Overview
The University of Otago established the Department of Languages and Cultures in 2003. It is made up of five languages taught from introductory level to PhD (French, German, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese), one language taught from introductory to third year (Portuguese), one language taught at introductory level (Arabic) and three area studies programmes (Asian Studies, European Studies and Latin American Studies).
The aim of the Department is to integrate the study of foreign languages and their literatures and cultures. Students entering the core language programs of the Department at first year level can look forward to study opportunities at a range of overseas partner universities at second and third year level and in-country study opportunities as part of their honours year.
The ethnically diverse staff of the Department have expertise in areas ranging from linguistics, philosophy, literature and literary theory through to computer technology, new media and popular culture. One scholarly journal for French literature and one book series - Otago German Studies - are run from the Department. Most staff teach into interdisciplinary papers offered by other Humanities departments at the University of Otago, some contribute to cross-Divisional programmes. Recent visitors to the Department include Professor Rolf Renner from the University of Freiburg in Germany, Professor Ben Blount from the University of Texas at San Antonio in the USA, Professor Shuxian Ye from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Professor Florence Godeau from Lyon III in France and Emmanuel Dongala, a Congolese poet and writer.