Loyola University Chicago
Modern Languages and Literatures

Arabic Voices on the Vaccine: A Mosaic of Hope!
Arabic learners at Loyola University Chicago make their voices heard through a mosaic of sensory heart-felt words and images to share their feelings and thoughts on the sociocultural, political, humanitarian, mental, and personal impact of the pandemic and the current vaccinations. With Loyola spirit reflected in their constructions, we invite you to tour our blog and reflect on samples of their cries for hope, equity, and inclusive global support. Our thanks to Chairperson Susana Cavallo and Dean Peter Schraeder for all support for the Arabic Program Minor @ Loyola.

German American Friendship Award
Professor and Director of German Studies, Dr. Reinhard Andress received the German American Friendship Award. This prestigious award is given twice per year by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Washington, Emily Haber, in a small ceremony at the General Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chicago.
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Arabic and Jesuits: A Journey Across Faiths!
Andrew, a graduate student in the social philosophy program, a Jesuit scholastic studying for future ordination, and a learner of Arabic at Loyola, opens his heart to memories of Arabic speaking catholic parishes and his journey with the Jesuits to learn Arabic nationally and internationally! Nothing is humbling like observing our learners' diverse goals and investments that enrich our Arabic program and strengthen the advocacy of several humanitarian causes! -
Arabic is the First World Language that Brings my Family Together!
Lilly, a freshman majoring in Cognitive & Behavioural Neuroscience and minoring in Spanish and Arabic, opens her heart to a beautiful family bonding via Arabic. As Bulgarian, she grew up speaking and learning a few languages including English, French, and Spanish. But Arabic, has been the jackpot! Inevitably, language learning tames our perceptions manifested in how we correspondence wisely to the world, within our own smaller circles and the larger interrelated ones. Lilly's blog brings these words to life acquiring a true essence of compassionate cultural/ linguistic reality! -
I can Speak to my My Grandmother for the First Time in My Life!
This is how Elizabeth describes her emotionally heart-felt blog on being able to interact with her Grandmother in South Sudan for the first time via learning Arabic; a family separated not only by borders and geopolitical barriers, but also language. Elizabeth, a student of Arabic majoring in Global & International Studies, takes a courageous step to open her heart and ours into a new horizon where languages are not just a luxury of knowledge but the soul of human connection. Her words bring tears and ignite the platform of languages as a vital voice of diversity! We extend our thanks to Chairperson, Susana Cavallo, and Dean, Peter Schraeder, for their support of the Arabic Program at Loyola! -
A Ferry to the Blue City: Chefchaouen, Morocco
With much timely need for expanding our horizons internationally as global multi-faith, multi-linguistic, and multi-racial created communities, please take a few moments to read Myah's blog titled "A Ferry to the Blue City: Chefchaouen, Morocco." Myah invites you to a virtual tour into the beauty of the Blue City "Chefchaouen" and the multiplicity of influences by Arabs, Amazigh, North African, Portuguese, Spanish, among others. -
Reconstructing Love with Refugees @ Camp Eleonas in Athens!
The Arabic program is thrilled to share with you Elise's blog "Reconstructing Love with Refugees @ Camp Eleonas in Athens!" at such a timely need to share love, compassion, and respectful understanding across the globe! Elise is a doctorate student in the Department of Political Science (Global Politics) who is learning Arabic at Loyola. Thank you, Elise, for reminding us of the beauty of diversity! -
What Is Research: Jean Malaquais and the Life of a Novel
In this article for the Harry Ransom Center’s series “What Is Research?” Julia Elsky reflects on her experience in archives in France and the United States while writing her book, Writing Occupation: Jewish Émigré Voices in Wartime France (Stanford University Press, 2020). She discusses what archival research can tell us about the life of a novel, and in particular about Jean Malaquais’s wartime novel told from the perspective of refugees in France. -
Islamic Art, Architecture & Awakening in Al-Andalus!
