIc and the iWPT. UW-Whitewater students must take the following exams:
- College of Education & Professional Studies majors seeking World Language, ESL, and Bilingual language teaching certification: OPIc & iWPT
- College of Education & Professional Studies minors seeking World Language, ESL, and Bilingual language teaching certification: OPIc & iWPT
- College of Letters & Sciences French, German, or Spanish majors (non-Education): OPIc only
- College of Letters & Sciences French, German, or Spanish minors (non-Education): no exam required
Registration & Scheduling:
During the Testing Center's reorganization, please use these instructions to schedule an online exam with a remote proctor.
Please see how to register for the OPIc Exam.
A travel study is academic class that takes place on campus followed by an international faculty-led course work that typically runs for ten days up to four weeks. This global opportunity is ideal for students who are unable to do a traditional study abroad program or want to build on their global experiences.
Explore our academic programs
English Composition and Literature
Online Graduate CertificateThe Graduate Certificate in English Composition and Literature is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of educators and to help them attain the credentials required for teaching college-level courses, including courses offered for dual-enrollment.
Bilingual/Bicultural and ESL Education
MinorEnglish as a second language (ESL) and Bilingual/Bicultural Education are exciting and rapidly growing fields in need of many dedicated and well-prepared teachers. With our minor, take courses focused on integrating inclusive cultural and linguistic knowledge into the elementary and high school curriculum of your future classroom.
French
Major/Emphasis, MinorFrench, the language of love, fashion, cuisine and some of the greatest literary, artistic and philosophical influences of all time. With a French degree, you will pave your way to careers in teaching, translation, travel and tourism, and foreign service.
German
Major/Emphasis, MinorAs a relative to English, German has long roots in science, and is known for its intricate history, and large culture in Wisconsin. In our program, students will gain communication skill across several German-speaking countries, and pave the way to careers as teachers, translators, academics, and government and business leaders.
Japanese Studies
Major/Emphasis, MinorGain an understanding of Japan, its culture and the Japanese language. Explore Japanese history, politics, culture, literature, religion, society, geography, and gender and family relations.
Professional Spanish
MinorHone and advance your Spanish skills in preparation for a professional career, from business to law to healthcare.
Spanish
Major/Emphasis, MinorLearn one of the most prevalent languages in the United States and the world. Fluency in Spanish will unlock multiple careers as a teacher, translator, and travel agent, not to mention your skills will be incredibly marketable, from business to government to nonprofits. ¿Estás listo?
Spanish Education
Major/Emphasis, MinorLearning a new language is a priceless experience for children's growing minds. Be the person who encourages this growth with a Spanish Education major. UW-Whitewater will provide you with courses on Spanish phonetics, civilization, and literature, as well as middle and secondary education/curriculum, properly preparing you for a career in teaching Spanish.
World Languages Education
Major/EmphasisAs the world has grown smaller, the importance of fluency in world languages has only grown. At UW-Whitewater, your love of languages will be encouraged and fostered to serve you well into the future.
What does my contribution directly support?
Student scholarships
Study abroad & Travel Study
Research and innovation
Guest lectures and workshops
How much money can make an impact?
Donate now to support the Department of World Languages and Cultures at UW-Whitewater
If you're interested in starting a scholarship or making a pledge, please contact the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc at 262-472-1105 or through email at foundation@uww.edu.