The Department of World Languages and Literatures complies with the official UAB Attendance and Excused Absence Policy for Undergraduate Programs opens a new website. (Scroll down to the section titled, Attendance and Excused Absence Policy.) Please refer to this policy regarding which absences would be excused. Class participation, contribution, and speaking in the target language are crucial for learning a language. Therefore, class attendance is mandatory. The following attendance policy will be applied:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday Classes
For every unexcused absence above four, a student's final grade will be reduced by two points. More than nine absences will result in an automatic “F.” Example:
- Final grade = 90
- Six unexcused absences (two above maximum permitted)
- Final Grade: 90 - 4 = 86%
Tuesday, Thursday Classes
For every unexcused absence above three, a student's final grade will be reduced by two points. More than seven absences will result in an automatic “F.” Example:
- Final grade = 90
- Six unexcused absences (three above maximum permitted)
- Final Grade: 90 - 6 = 84%
1-Day-a-Week Classes
For every unexcused absence above one, a student's final grade will be reduced by two points. More than three absences will result in an automatic “F.” Example:
- Final grade = 90
- Two unexcused absences (one above maximum permitted)
- Final Grade: 90 - 2 = 88%
For summer classes, please see the attendance policy outlined in your course syllabus.
World Language Media Services (WLMS) is located in University Hall 3007. We are here to meet your world language technology needs. The WLMS Director is Jenna Reynolds.
The WLMS is an excellent place to study or to meet with classmates. Students are welcome to use the lab during our hours of operation. However, it may be unavailable while a class is using it. Please see the calendar of lab availability below for open times.
WLMS Library Media Holdings Opens an external link.
Hours of Operation
- Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Lab Availability Calendar
Resources
- 28 PC computers with gigabit ethernet connection
- Software: Office 365 (through BlazerID), Adobe Creative Suite, Audacity
- Web browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Respondus Lockdown Browser
- A dedicated WiFi access point with an excellent connection, around 300Mb/s upload and download speeds on the 5 GHz frequency
- Headsets with built-in microphones
- Streaming video available from our server
- Film checkout from our library opens a new website
Guidelines
- Student ID is needed to check out headsets.
- Eating and drinking are not allowed during computer use.
- Cell phones must be silenced or put on vibrate.
- Speaking volume should be kept moderately low.
In language conversation tables, students, faculty, and community members come together to practice speaking the language in a fun and relaxed environment.
Schedules
-
Chinese Conversation Table
Conversation Table
- Dates: Sep. 11, Oct. 09, Nov. 13 (Thursdays)
- Time: 12:45 - 1:45 p.m.
- Location: University Hall 3007
Online Conversation Table
- Dates: Sep. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 5 (Wednesdays)
- Time: 10 - 11 a.m.
- Location: Zoom Meeting
The Chinese Language Table is a relaxed, pleasant place for students who want to practice oral Chinese. Learners of all levels are welcome to join, since we have topics suitable for each level. At the Chinese Table, you can make friends with Chinese students and exchange opinions on cultural issues. You will surely learn something new every time you come!
-
French Conversation Table
Join us for French conversation practice every Monday from 11:05am–12:05pm in UH 3007!
-
German Conversation Table
Note: Also see the Community Conversation Tables for other German conversation opportunities.
Location: University Hall 3007
Dates:
- Sept. 10th (Wed), 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
- Sept. 23rd (Tues), 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
- Oct. 6th (Mon), 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
- Oct. 28th (Tues), 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
-
Japanese Conversation Table
Location: University Hall 3007
Dates & Times:
- Sep 22 (Mon) 11:15 - 12:00 p.m.
- Oct 14 (Tue) 1:00 - 1:45 p.m.
- Nov 12 (Wed) 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
- Dec 3 (Wed) 11:15 - 12:00 p.m.
-
Spanish Conversation Table
Mesa Española
The Spanish table is a space to practice your Spanish and interact with other students in that language. This activity counts as a cultural event. ¡Te esperamos!
