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Part-Time, Distance & Continuing Education

1911-2011 | Wilfrid Laurier University

1911-2011 | Wilfrid Laurier University

LIAS

-040

6-SE

PT10

Languages andLiteratures

In a globalized world characterized by international links and intercultural

connections, linguistic skills and international experience are crucial for employment and career. Since cultures define themselves through language, students will find themselves exploring and analyzing new ways of understanding the world. Who we are as human beings, and how we look at the world and understand it, are intrinsically connected to language.French is a vital language in Canada. Because it is one of the country’s two official languages, fluency in French immeasurably increases one’s career options. In addition, knowledge of French opens the door to exploring the rich variety of French and Francophone literatures and cultures. An appreciation of the dynamic culture of Québec offers students an opportunity to understand essential elements of Canadian identity, while the study of the vibrant and lively Francophone communities in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Europe enables a deeper appreciation

of the world we live in.Spanish is the third most spoken

language in the world. With 364-million speakers, Spanish opens doors to worldwide opportunities. As one of the most popular second languages at North American universities, Spanish has seen an increase in the number of students selecting this field as their preference for undergraduate and graduate studies. We offer the unique opportunity of obtaining a Spanish for Business Certificate from the Official Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Madrid (OCCIM) at the basic and advanced level. Laurier is the sole representative of the OCCIM in Canada.

Arabic is the mother tongue of 250-million people around the world and one of the official languages of the United Nations. Studying Arabic enables scholars to better understand the Middle East and its history and civilization. Knowledge of Arabic is also advantageous for those

who plan to work in Arab countries. These courses complement the Mediterranean Studies program.

The knowledge of German provides insight into one of the greatest cultures in Europe. By studying German you will gain a much deeper understanding of the country’s history and customs. Within the European Union, students who can speak German find many interesting training, study and job opportunities.

Italy had an influential role in the evolution of the fine arts, humanities and sciences over the last six centuries. An understanding of Italian language, as well as an awareness of the country’s culture, can contribute to a greater appreciation of icons such as Leonardo da Vinci, Machiavelli, Galileo, Verdi, Marconi and Montessori. Italy has become one of the world’s economic powers, and career opportunities exist in the fields of translation, business, design and travel.

Languages at Laurier

Languages at workJackie Rutherford graduated from Laurier with an Honours BA (with distinction) in French and a minor in business Spanish. But Laurier wasn’t her first choice. Rutherford went to a larger Ontario university for her first two years, “but I wasn’t happy. As an Anglo, I was only able to take French as a second language. It was too easy. I wasn’t learning anything.” Then a friend recommended Laurier to her.

“I had awesome professors,” she says. “Laurier is very well-respected and it’s definitely a good school for spirit. Waterloo is a good city, too. There’s lots of culture and things to do.”

Rutherford is now a communications coordinator for Air Products Canada Ltd. in Brampton, where she prepares reports, presentations and other communications, develops content for the web, and uses her French for translation.

AdmiSSion informAtionfor the most up-to-date information about admission to Laurier,

go to www.wlu.ca/admissions.

A great learning experience

About the programThe Honours BA in Languages gives you the opportunity to become fluent in two languages (French and Spanish) and have the knowledge of a third (Arabic, German or Italian). You may also earn an Honours BA in French or Spanish, or combine either of these degrees with another honours BA program. Students can also do a minor in Arabic, German or Italian.

Co-op at LaurierHonours arts students in co-op complete two work terms of at least 10 weeks each, usually in the summers following their second and third years. Participants receive training in job search techniques and assistance in finding employment related to their studies or career goals.

Why should you consider co-op?• Put theory into action• Apply your technical skills• Clarify your career goals• Develop marketable skills • Gain valuable contacts

recent employers of Languages and Literatures co-op students include:• Canadian Heritage, Gatineau• Canadian International Development Agency,

Gatineau • Literacy Group of Waterloo Region, Waterloo• Ontario Legislative Assembly, Toronto

the management optionHonours arts students are also eligible for the Management Option, consisting of 10 half-credit courses, six required and four electives. This option will give you funda-mental training in key areas of business such as business organization, accounting, marketing, management skills, opera-tions, and the fundamentals of finance, macroeconomics and microeconomics, interpersonal communications, business law, personal finance and business management.

