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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A WLLC MAJOR?

BESIDES WORKING FOR THE MINISTRY OF LANGUAGES, LINGUISTICS AND LITERATURES…

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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A WLLC MAJOR OR MINOR?�

  • Media (Newspapers, TV, Radio, Web, ...) & Advertising
  • Research, teaching, scientific cooperation
  • International Exchange (government, academic exchange, ...)
  • Culture, Cultural Management , Events & Tourism

(e.g.: Expo 2017)

  • Further education abroad

Important: „Internships“

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HERE ARE SOME POSSIBILITIES, FOR EXAMPLE, FOR STUDENTS WHO FOCUS ON THEATRE AND DRAMA AS PART OF THEIR DEGREE.

If you were to go onto the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television after taking courses at NU on playwriting, theatre history, acting, and other literature strand courses, you could be hooked up with this job site and extensive alum contacts throughout the entertainment and film industries, including digital technologies.

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OR 450 MILES NORTH OF LA, IN SILICON VALLEY, EXPERIENCE IN PLAYWRITING AND CREATIVE WRITING COULD HELP YOU LAND A JOB WITH GOOGLE

Creative Writer, Brand Studio

Google

Marketing & Communications

San Francisco, CA, USA

The Brand Studio is a passionate team of creative thinkers tasked with shaping the future of Google brands by deepening the love of our users. As part of this team, you work with many kinds of creative thinkers all tasked with ensuring creative excellence across the Google Marketing landscape. Your goal is to deliver one integrated Google brand experience, and to better define the Google Marketing way. By embracing user insights, strategic thinking, and beautiful design paired with provocative execution, you strive to create delightfully intuitive (and delightfully inventive!) experiences that will define the future of our brand.

The creative team at Google Brand Studio is a multidisciplinary team composed of art directors, designers, writers, User Experience experts, information architects, animators, editors and filmmakers. We define and extend the Google brand, and put Google’s values into action through brand campaigns, films and digital and physical experiences.

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�MAJOR IN WLLC �-WORLD LITERATURE �

  • Elementary courses: 6 credits (WLL 110 or WLL 121)
  • Intermediate courses: 12 credits (World Lit. 1 & II)
  • Advanced courses: 12 credits (at least TWO WLL 300/400 courses)
  • General WLL Electives: 24 credits (any level including linguistics and foreign languages)
  • Interm. 200 level WLL courses: 12 credits (at least TWO 200-level WLL courses)
  • Capstone: 8 credits (Languages, Linguistics and Literatures Capstone)
  • TOTAL: 74 credits

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MAJOR IN WLLC�-LANGUAGE ACQUISITION �

  • Elementary courses: 6 credits (WLL 110 OR WLL 121)
  • Interm. 200 level FL courses: 16 credits (Foreign Language Prerequisites: at least TWO 200 FL courses)
  • Adv. 300 level WLL courses: 12 credits�(at least TWO 300 courses taught in foreign language: ONE Adv.Grammar & Composition + ONE Adv.content module course)
  • General WLL Electives: 20 credits�(at least TWO elective 300 WLL courses + TWO any level WLL, including linguistics and foreign language courses)
  • Interm. 200 level WLL courses: 12 credits (at least TWO 200-level WLL courses)
  • Capstone: 8 credits (Languages, Linguistics and Literatures Capstone)
  • TOTAL: 74 credits

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MAJOR IN WLLC �-LINGUISTICS �

  • Elementary courses: 6 credits (WLL 131)
  • Interm. 200 level FL courses: 16 credits (Foreign Language Prerequisites: at least TWO 200 FL courses)
  • Adv. 300/400 level WLL courses: 12 credits (at least TWO WLL advanced level courses)
  • General WLL Electives: 12 credits (at least TWO any level including language courses)
  • Interm. 200 level WLL courses: 20 credits (at least FOUR 200-level Linguistics courses)
  • Capstone: 8 credits (Languages, Linguistics and Literatures Capstone)
  • TOTAL: 74 credits

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MAJOR IN WLLC �-LINGUISTICS �

Why Major in Linguistics?�Monica Macaulay & Kristen Syrett (http://www.linguisticsociety.org/resource/why-major-linguistics)

Linguistics - scientific study of language = understanding of:

    • The unconscious knowledge that humans have about language
    • How children acquire language (speakers by 5-6: WO, auxiliaries, intonation)
    • Structure of language in general (Typology) and of particular languages
    • How languages vary across speakers and geographic regions
    • How language influences the way we interact with each other and think about the world
    • How language interacts with other cognitive processes
    • How to model language computationally
    • How to represent the structure of various aspects of language
    • How to account for different linguistic patterns theoretically
    • How different components of language interact with each other
    • How to develop and test scientific hypotheses about language
    • How to use statistics, mathematics, logical formalism to account for language patterns 

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WHERE LINGUISTICS IS APPLIED?

