Foreign Languages and Literatures
Celebrating Our 2020 Seniors – Molly Gilstrap
Bachelors of Arts in Languages and Literatures – Spanish with a dual degree in Computer
Molly shares some of her experiences at UMKC in the following video, along with her plans for the future
http://umkc.box.com/s/53nkiccevogp3l1uchblv5au99jtmudp
Department Events
International Studies Kick Off
Join us to learn more about this new degree offered through the Departments of Foreign Languages and Political Science. Games and refreshments will be provided
March 11, 2020 @ 1 p.m.
Scofield Hall, room 109
Fight Against Racism Takes Up the Tools of History
Researchers reveal the exploitation of medieval imagery and language by white supremacists
White Nationalists and neo-Nazis have misused medieval imagery and language to support their cause. Faculty from the University of Missouri-Kansas City are working to reveal the true histories and explore the connections between contemporary issues and medieval concepts of race, gender and identity. Continue reading
French
MA students in French develop the skills and Knowledge necessary for careers in teaching, international affairs including the foreign service, cultural services, writing and translating, or further study at the doctoral level.
MA students in French work closely with award-winning faculty throughout their graduate studies. With courses in French and Francophone literature, film, and culture, as well as in French linguistics and stylistics, the program responds to students’ broad range of interests, while developing transferable, professional skills in research, analysis, and communication. Requirements and tools for planning your degree can be found in the UMKC Catalog. For more information, contact the MA Advisor.
German and Classics
German
Students who choose to study German at UMKC will learn the German language and study German and Austrian literature, culture, and politics. The German faculty teach courses and do research in a variety of disciplines including language pedagogy and literary theory in addition to German theater, film, and music. Courses in the German program are always innovative, inspiring, and interdisciplinary!
Minor in German
Many students choose to minor in German along with their primary major. The minor consists of six courses (18 credits) beyond the 200 level, of which 12 credits must be at the 300 or 400 level. More information on the requirements for the German minor can be found here.
Minor in German Studies
For students interested in the cultures and histories of the German=speaking countries, a minor in German Studies combines some language learning with coursework across many disciplines. Students must take two courses (6 credits) in the German language at any level, and may take more than two; 9 credits must be in coursework at the 300-level or above. More information on the requirements for the German Studies minor can be found here.
German Undergraduate Advisor
Contact Dr. Scott Baker for more information and major advising.
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Classics
Students who choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Languages and Literatures with an emphasis in Classics will study ancient Greek and Latin texts with professors hailing from the departments of English, History, Art History, and Anthropology. For more information on this truly interdisciplinary program, go to the Classical and Ancient Studies Program.
Classics Undergraduate Advisor
Contact Dr. Jeff Rydberg-Cox for more information and major advising.
International Studies
The International Studies program fosters cultural and political literacy while also developing foreign language proficiency. Students will advance their language skills in French, German or Spanish, and gain knowledge of political structures and international relations in general and in a global region of their choice. The program straddles both Foreign Languages and Political Science departments while also offering students a broad array of interdisciplinary courses across several other departments. Intercultural competencies form the core of the program, and students are required to take part in a study abroad program or do an internship in a local organization or business that has international connections. If you are interested in the world beyond the United States, this program is for you!
Bachelor of Arts: International Studies
Students who choose to major in Languages and Literatures with a French emphasis will take twelve courses (36 credits) above the 200 level. More information on the specific major requirements and the degree requirements more generally can be found here.
International Studies Undergraduate Advisor
Contact Dr. Scott Baker for more information and major advising.
National French Week at UMKC

Professor Krause interviewed for KSHB news
Foreign Languages Professor Krause interviewed for KSHB’s “Kansas City residents with ties to France react to terror attack” and relates her knowledge of the area and her worry for her colleagues in the area.
UMKC/UMSL offer first Transnational Student Research Course with U. of Hamburg in FS18
During the nineteenth century, large numbers of German migrants settled in the state of Missouri. In this three-credit online course in public history (HIST 400B/5500B), students from the universities of Missouri in Kansas City and St. Louis will collaborate with German peers from the University of Hamburg in researching and writing short interpretive essays on the everyday lives of German migrants before, during, and after their migration.
Continue reading
Two UMKC French Alums Receive Fund for Teachers Grants
Two UMKC French alumni, Katy Foudree Owens and Brandi Pruente have been awarded Fund for Teachers Grants to attend the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) congress in Martinique this summer.
The AATF convention is an immersion opportunity allowing educators to work on their French language skills while learning more about teaching practices.
“We in the Foreign Languages and Literatures Department, particularly in French, are thrilled for their success,” said UMKC French professor Dr. Kathy Krause. Continue reading