Languages Offered

USD values language proficiency and requires third-semester competency in a second language for students seeking the bachelor's degree. Students have many options for study — you can learn to say "Welcome" in nine different languages offered by the Department of Languages and Literatures! Majors and minors are offered in French and Spanish, and minors are offered in German and Italian. Please follow the links below to learn more about instruction in each of these languages.

Arabic courses teach the form of the language understood throughout the Arab world and introduce geography, political systems, cultures, and religions of the region.
Chinese courses will enable the student to communicate in Mandarin, the dialect of government and education, and to appreciate Chinese civilization and culture.
French courses teach one of the official languages of both the United Nations and the European Union, which is a very useful tool in diplomacy and in the political arena.
German courses engage students in language, culture, and civilization to provide students with a marketable career skill in a wide variety of fields.
Greek courses in Ancient Greek are offered for those students who wish to enrich their knowledge of English vocabulary and grammar, and become acquainted with Greek culture.
Italian courses give students a strong base in oral and written skills, which provide the fundamental tools for developing conversational fluency.
Japanese courses provide students with elementary and intermediate training in Japanese language and culture by emphasizing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
Latin courses acquaint students with Roman culture and enhance their understanding of the Latinate roots of English vocabulary and grammar.
Spanish courses develop students' proficiency in communication and cultural understanding by studying current societies and cultural histories in the Spanish-speaking world.