  • industry: speech recognition, text-to-speech synthesis, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, computer-mediated learning
  • education: develop materials for different populations, train teachers, design assessments, teaching of language-related topics and educational research
  • teaching FL: training in language pedagogy, valuable cross-language perspective
  • academia:  graduate degree in linguistics - teach in departments of Linguistics, Philosophy, Psychology, Speech/Communication Sciences, Anthropology, FL departments
  • translator / interpreter: governments, industries, hospitals, courts of law, etc.
  • language documentation & fieldwork: work with language consultants to document, analyze, and revitalize languages (endangered), conduct language surveys, establishing literacy programs, translating documents of cultural heritage

WLL-270 Languages of Eurasia. A. Filchenko. NU. SPRING-2017

MAJOR IN WLLC

-LINGUISTICS

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WHERE LINGUISTICS IS APPLIED?

  • publishing industry, technical writer, journalist: verbal skills in editing, publishing, writing
  • testing agency: prepare and evaluate standardized exams and conduct research on assessment issues
  • dictionaries (lexicography): develop good dictionaries, knowledge of phonology, morphology, historical linguistics, dialectology, sociolinguistics
  • consultant on language in professions (law, medicine): forensic linguistics - legal texts, linguistic aspects of evidence, issues of voice identification, law enforcement (FBI, police departments, law firms, courts)
  • advertising or branding: research on associations of people with particular sounds and classes of sounds, kinds of wording that appeal to potential consumers
  • government: Foreign Service, FBI, NSA, CIA, Department of Defense, Department of Education, etc.
  • actor or training actors: training in pronunciation, intonation, elements of grammar - to sound real, even know how to make mistakes to sound like authentic

WLL-270 Languages of Eurasia. A. Filchenko. NU. SPRING-2017

MAJOR IN WLLC

-LINGUISTICS

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MINOR IN WLLC�

  • Elementary: 6 credits (WLL 110 or 121 or 131)
  • Advanced Courses: 12 credits (Two courses at the Advanced Level (300/400 level))
  • Electives: 18 credits (WLL courses including Foreign Language (at least course abbr102) and Linguistics courses (200 Level)
  • Total Credits :36

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MINOR IN SPANISH & HISPANIC STUDIES �

  • SPA 202 Intermediate Spanish II: 8 credits (Language requirement - SPA at the Advanced Level)
  • SPA 314 Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition: 6 credits (All minor students must successfully complete the course on advanced grammar)
  • Intermediate/Advanced Content Spanish Courses: 6 credits (Students must take at least one content course taught in Spanish)
  • Electives: 16 credits (WLL intermediate (200 level) or advanced (300/400 level) content courses)
  • Total Credits for Minor: 36

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MINOR IN FRENCH & FRANCOPHONE STUDIES �

  • FRE 202 Intermediate French II: 8 credits (Language requirement - FRE at the Advanced Level )
  • Elementary Course: 6 credits (Introduction to French and Francophone Studies)
  • WLL 361/FRE 361 Topics in French and Francophone Studies, Intermediate/Advanced WLL/French Courses: 6 credits (Students must take at least one content course taught in French)
  • Electives: 16 credits (WLL intermediate (200 level) or advanced (300/400 level) content courses)
  • Total Credits for Minor: 36

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GRADUATE PROGRAMS FOR �FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND �LANGUAGE ACQUISITION �

Renowned Master´s Programs in EU

  • 1) Geneva
    • one of the most prestigious program for a MA in Translation/Interpreting:
      • 2 years
      • requires entrance exams (test in native language + test on 2 (or 3) second languages + translation test for each foreign language to native language
      • can be exempt from second language test if you have an official diploma (C1 level) (for example, the DELE exam in Spanish, DELF in French)
    • all applicants choose a combination of 2 to 3 languages (beyond native language)
    • can choose Russian as a second language
    • mother languages available: German, English, Spanish, Arabic, French, Italian (they are considering increase in the near future the options for languages)
    • requires very high level of foreign language (French+ English + Russian)
  • https://www.unige.ch/fti/en/enseignements/ma-traduction/inscription/

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GRADUATE PROGRAMS FOR �FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND �LANGUAGE ACQUISITION �

