Foreign Languages & Literature
Introduction to Foreign Languages and Literature
Further Information»
The faculty believes that a sympathetic understanding of at least one foreign culture through its language is an essential part of a liberal arts education. In this aim, the university offers a strong program in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature. Instruction is provided in three main European languages, French, German, and Spanish; and two Asian languages, Chinese and Japanese, with Greek and Latin as well. 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.
The department's curriculum is designed to bring the student into increasing contact with the culture, history, and literature of countries where the target language is spoken. Through the department's curriculum and from the variety of pedagogic approaches, students develop communication skills, cultural awareness, literary analysis, and historic perspective of the target language.
As the curriculum is designed to bring the student into increasing contact with the culture, history, and literature of the target 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 Tunghai, Taiwan; in Spain; and in Latin America; or the year programs in Tokyo, Japan; 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 two major areas of study:
- 1. Language and Literature (three different tracks)
- 2. Foreign Languages and International Affairs (European or Asian languages)
Each of these majors allows depth and breadth in the study of foreign languages, literatures, or international affairs. Please see details below.
