The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures offers students of every discipline a wide range of courses that provide them with the opportunity to broaden and enrich their understanding of foreign cultures and foreign languages as well as international issues and world affairs. In today’s world, knowledge of a foreign language and culture is a distinct asset that adds a highly desirable competence for any future career including those in public service. Various languages and literature courses are scheduled each semester that allow students to choose a program that meets their particular needs and interests. Language offerings include: Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. The Department also offers minors in Russian Studies and Spanish. The faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures include eminent language and literature specialists, as well as federally certified court interpreters and translators. Unique features of the department’s academic program are courses in Spanish and Russian for those who are working in or intend to work in the field of law enforcement and career oriented classes in both Spanish and Russian in legal translation. Unless otherwise exempt, students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at John Jay College are required to take a foreign language.