In spirit of Loyola's mission and the Arabic program's focus on interdisciplinary and Global Awareness Initiative, please join me in reading Ibrahim's blog as he connects his personal firsthand impressions with documentary reflections to allow an interactive re- learning of the Arab and Muslim imprints in Southern Spain/ Al-Andalus! Don't miss the marvelous photos! A special gratitude to Dr. Cavallo and Dr. Schraeder for advocating for Arabic at LUC. -
Italia nel cuore. Dr. Sergio Corsi: Professor of Italian and Italian Literature
Message from the Chair: Dr. Sergio Corsi retired from Loyola last spring after 47 years of passionate service. Sergio loved his work and loved his students. His dedication to them was and remains legendary. I am sad to inform you that his beloved wife, Dr. Naomi Corsi, died recently. She was commemorated at a private family service on January 2. I would like to take this opportunity to express our profound sorrow to our beloved colleague Sergio and to his son, David Corsi, and his family. Dr. Wiley Feinstein gave a beautiful tribute to his close friend and “brother”. The tribute, “Italia nel cuore,” as well as a video celebrating Sergio and his fabled teaching and dedication to Italian literature, especially Dante, can be found at these links:
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Writing Occupation: Jewish Émigré Voices in Wartime France by Julia Elsky
Julie Elsky's ground-breaking book Writing Occupation: Jewish Émigré Voices in Wartime France was published in December (2020) by Stanford University Press. It appears in the series Jewish History and Culture, and studies the wartime experiences and writings of Jewish émigré authors in France. It also focuses on the topics of bilingualism and translation. -
Loyola Arabic Votes 2020: A Prayer for Peace & Humanity
No time like those days to express our shared humanity, love for peace, respect, tolerance and global family connections. We invite you to read our blog on voting 2020 and enjoy samples of images, posters, and quotes from Arabic students at Loyola. Thank you for all supporters at CAS, especially Dr. Cavallo and Dr. Schraeder. -
East is East & West is West, but the Twain CAN Meet
Reflecting on her study abroad experience in Spain, Myah, a Spanish major and Arabic minor, brings in beautiful reminders of the priceless role of languages as doors into exploring the intellectual contributions of civilizations across history and the common values of human life! Much needed for our global interdisciplinary collaborations. Please read her words and enjoy her images of the Muslim Civilization in Southern Spain -
Vorstufen des Exils / Early Stages of Exile by Reinhard Andress
In May 2018, Dr. Reinhard Andress organized a conference at Loyola on The Early Stages of Exile. The conference volume with additional articles, edited by Dr. Andress, appeared in July 2020 with Brill/Rodopi in the Netherlands under the title of Vorstufen des Exils / Early Stages of Exile. Exile is usually defined as the time one lives elsewhere, involuntarily separated from home. However, exile can also be conceptualized more broadly as a process already starting at home, while traveling into exile and/or before arriving in the place of exile. It includes the sense of alienation at home for political, racist, religious, cultural or linguistic reasons, also for reasons of sexual orientation or censorship. Pondering the pros and cons of exile, establishing networks of resistance, matters of bureaucracy or learning a new language are just some of the additional aspects. This volume attempts to shed detailed light on those early stages of exile. -
Speaker Series
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Loyola University Chicago is sponsoring the 2020-2021 lecture series, which will address issues of health and sickness, both individual and social, engaging with how discourses of plague, hygiene, and containment are inflected with power and race.LEARN MORE -
Perspective Shift: Tranquility & Trust in Tunisia
Please join us in a joyful reading of Katie's blog speaking of her growth in independence, resilience, and trust while in a study abroad program in Tunisia. In her own words, this experience in Arabic abroad "expands your view of humanity and reminds you that the difference between yourself and someone on the other side of the world is merely superficial". -
4th place in the call for papers of the 2020 edition of the American Journal of French Studies: Carinne Jarvis
Carinne Jarvis, a French Minor at Loyola University Chicago, competed in a call for papers from the American Journal of French Studies in the Spring of 2020 on the topic of "Transportation and New Technologies". Carinne came in 4th place in this highly competitive call for papers for her essay "Ce qu'on peut attendre dans une société qui est basée sur la technologie". Carinne is continuing to study French this year and is currently enrolled in French 270, a survey course to explore French literature from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Congratulations Carinne! -
Arabic to Connect: Volunteering with “Youth for Jordan”
Join Nabil in his experience doing volunteer work with orphans and refugees in Jordan, highlighting the role of language in human connections. -
Initiatives for Racial Justice
Learn about recent and future initiatives contributing to combat racial justice.READ MORE -
Boston to Dublin: Flying with Arabic!
