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Academics

From classical Greek and Latin to globally indispensable Spanish and Arabic, we offer one of the largest, most comprehensive language programs in the Southeast. Our faculty help you become responsible and engaged world citizens with an understanding and respect for international cultures.

Departments


LCWA is home to five departments where you'll find the majors and minors to boost your career and enrich your global perspective.
  • Classics

    As one of the largest undergraduate Classics programs in the nation, the Classics Department offers courses that explore all aspects of the Greco-Roman world, including its languages (Latin and Ancient Greek), literature, material culture, history and reception in the modern world. Our curriculum offers many opportunities, including study abroad, internships and independent research projects.

    You can choose from three Classics majors:

    • Classics, A.B. - focusing on the study of the Greek and Latin languages
    • Classics, B.A. - focusing on the study of Greco-Roman culture
    • Classics-Teacher Education Program (A.B. | B.A) 

    Students can also minor in Classics, Greek and Latin.

    Explore Classics
  • French, Francophone, & Italian Studies

    Offering a wide range of courses that emphasize the importance of languages spoken by nearly 200 million people in 70 countries worldwide, the French and Italian curricula feature community-based learning initiatives, an International Film Festival and study abroad opportunities.

    In addition to proficiency in the language and a deep appreciation for the histories, art and societies of the French and Italian people, you'll prepare for cross-cultural careers that may include international business, design, entertainment, translation, theology and education.

    • French and Francophone Studies, B.A.
    • French and Francophone Studies - Teacher Education Program (PK-12), B.A.
    • French and Francophone Studies Minor
    • Italian Studies Minor
  • German and Russian Studies

    With their interdisciplinary curricula and emphasis on experiential learning, the department’s award-winning programs dovetail with a wide range of fields in business, the sciences and the humanities.

    Whether you want to travel abroad or find a great job right here in the Lowcountry, studying German opens a world of opportunities. The German language is widely spoken all over Europe. It is also the third most spoken language in South Carolina due to the more than 160 German companies that bring jobs and investment to our state. Not only a language of philosophy, literature and the arts and sciences, German is also advantageous in business, engineering, communications, international relations and technology.

    • German Studies Major, B.A.
    • German Studies Minor

    The Russian Studies Minor is a multidisciplinary course of study, combining the Russian language with literature, culture, history, and politics. The program is designed to provide students with the language skills, cultural exposure, and historical background needed to understand and interact with the over 280 million speakers of Russian in the world today. With its flexibility and interdisciplinary curriculum, the Russian Studies Minor makes for a great complement to a variety of Majors, such as international business, computer science, international studies, music, art, history, and political science.

    • Russian Studies Minor
    German and Russian Studies
  • Hispanic Studies
    Hispanic Studies is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive undergraduate programs in the Southeast. Spanish is the second most spoken native language in the world! Our courses teach you not only the basics of communication, but how to understand the cultures and dialects of the 21 countries where Spanish is an official language. 

    We have a minor in Portuguese and Brazilian studies, which combines courses in advanced Portuguese language and culture, Portuguese literature in translation, Latin American & Caribbean studies, history and political science.

    We have specialized classes for students going into business or the medical professions, and we offer several affiliate and faculty-led study abroad programs around the Spanish-speaking world. We also have service learning and internship opportunities. Come learn it with us!

    • Spanish, B.A.
    • Spanish-Teacher Education Program (PK-12), B.A.
    • Spanish Minor
    • Business Language Minor in Spanish
    • Portuguese and Brazilian Studies Minor
    Hispanic Studies
  • International Studies

    Offering an interdisciplinary major and globally focused education, the Department of International Studies prepares students to understand and grapple with challenging issues that continue to shape our world. It is where many of the components of the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs come together.   

    From global economics to world politics, the Department of International Studies offers a kaleidoscope of interdisciplinary experiences. With concentrations spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, Global Studies and Latin America and the Caribbean, you choose your area of interest for an in-depth exploration of global issues, cultures and societies.

    With a multidimensional perspective, you'll gain cross-cultural and global awareness skills and knowledge to succeed in any number of careers including government and public policy, diplomacy and foreign service, education, international banking and finance, research and analysis, law and healthcare.

    • International Studies, Africa Concentration, B.A.
    • International Studies, Asian Concentration, B.A
    • International Studies, Europe Concentration, B.A.
    • International Studies, Global Studies Concentration, B.A.
    • International Studies, Latin America and the Caribbean Concentration, B.A.
    • International Studies Minor
    Visit International Studies

Interdisciplinary Majors & Minors


LCWA also houses undergraduate degree programs with majors in Latin American and Caribbean studies, Jewish studies, archaeology and African American studies. These programs are multidisciplinary and draw faculty from such diverse areas as political science, history, Hispanic studies, art history, English, sociology and anthropology.
  • African American Studies

    African American studies introduces students to the diversity of the African American experience through a variety of courses and interdisciplinary perspectives. The African American Studies Program offers an insightful examination of the history, culture and experiences of African Americans.

    With the City of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø as a compelling backdrop, you'll benefit from the research opportunities, cultural events and historical significance of the city and its role in African American history.

    You gain the skills and knowledge you need for a wide range of careers, including education, community development and public administration.

