Cuts in European-Language Studies

As more students study Arabic and Chinese, European-language departments are suffering cutbacks. The College Board is axing its Advanced Placement tests in Italian, French literature, and Latin literature—some of its least popular exams. And the University of Southern California is closing its already weakened German department.

USC officials cite limited resources. But critics call the cuts shortsighted and crisis driven. "The EU is not going away," says David Barclay, executive director of the German Studies Association and a professor of history at Kalamazoo College.