World Languages and Cultures

Scofield Hall, Room 211
711 E. 51 Street
(816) 235-1311
worldlanguagesandcultures@umkc.edu
World Languages and Cultures 

Mailing Address:
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Department of World Languages and Cultures
Scofield Hall, Rm 211
711 E. 51 Street
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499

Department Chair:
Gayle Levy

Associate Chair:
Alberto Villamandos

Professors Emeriti:
K. Scott Baker, Patricia P. Brodsky, Rafael Espejo-Saavedra, Louis Imperiale, Iman O. Khalil, Kathy Krause, Raymond T. Riva

Associate Professors:
Matthew Edwards, Nacer Khelouz, Gayle Levy (Chair), Alice R. Reckley Vallejos, Alberto Villamandos (Associate Chair)

Department Description

The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers programs of study leading to the bachelor of arts degree in Languages and Literatures, with an emphasis in French Language and Literature, Spanish Language and Literature, Classical Languages and Cultures and International Studies; and graduate-level work leading to a master of arts in Romance Languages and Literatures (French and Spanish). In addition, undergraduate minors are offered in French, German Studies, Spanish, and Classics.

Career Implications

Aside from pursuing teaching careers, holders of degrees in foreign languages are in demand by government, the media and international business in growing numbers, as the need for increased sophistication and expertise in international affairs continues to expand. Multinational companies and organizations now view foreign language skills as an asset in a prospective employee. In the past 10 years this notion has become widespread in such areas as business, industry, commerce, civil service, education, law, communications media and health services. The changing conditions of international economics, politics and communications indicate that this trend will continue.

Higher Educational Applications

Reading knowledge of a foreign language is a requisite for many graduate degrees. Foreign language proficiency, moreover, is gaining increasing importance on all levels of university instruction as curricula are internationalized. Scholars and professionals in many fields have long recognized the need for, and advantages of, foreign language competency for improved international communication and effective conduct of basic and applied research.

Special Resources

Credit by Exam

Beginning-level courses (110, 120) are not applicable toward requirements for the major.

Departmental testing or "Credit by Examination," is available for 211-level and 221-level credit. Students should first speak to the appropriate language advisor. A minimum grade of C is necessary to receive credit.  Please contact the department for more information. 

Study Abroad

UMKC has exchange and study agreements with other institutions in many parts of the world. Students have an opportunity to spend a year or a semester of study at a number of universities around the globe, including at the University of Seville in Spain, the University of Lyon II in France and the University of Klagenfurt in Austria. Summer programs are held at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina; the University of Malaga, Spain; and the University of Lyon II, France.

The department encourages students to travel and study abroad on our programs or those offered by any accredited American university. It should be noted, however, that the department must approve in advance any courses taken abroad for major or graduate credit. Interested students should contact the appropriate departmental advisor.

Requirements for Teacher Certification in Foreign Languages

Certification as a Foreign Language teacher K-12 is offered at UMKC as a Master of Arts in Teaching through the School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences. For acceptance in the program, applicants must have:  A B.A. in French, German or Spanish, or the equivalent course work in the target language, with a GPA of 3.0. See undergraduate B.A. requirements in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.

For further application requirements, see School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences: https://education.umkc.edu/academics/masters-program/ma-in-teaching/

For further information about the program, contact Dr. Reckley Vallejos, reckleya@umkc.edu, and the School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences at (816) 235-2234.