Home > Modern Languages Department >

Mission Statement & Learning Outcomes

We, as a dedicated team of international faculty, strive to educate students in cultural differences and sensitivity. We seek to provide students with the language skills, cross-cultural experiences, and literary and cultural understandings to allow them to navigate effectively within other cultures. Through this process, students are empowered to understand linguistic and cultural differences within their own society. Because we know our students well, we are able to guide them as they discern career opportunities and vocational calling. As a result of this range of learning experiences, our graduates are ready to become citizens of the world.

The learning outcomes of this major ensure that the student will obtain the following:

• Language skills that allow students to communicate on a wide range of topics in the target language
• Knowledge of a range of representative literatures
• Recognition of cultural differences and understanding of differences within students' own culture
• Experience living and studying in another culture
• Discernment of career and vocation All 400-level courses are taught in the target languages (French, German and Spanish).

All 400-level courses are taught in the target languages (French, German and Spanish). Students majoring in French or Spanish are required to study abroad in a French or Spanish-speaking country to gain further proficiency in the language and a keen understanding and appreciation of French/Hispanic culture. The France Study Program, offered every third year, provides 15 credits of 300-level French, communication and art. The Central America Program, offered every third year, provides 4-12 credits of upper-level Spanish credit in language, politics and culture topics, and has a service-learning emphasis. There are also many Spanish, French and German programs in overseas locations such as Mexico, Guatemala, Germany and Guadeloupe (French West Indies).