For more information contact Professor Anderson de la Torre at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .Dates:
- Sep 11, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Starbucks at Sterne Library
- Sep 24, 3 - 4 p.m. Games: Conversation cards and Loteria UH 3007
- Oct 8, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Conversation: Hispanic Heritage Month. Zoom
- Oct 21, 5 - 6 p.m. Starbucks at Sterne Library
- Oct 30, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Crafts: Día de los Muertos UH 3101
- Nov 10 12 - 1 p.m. Starbucks at Sterne Library
- Nov 20, 3 p.m. Conversation: Medical Spanish Zoom
- Dec 1, 12pm - 1 p.m. Crafts: Hispanic Decorations UH 3101
View full schedule, topics, and Zoom links Opens an external link
-
Community Conversation Tables
Stammtisch, German Conversation Table
For anyone who speaks German. The conversational level is intermediate to advanced. New participants are always welcome. Please contact Dr. David Agresti for additional information at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .- Dates: Every Thursday (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year when they fall on or within a day or two of Thursday)
- Time: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
- Location: Giuseppes Café opens a new website
AGP Stammtisch
What does Stammtisch mean? A Stammtisch is an informal group meeting held on a regular basis, and also the usually large table around which the group meets. A Stammtisch is not a structured meeting, but rather a friendly and casual get-together.
This is a great opportunity for German expats to meet and for other German speaking/practicing to improve your German. Speaking German is encouraged but not required.
You can email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Please check the alabamagermany.org opens a new website website under events to confirm the Stammtisch is on. Thank you so much!
Students can review their degree progress online at their convenience with the Graduation Planning System (GPS).
Our Applied Professional Spanish majors and Spanish for Specific Purposes certificate candidates participate in community service learning through required capstone courses which provide practical experience in professional contexts.
Courses
SPA 485: Spanish for Leadership at the Workplace
SPA 485 (3 credits) is the required capstone for the Applied Professional Spanish major. This course in in addition to the WLL 485 capstone course for all WLL majors.
WLL 333-00B: World Language Service Learning
WLL 333-00B (3 credits) is the required capstone course for the Spanish for Specific Purposes program.
Prerequisites: 6 hours of courses at the 300 level or equivalent, junior standing, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. WLL 333 cannot replace credit from language courses. Under exceptional circumstances, however, it may replace the required study-abroad program if approved by the Department.
WLL 333-001: World Language Internship
WLL 333-001 (1-6 credits) elective course that can be taken towards the WLL major.
Students taking Chinese, French, German, and Spanish can take a placement test to ensure they enroll in the correct course level. (Students enrolling in Italian will work directly with their faculty member.) The placement test is only used as an advising tool to ensure correct placement. Students should also explore course content during the add/drop period to be sure they fit in that course. We are happy to move students who take the placement test to a higher or lower level course as needed.
Placement Test (Avant PLACE) for Chinese, French, German, and Spanish
Before starting, email your professor for login information.
- The test will consist of a self-evaluation, a reading section, a grammar section, and one writing prompt. To ensure your computer is set up for testing, please take a sample test opens a new website on this page. You will not receive any feedback on the sample test as it is meant to give you an idea of what the test is like and ensure your computer is set up for testing. (You will see a speaking prompt on the sample test but will not be taking a speaking section on the live test.)
- Go to the Avant testing site opens a new website.
- Enter the login information sent to you by your professor.
- If you are not currently enrolled in a language course at UAB, please contact Jenna Reynolds.
- Select “Start New Test” and enter your BlazerID as your Login Name.
- If you need to leave the test before completing it, upon return, enter the same login information received from your professor. Then select "Continue Test" to complete the test.
- On the profile page, enter your first and last name as it appears on official university records. In the email section, you must use your university email address. Complete the other demographic questions to the best of your ability.
- Complete the test without using any outside help or websites.
Only UAB accesses your test results (not the testing company). Results are received by the university three-five business days after testing is complete. For any questions related to this test, please contact Jenna Reynolds.
Useful Resources
Placement Test for Japanese
Before proceeding, please contact Dr. Yoshi Hara at
- Students must register the email address of the faculty member when they take the Tsukuba test for the faculty member to receive the test result.
- After completing the Tsukuba test, students must complete an oral interview test with a DWLL Japanese faculty member.
Department Scholarships
Study Abroad
Several departmental scholarships contribute toward programs with a focus in a world language, linguistics, or literature. Preference is given to students with a major in French, Japanese, or Spanish, or a minor in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish, but all World Languages and Literatures students may apply. These scholarships are awarded yearly.
Excellence in World Languages & Literatures
The department sponsors a number of scholarships recognizing excellence in a world language. Preference is given to students with a major in French, Japanese, or Spanish, but all minors and WLL students may apply. These scholarships are awarded yearly.
Funds for these scholarships may come from different Endowed Support Funds for the Department of World Languages and Literatures.
Applications are open October 1 through March 1. Visit the UAB Bsmart website opens a new website for detailed information and to apply to these scholarships.