Renowned Master´s Programs in EU

  • 2) EU institutions
    • application process varies according to the contract type
    • several categories (excluding freelance work) of work contracts: permanent contract, fixed-term contract and temporary contract
    • organization responsible for managing applications - European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)
  • How to apply?
    • EU institutions select candidates for permanent contracts through open competitions
    • 1st round - computer-based: aptitude and ability psychometric exercises
    • 2nd round - visit assessment centre: work-related exercises in group environment before two assessors
    • SKILLS: analysis, problem-solving, communication, delivering quality results, learning & development, prioritising & organising, resilience, working with others, leadership
    • 3rd - placed on reserve list - institutions draw recruits based on need & profile
  • Generally takes 5-9 months to complete selection procedure
  • If you are placed on reserve list, you may be selected for a job interview at one of EU institutions
  • https://epso.europa.eu/how-to-apply_en

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GRADUATE PROGRAMS FOR �FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND �LANGUAGE ACQUISITION �

Renowned Master´s Programs in EU

  • 3) Master Program in Strasbourg
    • 2-year program
    • connected in different ways with EU institutions
    • diverse languages: Russian, German, Arabic, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish,…
    • need to pass tests:
      • Test 1 - focused on native language (Russian)
      • Test 2 – focused on second language (oral & written tests)
      • Test 3 - written test in French
      • Personal interview evaluating general knowledge
    • ideal for minors in French
    • students can take the exam in Moscow (Institut Français de Russie)
  • https://itiri.unistra.fr/conditions-dadmission-et-inscription/conditions-dadmission/conditions-dadmission-en-traduction/

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GRADUATE PROGRAMS FOR �FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND �LANGUAGE ACQUISITION �

Renowned Master´s Programs in EU

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GRADUATE PROGRAMS FOR �FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND �LANGUAGE ACQUISITION �

Renowned Master´s Programs in EU

  • 5) (La Laguna)Tenerife (Master on Conference Interpreting)
    • very specific
    • 1 year
    • Prestigious
    • need to have excellent skills in English and Spanish.
    • languages accepted - different every year (requirement to enroll 5 students with same mother tongue (Russian))
    • entrance exam – interview, oral test (listen to 2 different speeches in Spanish and in English, reproduce them in native language (Russian))
    • good career opportunities
    • price: 7500 euros (offer one grant yearly)
    • can take the exams in Madrid or Tenerife
    • http://masteric.webs.ull.es/wordpress/es/bienvenida/

    • At least 2 institutions offer prestigious MA in Translation in Paris

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GRADUATE PROGRAMS FOR �FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND �LANGUAGE ACQUISITION �

Renowned Master´s Programs in the USA

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HERE’S WHAT GRADUATES FROM OUR DEPARTMENT HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE VALUE OF A BA FROM NU IN WORLD LANGUAGES, LITERATURE AND CULTURE…

Aizhan Turganbayeva, MFA University of Nottingham, Creative Writing: Its really nice ….

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ASELLE ALMURATOVA�WLLC GRAD CURRENTLY STUDYING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSON MADISON

It wasn’t until the last semester of my undergraduate studies that I realized how much I wanted to study literature and how much I did not want to pursue economics. A double major in economics and literature was always balancing between something that I wanted and something that my family expected from me. It took me 3½ years to switch completely to literature, making it a very conscious decision. This decision brought me to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I currently study Russian literature.

I would like to let you know that being a student at WLLC is not all smiles, the pleasure of reading books, and thoughtful discussions. It is also about putting forth an extreme amount of effort, it is thinking and rethinking your ideas, writing and rewriting several times. I got a ‘C’ on my first writing assignment for the Critical Thinking course. Professor Donaldson was the first one who gave me a lesson on how to structure my thoughts. I began to understand that a brilliant idea is worth almost nothing if you don’t present it in a decent way.

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ASELLE CONTINUES ….

I hated writing. I remember how patient professor McGuire was with me when I came to his office hours, because I had no idea about how to write an essay! I must express my gratitude for his kindness, understanding, and all the knowledge he gave to me. Yet, I must admit that I still need to learn this art of academic writing. Now among mature graduate students in my department, I feel that my writing is lagging in comparison to others. After all, English is my second or even third language (as I’m still not sure where my Kazakh is). Nevertheless, what WLLC taught me is to develop my ideas, to be open and creative, to share my opinion, and to overcome the fear of asking questions. Oddly enough, not everyone in graduate school dares to ask a question of the professor!

There were courses that made a difference in my life. One of them was a course taught by professor Hammerbeck. This was the course on orientalism in theatre. I was so impressed, I continued the study of orientalism in my first seminar paper in graduate school, which won a prize for the best paper of the conference this year. I plan to further my research in this area.

Overall, I never regret my decision on devoting my life to studying literature. Now, I am teaching Russian to American students, which is fun and challenging at the same time. Despite overwhelmingly pessimistic views of the professional perspectives of a literature scholar, I am confident in my future success. The most important thing is to find your niche, something that will make you unique from others. Thanks to a recommendation from professor Thorstensson, who was always there for me and encouraged me to study Russian literature, I am also getting a minor in REECAS (Russian, East European, and Central Asian studies). My knowledge of Russian and Kazakh is something that I hope will help me in my future career.

