About the Program
General Description
WCL is an MCL interdisciplinary minor that complements MCL’s specific language and area studies programs, as well as several CLASS departments, by helping students to develop academic concentrations (e.g., in Arabic Studies, Film, 3rd world literature, Business, etc.) tailored to their career interests, aspirations & needs.Theories centered on the Clash of Cultures, reactions to modernization, etc. in a post Cold War, post 9/11 era of globalization and trans-national processes are at the center of con-temporary concerns. The WCL curriculum option addresses these and other key concerns through individual courses and an interdisciplinary program which supplements academic majors in CLASS and other UH programs.WCL provides unique windows on aspects of international development through courses in world or area literary and cultural studies, as well as courses in philosophy, history, the social sciences, etc. The minor provides structured alternatives or coherent, rigorous, custom-tailored curriculum clusters drawn from an inventory of courses available in MCL and other campus units. MCL’s language programs offer a variety of courses taught in English and Spanish.
Mission
- To foster understanding and communication through the study of world languages, literatures, and cultures in translation as well as in original languages.
- To provide education and training for students seeking careers related to such study.
- To contribute to a comparative and critical understanding of local, regional, national and international cultural trends and conflicts in the age of globalization and transnationalism.
- To develop curriculum concentrations and educational opportunities (including study abroad and internship experiences) that enhances student majors and career goals. Complementing MCL’s specific language and area studies programs by helping students to develop academic concentrations (e.g., in Arabic Studies, Film, third world literature, Business, etc.) tailored to their career interests, aspirations and needs in the age of globalization and global clashes.
Career Directions/Added Features
The minor will enhance students’ preparation for international business, diplomatic and social service, journalism, communications, teaching, law etc., as well as for entrance into graduate programs in countless fields. Student-centered programs, presentations, exhibitions, lecture series and conferences are essential parts of WCL. . In addition, the minor provides opportunities for scholarships, internships and Study Abroad (see MCL web site and/or contact Dr. Joseph Rodríguez).
WCL administration
WCL is housed in MCL and administered by the WCL director who is responsible for course scheduling, cross-listing of classes, evaluating petitions and transfer credits and developing special WCL public programs. Above all, the Director oversees student advising and helps students develop their custom-tailored minor program. The Director will report to the MCL Chair and MCL’s Comparative, Critical and Cultural Studies Committee (CCC) composed of involved faculty members from the department and other units.
