A major in group language allows you to combine the study of either two languages or a language and linguistics.
In today’s global society, the benefits of learning multiple languages are many. Bilingualism is a valuable skill for a variety of professions in the U.S. and abroad that require communication with people from different backgrounds. Studying languages also improves your cognitive abilities, including memory, problem-solving, critical thinking and planning. This will benefit you in other coursework and all areas of your life.
If you’re interested in studying foreign language from the perspectives of literature or linguistics—the study of how and why languages are constructed, where they came from, and how they developed—the group language major allows breadth and flexibility. Students choose two areas of study from among Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and linguistics. Students planning a group language major are encouraged to participate in Occidental’s international off-campus study program.
Students interested in language can also pursue a double major. Pairing a language major with majors in such disciplines as art, diplomacy and world affairs, cognitive science, biology, English, and history can be advantageous for careers or further study in these fields. Language study will prepare you for further study in graduate school and careers in speech language pathology, education, NGOs, and the private sector.