LLL’s wonderful professors and their courses have helped me to transform from a person with a budding interest in literature into a serious young professional. The department gave me all the necessary tools for being a good graduate student and taught me to enjoy the process of writing. As I am teaching my own course, my LLL professors, in one way or another, help me to build my own style of teaching. Now it is my time to “expect greatness”…

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KATYA BASKAKOVA�WLLC GRAD CURRENTLY STUDYING IN THE ERASUMUS PROGRAM

Man is what he reads”, is a famous quote by Joseph Brodsky. I want to believe that the word “man” here is used in a broader sense, as I am a young woman, and do think that I am what I read. If your identity is defined by the things you read, you better make sure that these things are good.  Majoring in World Languages and Literature at Nazarbayev University, I had a chance to discover literary works from all over the world, from different eras and genres. It expanded my personality, it contributed to what I am. 

Right now, I am finishing Erasmus Mundus masters degree, which gives me a chance to study for two years in three European countries: France, United Kingdom, and Italy. WLL prepared me not only to understand cultural differences, but to embrace them. It taught me to be able to keep the conversation going regardless the topic, because every book I read during my studies encapsulated the whole world. 

Moreover, WLL gave me an opportunity to learn languages, the importance of which I discovered only after graduating. It would not be possible for me to be accepted to the MA program I am doing without knowledge of two European languages. Also, multilingualism gives an enormous advantage in starting a good career, as the world becomes more and more globalized.

 Finally, I am a world traveler, and I truly believe that only travelers choose WLL in the first place. Even before we travel the world, we learn to travel in our imagination. Books become the gates into other realities. Languages, on the other hand, are the keys for opening these gates. They allow you not only being a tourist on a foreign land, but living the life of its people, just like when reading books you live the life of its heroes.  I am sincerely thankful to all the professors of WLL for their good taste in literature, valuable advices and feedback, and great  sense of humour.

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VALENTINA VINOKUROVA�WLLC GRAD CURRENTLY STUDYING AT MCGILL UNIVERSITY, MONTREAL, QUEBEC

There are two reasons to get a BA in WLLC. The first one is obvious: you are in love with languages and/or literature and you want to continue studying them at a graduate level. If so, this step is very important for you - LLL professors will teach you how to read, write, build a strong argument, and will give you that foundation with which you can then successfully go on to study in a Master's of PhD program. Take me for example - I got into one of the most prestigious universities in Canada (McGill University), and now they are paying for all of my expenses AND they gave me a graduate excellence award even before I got in precisely because of how well my professors here at NU prepared me to graduate school! But! There is also another reason for you to get a BA in WLLC. This one is a little less obvious... Say, you are a tiny bit interested in literature but you don't want to study it at a graduate level - in fact, you want to be an economist when you graduate. Then a BA in WLLC is also for you! As I've said, LLL professors will teach you how to read, write, build a successful argument, improve your spoken and written communication skills - and this whole experience will make you better prepared for any career you have in mind. (Not to mention how much fun you can have in the classroom!). And then, who knows, maybe literature will win you over - like it did me... I was once an Econ major, but then I decided to try and take a literature course just for fun. And then I simply couldn't stop - it was so interesting, at times even entertaining, and it made me feel like I belonged to a sort of a family (there aren't a lot of literature majors, so it does feel like a small friendly community). Before I knew it, I was graduating with a double major... not only that, I was so swayed by WLLC that I went on to do a Master's in literature. So... I'd say, you should search for yourself while you still can and who knows, maybe WLLC is the perfect place for you =)

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KARINA TUSSUPOVA, WLLC GRAD CURRENTLY STUDYING AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

Choosing literature and languages as your major at NU is not a very popular idea. It is often accompanied with lots of skepticism about finding a job and earning enough money. In these discussions there is always somebody in the room who will bring up a recent news article talking about professions which are currently in demand and this list is likely to feature all types of engineering one can think of. You’d hope that your profession might be on that elusive list as well, but, alas, you barely know what your profession will be…

The thing about grad school or getting a job is that it is not effortless, regardless of what your major is. Time at NU won’t resolve all your worries about what you want to be doing with your career. It will, however, equip you with some handy tricks for a grad school or a job, e.g. juggling multiple assignments at a time or researching what you need from top to bottom. What you want to do with this is then up to you. I studied literature because it is fresh, engaging, and enriches your mind in the ways more subtle than any other subject uni can offer. You will not receive answers to the questions that puzzle you. If anything, you’ll ask more questions and open yourself up to more doubts and conundrums. And this is something you will find useful both professionally and personally.