School of European Languages and Literatures

The programmes offered by the School of European Languages and Literatures at The University of Auckland comprise some of the best known and internationally recognised academic and professional programmes in Australasia. Its solid reputation reflects the breadth of its courses (some of which are the only ones offered in those languages and cultures in the whole Pacific region) as well as the many strengths in teaching and research found amongst its staff. The School has more than twenty full-time academic staff who have expertise in most of the major European cultural and literary traditions, as they embrace both Continental Europe and its former overseas colonies, span medieval to modern periods, and include contemporary developments in the Pacific region. Staff interests in teaching and research also reflect many of the leading critical methods: from linguistics to semiotics, popular culture to ecological criticism, new historicism to post-colonialism, ethnicity to gender studies, and many others. Most staff members combine innovative approaches to teaching (such as language and cultural studies illustrated by film, multimedia, and computer-assisted technologies) with interdisciplinary perspectives on research, which are encouraged by a strong tendency towards interdepartmental collaboration and by participation in international projects.

By studying a European language and civilisation, New Zealanders can discover and relate to another people (perhaps part of their heritage). This can enrich their lives, help them understand their own culture, and prepare them for today ís global workplace. As a result of historical circumstances, European languages and cultures have proven to be of great importance, both within and beyond Europe, in many areas of life from politics and economy to arts and fashion, as they are central to many fields of university study and related careers.

European languages have official status in many nations in Europe and around the world, including over twenty in the Pacific Rim, as well as in major international bodies like the United Nations, European Union, International Monetary Fund, Organisation of American States, and Red Cross. They are widely spoken by a billion people as first or second languages in every inhabited continent. The study of a European language and its culture can therefore prepare New Zealand students for a number of rewarding careers. These include: teaching (primary to tertiary levels); translation and interpreting; government service; diplomacy; international law, business, and trade; journalism and broadcasting; advertising; cultural, artistic, and sports exchanges; travel and tourism; and projects for international foundations and charities.

In addition to the languages, literature and culture programmes, four other programmes are run wholly or partly from within the School. These are: the area studies programmes European Studies and Latin American Studies; and the intercultural programmes Comparative Literature and Translation and Interpreting Studies.

More for Future Students, Current Students, Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates.

General Education?

Please read the General Education Course Notice.

European Languages and Literatures, School of
Email		sell-info@auckland.ac.nz
Extension		87136 (ph + 64 9 373 7599) 87137 (ph + 64 9 373 7599)
Fax		+64 9 373 7483
Location		Arts 1 Building 14a Symonds St Level 6
Head of School Arkinstall,    Christine  Prof    84945  Head of SELL      Heads of Department Austermuehl ,    Frank  A-P    87109  Director of Centre for Translation Studies  Bade,    James  A-P    87672  Head of German and Slavonic Studies  Gonzalez-Casanovas,    Roberto  A-P    87132  Head of Spanish  Hanne,    Mike  A-P    87106  Comparative Literature Programme Coordinator  Lehman,    Kathryn  Dr    87626  Latin American Studies Programme Coordinator (Semester 1)  Manai,    Franco  Dr    87139  Head of Italian  Pino-Ojeda,    Walescka  Dr    87107  Latin American Studies Programme Coordinator (Semester 2)  Swift,    Mark  Dr    85384  European Studies Programme Coordinator      Undergraduate Advisers Adams,    Tracy  Dr    87135  Undergraduate Advisor French  Cavallaro,    Daniela  Dr    87142  Undergraduate Adviser Italian (Semester 1)  Lehman,    Kathryn  Dr    87626  Undergraduate Advisor Latin American Studies (Semester 1)  Resch,    Stephan  Dr    87453  Undergraduate Advisor German  Swift,    Mark  Dr    85384  Undergraduate Adviser European Studies, Russian  Zaza,    Wendy-Llyn  Dr    87144  Undergraduate Advisor Spanish      Postgraduate Advisers Agar,    Trudy  Dr    87616  Graduate Adviser French  Austermuehl ,    Frank  A-P    87109  Graduate Adviser Translation Studies  Colmeiro,    Jose  Prof    86791    Graduate Advisor Spanish  Hanne,    Mike  A-P    87106  Graduate Adviser Comparative Literature  Manai,    Franco  Dr    87139  Graduate Adviser Italian  Voit,    Friedrich  A-P    87671  Graduate Adviser German