    • African American Studies, B.A.
    • African American Studies Minor
  • Archaeology

    One of the largest undergraduate archaeology programs in the country with nearly 20 contributing faculty, the Archaeology Program offers a unique, interdisciplinary, hands-on approach to the study of humanity’s past. Students complete archaeologically relevant courses from across the College; gain practical research experience in a field school or internship; and graduate with the widely accepted qualifications of an archaeologist.

    Join us for a journey through world cultures, time periods and geographic regions as we explore human history through the excavation, analysis and interpretation of archaeological remains.

    Archaeology takes a fully interdisciplinary approach to the curriculum, integrating the fields of anthropology, art history, biology, chemistry, Classics, data science, geology, historic preservation, history and mathematics in the study of the material past.

    In addition to a career as an archaeologist, your studies in archaeology will prepare you for careers in research, preservation, education, forensics, conservation and restoration, art authentication, cultural resource management, museum curation and much more.

    • Archaeology, B.A.
    • Archaeology Minor

     

    Visit Archaeology
  • Jewish Studies

    Jewish studies is a distinguished program at the College, offering students the opportunity to delve deeply into Jewish history, religion, philosophy and literature, as well as a variety of extracurricular presentations and performances.

    This interdisciplinary major provides you with the knowledge and skills to engage with the multifaceted world of Jewish heritage including the study of American Jewish culture, Holocaust studies, Jewish traditions, Jewish mysticism, Israeli politics and society, and contemporary Jewish identity.

    Along the way, you'll prepare for a variety of career opportunities including education, theology, research, community leadership and intercultural engagement with a refined understanding of Jewish history and culture.

    • Jewish Studies, B.A.
    • Jewish Studies Minor 
  • Latin American and Caribbean Studies

    In the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program, you won't just learn about the language, culture, history, politics and sociology of this rich, colorful and diverse region, you'll live it. As part of your program, you'll spend a semester abroad embedded in the culture, speaking the language and deepening your understanding and appreciation of the region's people and issues.

    From Aztecs to Zapata and bossa nova to reggae, join us for a multidisciplinary exploration of the culture, history and global significance of Latin America and the Caribbean. 

    Graduates of the program emerge prepared for careers in international relations, diplomacy, education and much more.

    • Latin American and Caribbean Studies, B.A.
    • Latin American and Caribbean Studies Minor

     

    Latin American & Caribbean Studies
  • Linguistics

    Come and discover how language really works.

    The linguistics minor at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø invites you to explore the science behind human language: how we produce and interpret symbols, build structures and create meaning. You’ll examine the structures within language, how it is acquired and processed in the mind, how it changes across history, how it connects with identity and culture, and how it’s applied in wide array of different fields, from education to humanities and other social sciences.

    Whether your interests lie in languages, psychology, anthropology, computer science or cultural studies, the linguistics minor will provide you with powerful tools to understand the most uniquely human faculty, what makes us human: language.

Interdisciplinary Minors


Complement your major with one of our interdisciplinary language and culture minors to help prepare you for a globally interconnected career.
  • African Studies

    Join us on a fascinating study that spans ancient civilizations, rich traditions, modern challenges and radiant cultures.

    We'll explore the geography, art and literature of Africa while engaging with its complex social, economic and political landscapes.

    Your African studies minor pairs well with any number of majors including anthropology, English, French, history, political science and religious studies. It also prepares you for careers in education, international business, foreign service, politics, environmentalism and beyond.

  • Asian Studies

    Explore ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology in our interdisciplinary study of the vast continent of Asia.

    In addition to your study of the history, politics, literature, visual arts, religion and economics of Asia, you'll have the option to gain a proficiency in Asian languages such as the Arabic, Mandarin Chinese or Japanese.

    With your minor in Asian studies, you'll gain employer-valued critical thinking and cultural awareness skills that can help you in a wide range of career paths including international business, diplomacy, education, journalism and media, tourism and hospitality, law and global health.

  • British Studies

    Examine the far-reaching impact of the United Kingdom throughout the world including British literature, art and architecture, political institutions, government, social issues and pop culture.

    The program encourages experiential learning and study abroad opportunities. 

  • European Studies

     

    Our European studies minor will take you through the history and world cultures of the continent with all its complexities and interconnectedness.

    You'll examine the literature, languages, arts, economics, politics, religion and societies of Europe while gaining cultural insights and a global perspective.

    In addition to a deep appreciation for the European arts, literature and cultural contributions, the minor helps prepare you for careers in business, diplomacy, education, marketing and much more.

  • Japanese Studies

    From Zen and Shinto to manga and Maneki Neko, our Japanese studies major provides a fascinating journey through the language, culture and civilization of Japan.

    You'll take beginning and intermediate courses in the Japanese language to gain proficiency in speaking, listening reading and writing. You'll study the history, literature, art, religion and other aspects of Japanese traditions and contemporary life.

    With your Japanese studies minor, you'll gain enhanced cultural awareness and Japanese language skills to help you in careers in international business, government, education and wherever your career may take you.

  • Middle Eastern and Islamic World Studies

    Explore the history, culture and global impact of the Middle East.

    In addition to options to study the Arabic or Hebrew languages, you'll examine the dynamic societies, politics and religions of the region while analyzing contemporary global issues, gaining cultural sensitivity and preparing for careers in international relations, diplomacy, academia and beyond.