About

In these days of global complexities and rapid changes at the international level, we need to prepare our students to address the challenges that our society is facing; the environment, politics, the economy, communications, education, and business are just a few of the many fields in which languages are of growing importance. The ability to communicate in languages other than English is already necessary within our society, and it is increasingly likely that during their professional careers college graduates will benefit from an understanding of one or more foreign languages.

The programs offered by the Department of Classic and Modern Languages and Literatures are designed to help students achieve proficiency in the languages we teach: Spanish, French, and Latin, while also giving  them an understanding of the cultures associated with these languages through the study of their literature, art, history, and politics. Our courses explore rich literary and artistic traditions and teach students to find meaning and value in works presenting sensibilities and views of the world outside the range of their own experiences. We choose and develop our study trips and travel abroad programs with the goal of having our students not only improve their language skills but also immerse themselves in new cultures, often participating in internships and service activities.

Study abroad is strongly recommended for all majors and minors; the overwhelming majority of our language majors and minors studies abroad at least one semester.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will articulate and evaluate arguments, beginning with gramatical and philological assessments.
  • Students will write effectively.
  • Students will be prepared for careers in the professions of medicine, law, and academic life.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of authors, genres, and texts from all periods of Latin literature.
  • Students will describe the dialogue between Ancients and Moderns, helping them to understand the significance of what is sometimes described as ‘The Battle of the Books’.
  • Students will engage questions of faith and reason (‘What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?’).

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will articulate and evaluate arguments, beginning with gramatical and philological assessments.
  • Students will write effectively.
  • Students will be prepared for careers in the professions of medicine, law, and academic life.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of authors, genres, and texts from all periods of Latin literature.
  • Students will describe the dialogue between Ancients and Moderns, helping them to understand the significance of what is sometimes described as ‘The Battle of the Books’.
  • Students will engage questions of faith and reason (‘What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?’).