UAB Scholarships
UAB offers many scholarships that you can apply for. Important information, including the application process, eligibility requirements, and deadlines, are available on the UAB Bsmart website opens a new website.
Scholarships focused specifically on education abroad are also available. You can learn about them on the UAB Education Abroad website opens a new website.
External Scholarships
In addition to UAB's internal scholarships, here are a few external opportunities that we encourage you to explore. Another excellent UAB resource is the Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships opens a new website.
-
The Caroll Mills Young Study Abroad Scholarship
The College Language Association (CLA) Caroll Mills Young Study Abroad scholarship supports students who want to participate in a study abroad program in order to enhance their proficiency in a target language and/or their understanding of other cultures. All students are encouraged to apply.
-
Scholarships for Students of Chinese
Check out the scholarship information in our Chinese program to learn about opportunities for students of Chinese.
-
Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship (Japanese)
This scholarship is funded by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It enables students from around the world to earn undergraduate degrees, study Japanese language and culture at the undergraduate level, train in Japanese specialized training colleges, and research a broad range of topics at the graduate level in Japanese universities. UAB students who wish to apply to the MEXT scholarship need to contact the Consulate-General of Japan opens a new website in Atlanta.
-
JET Program (Japanese)
The JET Program is an initiative sponsored by the Japanese government to promote internationalization at the grassroots level by bringing young, college-educated individuals to work in communities throughout Japan. JET participants work full-time as assistant language teachers in the public school system or as coordinators for international relations in local government offices. With the JET Program, participants can gain valuable work experience abroad and explore a rich and historical culture.
-
Mayan Medical Aid (Spanish)
Mayan Medical Aid was founded in 2004 with the express purpose of funding medically related projects to benefit the Maya of Guatemala. Medical & Dental Spanish and International Medicine Scholarships are matching grants and are provided on a first-come, first-served basis to students and residents.
-
Sigma Delta Pi Undergraduate Study Abroad Scholarship (Spanish)
Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, has several scholarships available for education abroad and for continuing studies. You must be a member to be eligible for these scholarships. Awards are available for undergraduate and graduate students.
-
AATSP Summer Study-Abroad Programs
There are two sources of funding for the AATSP Summer Study-Abroad Scholarship Programs:
- Funds for tuition and other expenses for study-abroad programs in Argentina, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, or Spain. These funds vary by program and are explained in detail under the name of each individual study-abroad program.
- AATSP travel stipend of $1,000 for study-abroad programs. The travel stipend is designed to help offset travel to the study program. It will probably not cover all travel expenses.
-
Study Abroad in Japan: Bridging Scholarship
The Bridging Project offers scholarships to American undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan. The United States-Japan Bridging Foundation funds scholarships administered through American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ) to help students study abroad in Japan for a semester or an academic year.
-
Critical Language Scholarship Program
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully-funded summer overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. With the goal of broadening the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages and building relationships between the people of the United States and other countries, CLS provides opportunities to a diverse range of students from across the United States at every level of language learning.
All students are welcome to join student groups.
The Chinese Society at UAB
Our goal as a student organization is to encourage the greater UAB community to experience Chinese culture and to create a community, where everyone can get together and celebrate traditional Chinese holidays, sample traditional Chinese dishes, and learn/practice the language.
Faculty advisor: Ling Ma
Italian Club
The Italian Club is for students of Italian to learn more about the Italian culture and language. We promote the study of Italian at UAB and in the Birmingham community. We get together for various social and educational activities.
Faculty advisor: Giuliana Russo-Skinner
Le Club F
Un peu effronté? Non, c'est le Club F!
Good times, good food, and, with some effort, you'll be speaking French and ready to go to France to put it all into practice. Check the bulletin board for notice of meetings!
Faculty advisor: Maury Young Bruhn
Palomitas Spanish and Latin American Film Club
We are the Spanish and Latin American Film Club at UAB. We watch movies/videos and discuss their cultural value and importance. We include the English subtitles on our movies so students at all levels (even those who don't know any Spanish!) can enjoy them.
Faculty advisor: Jenna Reynolds
S.A.L.S.A.
If you’re Latino, Spanish, taking Spanish, or simply enjoy some of the many culinary and musical aspects of Latin American and Spanish culture, you are invited to join us. S.A.L.S.A. (Spanish and Latino Student Association) has been created as a way to unite all the UAB students who share these interests.
Faculty Contact: Lourdes Sánchez-López
Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society
Sigma Delta Pi opens a new website is the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society (La Sociedad Nacional Honoraria Hispánica). Its purpose is to honor those who attain excellence in the study of the Spanish language and in the study of the literature and culture of Spanish-speaking peoples. It encourages college and university students to acquire a greater interest in, and a deeper understanding of, Hispanic culture.
