World Languages and Cultures
Read Banned Books
You are invited to the "Read Banned Books" event on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Market Friday. This event, organized by a group of Spelman Students and Faculty, and sponsored by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), Spelman's World Languages and Cultures Department, PEN America, and local bookstores.
We want to wholeheartedly defend the importance of academic freedom, freedom of speech, critical thinking, and social justice through readings and discussions of banned and challenged books.
We are collecting book donations at the WLC drop box (Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby, Ed.D., Academic Center, 4th floor, 457). Book Areas: African-American (Diaspora), LGBTQ-Women, Young Adults, Science Fiction, Children’s Books, Politics/Sociology, History/Philosophy, Science/Technology, Environment, Arts, Literature/Poetry, International (Other languages), Anti-War.
Event Highlights:
- Activities: Book raffles, "Guess the Book", Trivia and more!
- Sponsors: AAUP Spelman, World Languages and Cultures Department, PEN America, local bookstores, and book donations.
We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate knowledge, reading, critical thinking, and community!
Discovering the World Through Language
Mission Statement
The World Languages and Cultures Department at Spelman College strives to cultivate global citizens who are linguistically competent, culturally aware, and prepared to engage with diverse communities across the world. We are dedicated to equipping students with the language skills and cross-cultural understanding needed to thrive in today’s interconnected society. Our department empowers students through an inclusive and immersive approach to language learning, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural, historical, and social contexts in which these languages are spoken.
Department Description
The Spelman College World Languages and Cultures Department is committed to excellence in language education, offering a dynamic curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of our students. With a comprehensive selection of courses in various languages such as Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, and more, we prepare students for both academic and professional success in a globalized world. Our faculty comprises experienced linguists, scholars, and educators passionate about fostering linguistic proficiency, cultural awareness, and intellectual growth.
In addition to formal language instruction, the department offers a range of co-curricular activities, including language immersion programs, study abroad opportunities, cultural events, and student-led language clubs. We also support interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to explore the intersections of language, culture, history, and contemporary global issues.
Our department aims to build bridges across cultures, promoting understanding and collaboration in an increasingly multicultural world.