Hable español. Parlez français. Parli italiano. Immerse yourself in the language and literature of Spanish, French or Italian. Aprenda! Apprenez! Impari!

Foreign Languages

The Department of Foreign Languages offers a major and a minor in Spanish as well as an individually designed interdisciplinary major with a concentration in Spanish. Students interested in pursuing this second option should meet with the department chair as early as possible in their academic programs to discuss their particular interests. The department also offers French and Italian language courses, as well as World Literature in Translation courses.

Students who choose not to fulfill the requirements of a foreign language minor or major may instead pursue a Foreign Language Certificate in French, Italian or Spanish. This course of study gives students an official acknowledgement of completion of a structured program of basic language skills. The Foreign Language Certificate program is recommended for students who want to enhance their knowledge of a foreign language. Successful completion of a language certificate will be noted on the student’s transcript.

Spanish courses comprise the study of language, as well as the incorporation of the students’ experience into the reading and analysis of representative literature of the Spanish-speaking world. French courses cover two levels of language and also include the study of Francophone literature and cultures. World Literature in Translation courses, taught in English, introduce the student to major world authors.

Language Laboratory facilities allow students to further develop oral and aural command of language skills.

The department strongly encourages study abroad at accredited institutions for one or two semesters and/or for the summer.