Why Study Polish?
Polish is spoken by over 37 million citizens in Poland and by about 10 million in the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and many other countries. It is the sixth most widely spoken language in the European Union. Business and teaching opportunities are open to students familiar with Polish language and culture. Wisconsin is one of the states with the largest Polish community in the United States, claiming a higher Polish ancestry (9.3%) than any other state. Only two university programs in Wisconsin (UWM and UW-Madison) offer courses in Polish language, literature, culture, and history.
With Poland emerging as an independent country, a member of the European Union and NATO, teaching and business opportunities generate increased interest in the study of Polish language and culture. At present, many American companies, e.g., GM, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, Amazon, Pfizer, Quad/Graphics, and Coca-Cola, have their plants in Poland, offering business positions for bilingual employees. Knowledge of Polish can lead to a career in federal agencies and diplomacy or open professional opportunities in translation, law, tourism, and cultural services.
Two-Year Course Planning Schedule
This two-year provisional schedule is available to assist you with long-term planning. Please note that this schedule is subject to change and represents our best projection as of the date on the document. Please refer to the UWM Schedule of Classes for each term before registering to confirm which classes are offered.
The Department of Ancient and Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers four semesters of instruction in Polish language, as well as courses on Polish literature and culture taught in English. Credits are available for UWM’s summer study abroad program in Lublin, Poland.
Related Program
Russian and East European Studies
Program Contact
Michael Mikos, Professor
Office: Curtin Hall 819
Phone: (414)229-4151
e-mail: mikos@uwm.edu