The Modern Languages and Global Studies Department Records consist primarily of departmental newsletters, particularly Campanile, published between 1974 and 1995. The collection also includes course announcements for Chinese, Japanese, and Russian; departmental pamphlets; programs from awards banquets; and materials related to special events, such as the French Revolution Bicentennial celebration. Additional documents include a departmental history covering 1885–1927, standing rules from 1957 outlining departmental policies and procedures, and issues of RALI News focused on remote access language instruction.

These records document the development of foreign language instruction and cultural programming at South Dakota State University. They reflect the department's evolving curriculum, outreach initiatives, and administrative structure, offering insight into its role in promoting global studies and language education across the university community.