Virginia Tech Guide To Majors

The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures provides students the opportunity to gain a knowledge of the culture, literature, structure, and vocabulary of the diverse languages offered. The department's programs seek to graduate majors and minors with an advanced command of the written and spoken language. The study of language and literature not only develops students' analytical, critical and communicative skills but also cultivates a more global outlook of the world. The department strives to broaden students' awareness of the nature of language and of cultural similarities and diversities. It also strives to break down the barriers of ethnocentrism and xenophobia, thus increasing communication and understanding on an international scale. Critical thinking, excellent writing skills, and cultural literacy have become requisite to be an educated member of society and to have an edge in today's global job market.