Students normally apply for the Management Option in second year. Entry into this option is competitive and students

must maintain a grade point average of 7.0 (B-) in all Management Option courses to graduate.

For more information, visit www.wlu.ca/calendars.

Sample coursesFrench Culture: Modern Times

Modern Standard Arabic

Understanding Italy

Introductory German

Introduction to Spanish Literary Texts I & II

Aesthetic Practices of Spanish and Latin American Filmmakers

Literature and Journalism in the Hispanic World

Poetry and Popular Music in Latin America and Spain

Staging the Other: Hispanic Theatre in Translation

Québec Culture I: From Explorers to Patriots

Humanism and “L’Honnête Homme”

Atelier in Advanced French

Passion, Reality and Dream

French Oral Expression Through Drama

Dr. Mercedes Rowinsky-Geurts is an award winning professor at Laurier.

In her 16 years at Laurier, Rowinsky-Geurts has influenced the lives of hundreds of students who have enrolled in her Spanish language and literature classes, and Mediterranean culture courses. She is also well known for her memorable workshops and presentations. Rowinsky-Geurts specializes in contemporary Spanish and Spanish-American literature, and her research is recognized worldwide. She has won numerous awards, including a Wilfrid Laurier University Outstanding Teaching Award and Faculty Mentoring Award, and most recently earned a prestigious 3M National Teaching Fellowship.

“The classroom is my life and it’s where I’m the happiest,” says Rowinsky-Geurts. “There is a kind of magic that happens when I’m teaching, and I get so much pleasure from the students and their eagerness to learn. Having the chance to share my research with students is one of my most rewarding experiences. I feel privileged to be recognized and humbled by all the opportunities and support that I’ve had at Laurier.”

Rowinsky-Geurts, who is also a poet, novelist and specialist in modern Spanish-American literature, says Laurier is a great place for language education.

“It’s a good, rich environment, where you can grow and be the best you can be.”

75 University Avenue West | Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3C5Tel: (519) 884-0710 ext. 3385 | Fax: (519) 747-2106 | Email: chooselaurier@wlu.ca

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Part-Time, Distance & Continuing Education

Your career starts here

LIAS

-040

6-SE

PT10

Career opportunitiesA degree in languages has a wide range of applications. Many students go on to law school and teacher’s college, while others find careers in areas such as translation, travel and hospitality, federal and provincial government, social services and international business.

Support for gradsAt Laurier, support for our students doesn’t end when we hand them their degree. Our Career Development Centre continues to offer career decision-making, career management and job search services to all our alumni for a lifetime. Alumni are also encouraged to attend workshops and programs offered through the centre, including the largest career fairs and job fairs of their kind in the country, which Laurier co-sponsors.

Contrary to popular belief, English is not the most spoken language in the world. In fact, nearly 360-million people speak Spanish — that’s almost 10 million more people than those who speak English! This is one

of the reasons why Karina Bree decided to major in Languages and Literatures.

“I want to travel the world but I think that you should be able to communicate in the language of

the place you are going,” she says. “Languages and Literatures gives me the chance to become fluent in two languages and have a base in a third language.”

Between the small class sizes and the friendly professors, it’s a toss up as to what Bree likes best about her program.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re in their class or not, if you have a question, the Languages and Litera-tures professors will try and answer it.”

Apart from her studies, Bree is a member of the French club, Chez Nous, as well as the founder of the Spanish Club.

Upon graduation, Bree isn’t 100 per cent sure of what profession she’ll find herself in, but one thing is for certain — she will be travelling.

Languages and Literatures gives me the chance to become fluent in two languages

and have a base in a third language.