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The Department of World Languages and Cultures provides degree programs in French, German, Spanish, and Russian, along with teacher certification options for French and Spanish at the secondary level. Beyond these majors and minors, the department also teaches introductory courses in Arabic, Japanese, Swahili, and Portuguese. A distinctive aspect of these programs is their emphasis on including African American and African cultural influences where relevant. Howard University's Spanish Program operates within this department, offering language instruction alongside studies in literature, cultural studies, cinema, and music.
Housed in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, Howard's Spanish Program enables students to explore both linguistic skills and cultural studies through various course offerings. Those considering a Spanish major or minor should reach out to the program coordinator for guidance.
As the world's second most widely spoken language, Spanish holds significant global importance in political, economic, and cultural spheres. Pew Research Center data shows more than 37 million U.S. residents speak Spanish natively, with projections suggesting the Latino population could grow to nearly 130 million by 2060 - potentially making the U.S. the largest Spanish-speaking nation. Combining Spanish studies with majors like business, healthcare, education, or communications enhances career prospects both domestically and internationally.