World Languages & Cultures
Hero
Understanding, appreciating languages and culture.
Students who study Mandarin at Culver will embrace the unique features of this language, including its special phonetic and keyboard systems. They also get to explore the rich history of the Chinese writing system. Students will hone their skills in all three modes of communication – interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational -- while enjoying many opportunities for cultural engagement as well. In addition to movies, videos and the celebrations of Chinese festivals, they will have an in-person cultural experience by tasting Chinese cuisine in a Chinese restaurant every semester. Students in Mandarin courses will find themselves fascinated and challenged by the language and culture at the same time.
We aim to cultivate these skills in our students through proficiency-oriented language instruction and the mindful development of both intra- and intercultural competency.
World Languages & Cultures Instruction
- Our courses provide a foundation in language and culture in Chinese, French, Latin and Spanish – and all upper-level modern language classes are conducted primarily in the target language.
- Students are active participants in their learning as they explore cultures and language using interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills. Teachers guide students throughout their journey toward proficiency by creating a constructivist, student-centered classroom that is infused with authentic sources.
- The Honors Seminar expands student knowledge of a target language, its literature and culture through the completion of a research project under the guidance of an honors advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many years of language study are required?
- How many students are in each class?
- Which language is the “easiest”?
- What study abroad opportunities are there?
- What are the opportunities for advanced work and/or going beyond a 4th year course?
- What are the benefits of studying another language?
- How should I choose which language to study?
- Do students whose first language is not English need to take a world language class?
- What is the process for testing into a higher level if there is previous language study?
- Will I be fluent in my foreign language by the time I graduate?
- Can I take more than one language during my time at Culver?
- What kind of help do you offer for students who might struggle with foreign language?
How many years of language study are required?
How many students are in each class?
Which language is the “easiest”?
What study abroad opportunities are there?
What are the opportunities for advanced work and/or going beyond a 4th year course?
What are the benefits of studying another language?
How should I choose which language to study?
Do students whose first language is not English need to take a world language class?
What is the process for testing into a higher level if there is previous language study?
Will I be fluent in my foreign language by the time I graduate?
Can I take more than one language during my time at Culver?
What kind of help do you offer for students who might struggle with foreign language?
Additional Opportunities
Global Studies InstituteSchool Year AbroadIU Honors ProgramGPS TripsShanghai Foreign Language School