Learning a language opens doors in the international community. Our programs foster international perspectives and build communication and critical and creative thinking skills. These skills are invaluable to a variety of career paths such as health, business, education, government, and more. Our students have the opportunity to study in diverse locations including Beijing, Berlin, Jaén, Lima, Paris, Pescara, Salamanca, San Juan, Tokyo, and many more. Whether in Birmingham or abroad, our students have countless opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.

The study of a language expands the outlook and interests of the educated citizen. By providing insight into the social and intellectual life of other peoples, studying a language fosters humanistic attitudes and cultivates a spirit of tolerance and understanding.

We invite you to browse the pages of the Department of World Languages & Literatures website to learn how the University of Alabama at Birmingham is providing a world of opportunities to students of Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Mission Statement

To educate, motivate, and inspire students to interact with people from other nations and/or cultures in a multiplicity of languages. The department seeks to develop linguistically proficient and culturally competent individuals who think critically and communicate effectively in local, national, and global communities.

To foster the international exchange of knowledge and information between humanities scholar-teachers and other professionals. Our programs are rooted in linguistic diversity within and across cultures. Our instructional methods are aligned with national standards. The world language experience at UAB includes classroom learning, scholarship and research, experiential learning, and extracurricular opportunities.

Vision Statement

A renowned international languages and literatures department whose faculty and staff, through their teaching, scholarship, and service, offer high-quality education.

Administration

Lourdes Sánchez-López

Interim Chair, Director, Spanish for Specific Purposes Program

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(205) 934-8281
University Hall 3168

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Jenna Reynolds

Director, World Language Media Services

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(205) 934-4652
University Hall 3007A

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Staff

Alicia Bandy

Administrative Associate

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(205) 934-4652
University Hall 3169

Location

The Department of World Languages and Literatures is located on the 3rd floor of University Hall, room 3105. Directions to University Hall are available through the UAB Campus Map opens a new website.