Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and CulturesAcademics

About the Department

Unlock the Door to a Multicultural Adventure with MLC at Gustavus

At Gustavus, language is more than a group of nouns, verbs, and pesky prepositions. It's a reflection of culture, countries, and communities around the world. Through a curriculum that emphasizes current events and puts language into cultural context, students become intercultural ambassadors who can speak about themselves and their world. The ability to communicate across cultures translates to careers in virtually any field and enables you to be the person that connects individuals, ideas, and international communities.

Learn More about the MLC Department

Members of Organization for Latin American and Spanish Cultures at Gustavus perforing at Latin Night.

Discover your path:
Majors, Minors, and Related Programs

Our department is your gateway to cultures, languages, and people that span the globe through the study of Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Russian. Dream of speaking with Spanish speakers, journeying through Japan, or finding friends in the francophone world? Reach fluency with a language major, complement another degree with a language minor, or simply discover the joy of communicating with others in a new way. With a commitment to work across many disciplines, our department will help you develop into a more informed, connected, and confident global citizen.

Majors and Minors


Related Programs


Opportunities in MLC

Immerse Yourself in a World of Language and Culture

At Gustavus, we know the only way to learn a language is to live it. Study abroad, work in local communities with native speakers, practice your skills with tutors and digital resources from our Culpeper Language Learning Center, or get involved with a student club. Through it all, discover all the ins and outs of language that textbooks can't teach.

Explore all Opportunities in MLC

  • Student Clubs
  • Study Away
  • Internships
  • Research
Two Gustavus students taking a selfie in front of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya while studying away in Barcelona, Spain.

Gusties
will
Shine

The MLC Department is a dynamic community filled with curious, motivated students and faculty who are eager to connect with each other and the world, where language learning and cultural exploration intersect. From the engaging pedagogy of our faculty to the thriving multilingual journeys of our students, the MLC Department fosters a rich and rewarding educational experience. On and off the Hill, our students and faculty are continually inspired to grow and pursue their passions.

Meet our Faculty

Xeanna Willaert ‘24

Xeanna Willaert ‘24

Spanish and Nursing Majors

“I think the small class sizes play a big role in fostering such a close-knit community. [The Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures Department] is truly a wonderful place to learn and grow as an individual.” As a future nurse, Xeanna decided to pursue an additional major in Spanish in hopes of becoming a bilingual nurse […]

Read more about Xeanna Willaert ‘24

Keep in Touch with Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Contact Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Email: mlc-dept@gustavus.edu
Phone: 507-933-7391

Confer-Vickner, 231B
800 West College Avenue
Saint Peter, MN 56082