Arabic
We are proud to offer a unique environment to learn the fascinating sounds and script of the Arabic language and the beauty of its literature and art and get acquainted with the warmth and generosity of Arab cultures.
Language and Culture Studies
Learning a foreign language opens doors to other cultures. In addition to the personal challenge of mastering a new language, multiple-language proficiency allows students to pursue rewarding careers in international affairs, law, business, foreign service, education, and a host of other exciting fields. Trinity’s language and culture studies programs are rooted in a thorough knowledge of the language itself, as utilized by contemporary speakers and writers.
The Department of Language and Culture Studies offers students a wide variety of opportunities for communication and intellectual stimulation beyond the typical classroom setting. The one-on-one relationships that develop between student and professor, between student and student, and between student and other speakers of foreign languages are benchmarks of the program and an enduring source of personal and professional satisfaction. Student clubs feature practical exposure to foreign languages in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Trinity has majors in seven principal modern languages – Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish – as well as studies in Arabic and Hebrew. Our distinguished faculty provides instruction at all levels, from elementary classes to advanced courses in literature and other cultural aspects of the chosen language. The curriculum in language and culture studies is not limited to courses in foreign languages, but also includes a rich array of classes, taught in English, focusing on topics such as the civilization and literary traditions of foreign cultures. Students who major in other disciplines, but wish to develop their linguistic skills and knowledge of foreign cultures, may choose to minor in a foreign language through a language concentration.
Chinese
Students may choose Chinese as the primary or secondary language in the Plan B major. A minor in Chinese is also available.
French Studies
The French Program at Trinity College offers numerous possibilities for studies in French and Francophone cultures.
German Studies
At Trinity, you have several options to study German: you may take just a few courses, do a German language minor, sign up for the interdisciplinary minor in German studies, or declare a German Studies major.
Hebrew
Shalom and welcome to Hebrew at Trinity College! Our mission is to bring students into the fascinating world of the Hebrew language and Modern Israeli Culture.
Hispanic Studies
If you think you might be interested in using the Spanish language to understand the broader, historically generated realities of Spain and Latin America as well as the emerging global realities of our time, we invite you to join us in the Hispanic Studies Program at Trinity College.
Italian Studies
The Italian Studies Program at Trinity College offers a variety of courses in Italian and in English about the language, culture, and civilization of Italy. Students majoring in Italian are encouraged to attend of one the programs at the Trinity College Rome Campus.
Japanese
The Japanese Program at Trinity College offers rigorous language training for those willing to make the commitment, beginning with intensive language courses and moving on to advanced courses.
Russian
Our mission is to bring students into the aesthetically rich world of Russia’s language and culture. The Hartford area is home to a large and vibrant Russian community, providing opportunities to participate in Russian life through attending performances and meeting Russians locally.
World Literature & Culture Studies
This major is for students who wish to study literature across regional boundaries. Students take four to six language courses; however, literature/culture courses may be chosen from among the department’s courses offered in English translation.
Eve Pollack '20The Language and Culture Studies Department gave me the opportunity to combine my diverse passion in meaningful ways. It served as a chance to pursue my love of Hebrew and American Sign Language as dual lenses into the culture represented by each. Watch the video.
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Shawn Olstein ’22 Receives Fulbright Award to Teach English in Taiwan
Recent Trinity College graduate Shawn Olstein ’22 will spend the next year teaching English to students in Taiwan through the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship program. Olstein said that Trinity helped position him to receive this honor from Fulbright. “If you want to go on to a graduate degree or get a fellowship, Trinity is a great place to go,” he said.
Georgia Beckmann ’21 Receives Fulbright Award to Teach English in Portugal
Trinity College alumna Georgia Beckmann ’21 has received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to Portugal for the 2022-2023 academic year. Beckmann will support the teaching of English through the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship program.
