Our extensive undergraduate offerings include courses in the languages, literature's, and cultures of over 16 languages. GNS currently offers four Undergraduate Majors, three certificates, and offers a variety of other courses that are under the GNS umbrella. Click on the headings to learn more about the Major requirements for each program.
Certificate in German
The German Certificate is the first language certificate offered at the University of Wisconsin. The certificate in German offers students the opportunity to develop proficiency in German, thereby complementing major(s) in other subjects across the university. It also strengthens the applications of students who intend to pursue careers or graduate study in areas where knowledge of German is useful. The certificate in German is open to all undergraduate students, including Special students who may already have completed majors and earned degrees.
Certificate in Scandinavian Studies
Declaring a Scandinavian Certificate opens up a wide array of ways you can stand out and profile yourself as an exceptional, global, and innovative student. The primary difference between the Major and the Certificate is the language requirement, but even without all five semesters of a Scandinavian language, you are still enjoying the benefits of a unique addition to your diploma. The Scandinavian countries have long been on the cutting edge of, among other things, sustainable energy, innovative bioscience, technology, healthcare, and social welfare. Learning more about these resourceful countries, their languages, culture, and ideologies not only benefits you as a student but gives you a decidedly positive edge in the eyes of future employers. The famous Danish “hygge” can spread into your everyday life as a student, and there are plenty of opportunities for careers and internships that you can explore. We are a small Unit and make sure your path to a certificate is easy and manageable, and most importantly, interesting, exciting, and enjoyable.
Certificate in East Central European Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Are you of Czech, Polish, or SerboCroatian heritage–or do you just have a healthy fascination with East Central Europe? Can you imagine using any of these three languages in your future career or research? Since language and culture go hand-in-hand, the ECELLC Certificate combines language training (intermediate to advanced proficiency) with a wide variety of courses on the life of the region. Topics include vampires, science-fiction writing, Holocaust memory, and the pre-1989 culture of dissent as well as surveys of literature and culture by historical period. UW-Madison is one of only a handful of universities in North America where these languages are offered. UW also offers study-abroad opportunities in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Croatia, and courses taken abroad may count toward fulfillment of certificate requirements. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn these languages and to learn about the literatures and cultures of the countries where they’re spoken!
Declaring a Certificate
Students may declare a certificate in any GNS program by contacting the advisor for that program of study. Most of our advisors will ask you to meet with them before the formal declaration is processed.
Program in Dutch Studies
Course offerings in Dutch include five semesters of language instruction as well as courses in the literature and culture of the Low Countries. Courses in Dutch language satisfy the L&S foreign language requirement, while courses in Dutch literature and culture carry literature and humanities credits, respectively. Dutch literature is also offered under Literature in Translation.
Russian Flagship Program
The UW-Madison Russian Flagship Program is an innovative undergraduate program that offers highly motivated students in any major the opportunity to reach a professional level of competence (ACTFL Superior/ILR 3) in Russian. The program draws on the strengths of the UW-Madison Russian program, among the leading programs in the nation: students acquire language in context, through Russian culture and informed by Russia’s complex history. Students study Russian through active engagement in class using the newest available materials in print and online; through the exploration of texts, music, film and video; and through current news and constantly updated sources. Students learn to live Russian language and culture. The Russian Flagship Program increases students’ opportunities to delve into Russian language and culture through intensive courses, more advanced courses, and more individual time with instructors and native speakers.
Certificate in REECAS
The Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies (REECAS) certificate is offered through the Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia (CREECA). Many GNS course count toward the REECAS certificate.
Certificate in Middle East Studies
The Middle East Studies Program offers a certificate in Middle East Studies. Some GNS courses in Turkish may be used to count toward this certificate. Contact the Middle East Studies program for more information about this certificate and its requirements.
European Studies Certificate
European Studies was created as an academic program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1972. Its mission is to bring together scholars from across the campus and link departments, courses, and people, to specialized knowledge on Europe, its history, languages and cultures, and the European Union as an international actor. European Studies maintains a roster of just under 200 active faculty members across campus, whose work wholly or partially revolves around Europe. The campus features more than 20 departments offering Europe-related courses. Students at the university have the opportunity to study almost all European languages and can choose from hundreds of courses on Europe.