Faculty advisor: Carolina Rodríguez Tsouroukdissian
Spanish Club
The Spanish Club is an organization that encompasses a diverse group of enthusiasts of the Spanish language and of Hispanic cultures. As an organization, we strive to improve our language skills and cultural understanding. We participate in numerous activities, such as the UAB International Bazaar, conversational dinners, and free Spanish tutoring for UAB students.
Faculty advisor: María Antonia Anderson de la Torre
Japanese Culture Club
The Japanese Culture Club offers UAB students a dynamic exploration of Japan and welcomes those who wish to join a community dedicated to learning more about its culture. Through events, activities, and language practice we aim to encourage students to embrace Japanese traditions, holidays, and more.
Faculty advisor:
German Club
Herzlichen Wilkommen! The German Club is here to engage with and celebrate German language, culture and history We work hard and play hard with German boardgames, trivia, films, and other cultural events. To this end, we hope to promote German language and culture here at UAB.
Faculty advisor: Adam J. Toth
A growing number of businesses work closely with companies in other countries.
No matter what career you choose, having learned a second language could be benefit for you opens a new website. A technician who knows German, the head of a company who knows Japanese or Spanish, or a salesperson who knows French or Chinese can work successfully with many more people and in many more places than someone who knows only one language.
Many Americans need to speak languages other than English.
Nurses, doctors, police officers, journalists, business professionals, and individuals working in the tourism industry are just a few examples of people who may need to know a second language to help them do their jobs well. There are many careers where being proficient in more than one language is required or a sought-after skill opens a pdf in a new website.
Professionals who know more than one language may have access to more career opportunities.
A second (or third) language may give you an advantage opens a new website in the fields of government, business, law, medicine and healthcare, teaching, technology, the military, communications, social service, marketing, and other industries where you may be working with or serving communities and individuals who speak other languages than English. Knowing a second language can help you be a bridge between a company and new clients or customers.
Studying another language can improve your test scores.
Studying a second language can improve your college entrance exam scores opens a new website. Studying a language can help increase your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical reading skills. It can also help you sharpen your memory skills. A study published in the Journal of Language, Identity and Education found multi-lingual students performed better in all subjects, especially science and geography.
Explore Internships, Service Learning, and Career Resources
Internships and service-learning courses are a proven way of helping you in your job search once you graduate. Employers know that these experiences give students hands-on experience with workplace skills, challenges, and environments — experiences that make those students valuable employees. Internships give you the chance to try out a profession and collect references and professional contacts. You can also get course credit. Learn more about the official WLL internships and service-learning courses.
Another good resource for internship and job listings is the UAB Career Center opens a new website. They are a source for career advice and planning, along with information on job fairs, tools like resume builders, and many more resources for UAB students. We recommend that you take advantage of all that they have to offer.
No matter how good a student you are, having good advice is essential to your academic success. All professors in the department are happy to answer your questions, mentor your progress, and provide advice on careers. Feel free to ask them for guidance as well as information about scheduled courses, the topics they are going to teach, and their research. In addition, students are assigned College of Arts and Sciences advisors based on their status as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior.
Your Advisors
- CAS Advising: See the Advisors by Major opens a new website list
- World Language Education: Krista Chambless
- World Language Internships: Lourdes Sánchez-López
- Spanish for Specific Purposes: Lourdes Sánchez-López
- Credit-by-Exam, AP, CLEP, BACHE, Miscellaneous: Julián Arribas
- Individually Designed Major: Julián Arribas
- Honors in World Languages and Literatures Major: Julián Arribas
Graduation Planning System (GPS)
Students can review their degree progress online at their convenience with the GPS.
Advice for Incoming and Transfer Students
If you are a new student, meet with your CAS advisor before signing up for classes. The hardest part of your first year should be your classes, not deciding what they should be. Make an appointment with your academic advisor before you attend New Student Orientation.
Contact the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office opens a new website at (205) 934-6135 for help with registering but also with making the most of your choice to attend UAB!
Advice for Current Students
You can rely on your CAS academic advisor for information, assistance, and encouragement throughout your time at UAB. In general, advisors will:
- Help you identify your goals and develop educational plans to reach them
- Help you understand degree requirements, course selection, and schedule planning
- Refer you to resources across campus that can boost your academic performance
- Help you understand academic policies and procedures
- Provide information about potential areas of study