B.A. in World languages, Literature, and Culture Nazarbayev University

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Languages, Linguistics, and Literature offers a flexible and applied degree that is designed to train the next generation of specialists in linguistics, languages, and literature, as well as provide a solid generalist degree to prepare students in a variety of professions. This major program provides students with a focused familiarity with one of four languages, cultures, and history of the world: Mandarin Chinese, French, Spanish and German, and thus offers excellent training for future graduate study and employment in the government or business sectors and non-government organization, particularly in fields with a strong language/communication/literature excellence requirements, positions including translation, museum work, library, arts or academy.

Students in the LLL program can study everything from the history of the Theatre to the literature of Japan, to the way language is produced and processed in the human brain, which varies and changes through time and space. By studying the programs offered by the LLL department, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the intricacies of language, culture, poetry, and literature, and will become critical and creative writers, and effective communicators.

Students completing a degree in Languages, Linguistics and Literature are required to choose one of the three tracks - particular areas of specialization, including World Literature, Language Acquisition, and Linguistics. The tracks are mutually complementary and many of the LLL courses comprise common course requirements for all three concentrations.

The WLLC program:

• Provides students with a broad knowledge in one of three tracks: language acquisition, linguistics, or World literature.
• Develops research and critical thinking skills.
• Helps students develop the skills necessary to be effective and creative communicators.
• Develops an appreciation of the cultural differences in languages and literature.

General information

• Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan
• Language: English
• Delivery mode: Full-time, on-campus
• Duration: 4 years
• Total ECTS credits: 240

School of Sciences and Humanities

The academic staff at Nazarbayev University’s School of Sciences and Humanities comprises scholars with doctoral degrees from leading universities around the world. We also have researchers involved in various studies, and our scientists in the natural sciences conduct research in about 90 laboratories. Some of our faculty members even specialize in Eurasian studies. Admitted students of NU SSH can rest assured of tapping from our faculty’s wealth of knowledge and experience, both inside and outside the classroom.

We keep our classes small so students can readily receive one-on-one attention from their instructors. Moreover, instructors can tailor classes to the need of each student for the best learning experience owing to our student-centered learning. Our professors can work with the weaknesses of every student and improve their strengths. Laboratory experience and research involvement are not spared from this approach: our students get practical laboratory experience and collaborate with their colleagues or their professors in research.

Students are also provided with academic support. For instance, students have access to writing instructors and coaches that will help them become assertive writers through our Writing Center. Also, thanks to our long-existing Peer Advising Center, we provide our students with a team of peer advisors, most of whom are trained students, who assist other students with various academic decisions, such as course selections, general orientation for new students, or if a student needs help using university resources.

Strategic partner

University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA)

The program curriculum requires that students complete both an introductory level course and a minimum number of upper-level courses. The learning outcomes, teaching, and assessment methods vary by level such that students move from classes designed to foster basic skills of literary and cultural analysis to classes that require significant independent research ability, culminating in the fourth year with the completion of a Capstone Project.

Possible career destinations:

• Law
• Management consultancy
• Civil service
• Marketing
• Diplomacy
• Financial services and analysis
• Journalism
• School teaching
• Academic teaching and research