World Languages

The mission of the World Languages Department is to create an intellectually challenging and diverse academic environment through excellent teaching and scholarship. In an increasingly interconnected and interdependent global landscape, the importance of knowing and communicating in a foreign language and of understanding and respecting different world views has never been more critical than it is today. As a result, the World Language Department seeks to foster an appreciation for the importance of language study, world cultures, and literature, both ancient and modern. Three languages are offered: French, Latin, and Spanish. The Latin courses are reading-based and emphasize mastery of the language and vocabulary through an understanding of the culture and history of the ancient Romans.  The modern language courses are communication-based and emphasize mastery of the four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. All of our languages are available through the fourth year of study, and the elective years are recommended to provide a solid foundation for continued study at the university level.