Interim Chairperson: Lois Oppenheim

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is dedicated to diffusing knowledge
about the languages and cultures of a diverse world population and to imparting respect for and
understanding of similarity and difference across national borders. Faculty members help students
achieve their goals, whether they include teaching, translation, international business, diplomacy, or
entertainment. On campus, language clubs provide an informal setting for speaking and interacting in the target language. Recent events include film series, trips to restaurants, museums, operas, and plays in New York City. 

The Arabic program offers two minors, one in Arabic language and the other in Arabic Studies. The former focuses on Arabic language acquisition while the latter allows students to explore the history and cultures of Arabic-speaking countries through a variety of interdisciplinary course offerings taught primarily in English. Interested students may contact Mazooz Sehwail for more information.

The French program provides courses that develop linguistic skills, literary appreciation, and an understanding of French-speaking people and their cultures. French majors may choose the
Translation-Interpretation Concentration and earn a Translation Certificate in order
to enhance their linguistic skills or to enter careers related to international organizations. They may
also take related business courses. For a liberal arts concentration, majors may specialize in French Civilization, which provides a sound foundation for graduate studies as well as careers in fields such as international relations and book publishing. Students may also select Teacher Education or a second teaching field in French. French minors may elect to follow a liberal arts emphasis or to specialize in Business French. Students may contact Dr. Elizabeth Emery for more information.

The German program offers a liberal arts minor and a second teaching field. The Montclair-Graz exchange provides Montclair students with the opportunity to study in Graz, Austria.  Dr. Bettina Brandt may be approached for additional information. 


The Russian program features a liberal arts minor and a second teaching field, as well as a Russian Area Studies minor. In the latter, students explore the history and culture of Russia by choosing from among interdisciplinary course offerings taught in English.  Students may contact Dr. Jefferson Gatrall for more information.

Study Abroad
Students may also take advantage of Montclair-affiliated study abroad programs in over fifty countries. After successful completion of study abroad, up to 30 semester hours for a full year of study may be earned.