Mission Statement

For centuries, the classical and modern languages constituted the very foundation of a liberal arts education. The centrality of language study to the liberal arts is just as true today in our era of globalization. MCLL seeks to develop the communicative competence of our students by integrating the speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills into every course at every level. But the study of foreign languages is not just skills development.

Students are also encouraged to develop their capacity for critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis of abstract concepts. They are introduced to the richness of the civilizations of the past, as well as to the mosaic of contemporary culture in the areas of the arts, societal trends, politics, and behaviors. Perhaps most importantly, students in MCLL learn to view themselves as citizens of the world. They are encouraged to appreciate cultural diversity, both around the world and here at home.

The Program

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures offers courses and programs that are designed to teach students to understand and to speak a foreign language with facility; to develop skills in reading and writing; and to promote understanding and appreciation of foreign cultures and literatures. The Department also helps students to prepare for the teaching professions, the domestic and international business world, government work, social work, careers in science and medicine, work in and relating to the fine and performing arts, and research leading to advanced degrees. Thus, modern and classical languages and literatures are both an integral part of the liberal arts program and of many different career-oriented programs at the University. The Department offers the Bachelor of Arts with majors in French, German, and Spanish. Also available are teacher education programs in French and Spanish, and minor programs in Classical Civilization, French, German, Latin and Spanish.