In "Boston to Dublin", Arabic minor Michael Ghiloni shares his fascinating experience giving an Arabic lesson while en route to Ireland! -
Music & the Magic to “Transcend Languages and Cultures
With gratitude to funding support from MLL Chairperson Professor Susana Cavallo, the Arabic program at Loyola enjoyed a mesmerizing demonstration of Arabic classical music sounds and instruments by our kind professional musician Mr. Majed Abu Ajameyeh. -
Love Under Siege - a Palestinian Mock Wedding
In "Love Under Siege" Nida, an Arabic language & culture minor, shares her recent blog - an interactive linguistic and cultural event that brings together humor and tears of love in Palestine; moments of cultural humility and a door of understanding. -
Arabic, Qur’an and Civic Engagement: A Case from WISE!
We are excited to share our latest blog "An Eye on the Arab World" reflecting on our visit to the World Islamic Sciences and Education University (WISE) in Amman, Jordan. -
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Palestinian Culture Night: A Passion for Arabic
Please enjoy Nida Hameed's beautiful reflections on her passion for learning Arabic via participating in Palestinian Culture Night at Loyola. We are so proud of your enthusiasm, Nida, and your lovely connections between classroom learning and cultural experiences on campus - a great path for life long learning of language and culture. -
My Passion for Arabic: A Summer to Remember
Please spare a few moments to read Sabrina's blog, reigniting our interest and rekindling our passion in learning foreign languages and cultures. A beautiful story of family service! -
Arabic and Jesuits: Encounters in Egypt
Join us in congratulating William, a graduate student with exceptional dedication to Arabic at Loyola, for another wonderful blog post on his passionate work with the Jesuits in Egypt. We are so humbled by William's great work and beautiful words on the multi religious, racial, and linguistic diversity of our existence! -
Italian Dual Credit Program & Sculpting America with an Italian Chisel with Lou Del Bianco
The Dual Credit Program at Loyola University Chicago welcomed the visit of the Italian AP class from St. Viator's High School, organized by Mrs. Mirella Rullo and Prof. Anna Clara Ionta. The students joined the Italian class of professoressa Anna Taraboletti Segre and then, attended a lecture by Lou Del Bianco organized by Dr. Carla Simonini.
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Social Justice Research Fellowship - Seraphina Meacham
Seraphina Meacham, Gannon Scholar and Honors undergraduate student, was awarded a LUROP grant (Social Justice Research Fellowship) for 2018-19 to conduct a research project, Immigrant Women and Art: Exploring Identity, under the mentorship of Dr. Cristina Lombardi.
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Arabic: Your Ticket to the Middle East
Theresa Smiley, a Loyola student majoring in Global and International Studies and Political Science, with minors in Arabic Language and Culture, Islamic World Studies, shares her experience with Arabic studying abroad in Amman, Jordan, where she participated in an intensive Arabic language program through CET Academic Programs.
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PEN Zentrum
Reinhard Andress (Professor of German, Director of German Studies) has been nominated and accepted for membership in PEN ZENTRUM deutschsprachiger Autoren im Ausland (PEN CENTRUM of German-speaking Authors Abroad) in recognition of his scholarly contributions to transatlantic relations in the field of German Studies. The PEN Zentrum is engaged in the freedom of art in all its forms and across borders, and fights against racism and all other forms of discrimination.
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We too? Feminism, Sexual abuse and Gender Power
On the emblematic date of March 8, at the Parthenon Hall of University of Rome Sapienza, students and faculty gathered for the seminar We too? Feminism, Sexual abuse and Gender Power by Cristina Lombardi-Diop, of Loyola University Chicago. Lombardi-Diop carried out an in-depth analysis of the new movements against sexual abuse and its implications for international feminism in its different forms.
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