Foreign Languages & Literature

About the Department

Studying a foreign language opens doors to the understanding of other cultures and the world around us. As an essential part of a liberal arts education, the faculty believes that students should cultivate knowledge of at least one foreign culture through its language. The Department of Foreign Languages and Literature offers three distinct programs in French Studies, German Studies, and Hispanic Studies. Faculty members are specialists in the literature and culture of their target language and are either native or have spent considerable time in the foreign countries of their teaching.

As students progress through the curriculum in the target language, they come into increasing contact with culture, history and literature of countries where the language is spoken. This approach, in tandem with the faculty's multifaceted pedagogy guides students as they develop communication skills, cultural awareness, analytical skills, and historic perspective of the target culture.

As a complement to the students' intellectual trajectory as they learn about culture, history and literature of another country or countries, the department is fully committed to the concept of study abroad. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in our sponsored semester programs in Dijon, France; in Granada, Spain; and in Oaxaca, Mexico; and Passau or Munich, Germany. Details of these programs may be obtained from department advisors. Individual inquiries for other study-abroad programs are available at the Office of International Programs.

Language House Program

The department faculty supports the learning concept of a residential atmosphere and encourages students to participate in the special living-language program. Students have the opportunity to live in university-owned houses on campus and communicate in the target language within a small group environment. Films, records, opera, plays, multilingual conversations, ethnic cooking, and excursions are inherent parts of the program. For further information and application deadlines, contact Michel Rocchi, Director of the Language House Program.

Choice of Majors

Students may select from four major areas of study:

1. French Language and Literature
2. German Language and Literature
3. Spanish Language and Literature
4. Foreign Languages and International Affairs (emphasis in French, German or Spanish)

Please see details in the Requirements section.