The program mission of the Department of World Languages and Cultures is to prepare students to use their linguistic proficiency and cultural knowledge to function successfully in a global environment. The program serves not only students who major in Modern Languages or minor in a world language but also students who major in other disciplines and study a world language. By creating an environment in which students master both linguistic competence and cultural sensitivity, the program supports the University’s broader institutional vision of graduating students who embrace core values expressed through integrity, civility, kindness, collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning, wellness, and social responsibility. The program, including study abroad components, consists of a variety of courses that teach the linguistic skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading, and engage the student in discussions of intercultural and intellectual traditions, perspectives, and artifacts. Faculty expect students to learn to analyze, understand, and appreciate-in a thoughtful and critical manner-literary, philosophical, social, and political texts and contexts, both historical and contemporary, of the regions where the target language is used. World Languages and Cultures faculty apply the framework and guidelines set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) as the standard for facilitating student progress towards ACTFL Advanced-Level proficiency. Successful students are prepared to be highly competent both linguistically and culturally in a variety of professions (business, education, government, NGOs, hospitality, etc.) and can also use their skills and knowledge as a springboard to graduate study (law, medicine, education, social work, etc.).

Graduate

The M.A. in Spanish program prepares students to use their linguistic proficiency and cultural knowledge to function successfully in today’s global environment.

Faculty members create a near total immersion language environment in the classroom in which both students and faculty use the target language all the time. Faculty strive to create an environment of engagement in which students internalize the value of learning languages and understanding other cultures. Students practice the language competencies of reading, writing, speaking, and listening by working collaboratively and individually on activities and projects both in and outside the classroom with guidance and feedback from their instructors. The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers a variety of courses that engage the student in discussions of literary, cultural, social, philosophical, political, historical and contemporary texts and contexts. By focusing on these areas, we prepare students to be highly competent both linguistically and culturally so that they are able to function successfully in today’s global environment. The Department of World Languages and Cultures also offers several highly successful study abroad programs in Spain and Latin America. The M.A. in Spanish program serves not only students who major or minor in a world language, but it also serves students who majored in other disciplines, but who can utilize advanced knowledge of Spanish to enhance their skillset and goals.

By creating an environment in which students master both linguistic competence and cultural sensitivity, the M.A. in Spanish program supports the university’s broader institutional vision of graduating students who embrace core values expressed through integrity, civility, kindness, collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning, wellness, and social responsibility.

Programs

• World Languages and Cultures, B.A.

• Arabic Minor
• Chinese Minor
• Comparative Literature Minor
• Foreign Language Minor
• French Minor
• German Minor
• Japanese Minor
• Latin American Studies Minor
• Spanish for the Professions Minor
• Spanish Minor

• Spanish, M.A.