Department of Languages and Cultures

Mission

The Department of Languages and Cultures prepares students to engage the world through language study, cultural understanding, and critical inquiry. Grounded in the Dominican tradition of the search for Veritas, the department develops students’ ability to communicate across cultures, analyze diverse perspectives, and apply their knowledge in meaningful academic, professional, and global contexts.

About the Department

The Department of Languages and Cultures fosters linguistic proficiency, intercultural competence, and thoughtful engagement with the diverse communities that shape our world. Through language immersion, cultural analysis, and the exploration of literature, film, history, and other cultural expressions, students develop the communication skills and global perspectives needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected society. The department emphasizes the study of language as a pathway to understanding human experiences, cultural traditions, and diverse ways of knowing. Students engage in critical inquiry while developing practical skills that support careers in education, business, government, nonprofit organizations, international fields, and graduate study.

Degrees and Programs

The department offers the following academic programs in the traditional undergraduate program only:

Bachelor's Degrees 

• Bachelor of Arts in Spanish

Minors 

• Spanish

• Spanish and Latin American Studies

Special Opportunities

The Spanish majors satisfies the educational requirements for students pursuing Albertus Magnus College’s undergraduate Initial Teacher Preparation Program leading to the Spanish, 4–12 (023) endorsement.

Students have opportunities to expand their language and cultural understanding through global study experiences, community engagement, and experiential learning opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world contexts.

Experiential Learning

Students in Languages and Cultures apply their knowledge through immersive and high-impact learning experiences, including study abroad, internships, research projects, and digital portfolio development. Through opportunities such as global study programs, students engage directly with language and culture in new environments while strengthening their communication and intercultural skills. Advanced coursework incorporates digital portfolios that allow students to demonstrate research, critical thinking, creativity, and professional readiness.

Department Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a degree in Languages and Cultures, students will:

• Demonstrate cross-cultural competence through the study and analysis of diverse languages, communities, and cultural perspectives.
• Apply critical inquiry skills to interpret literary, historical, artistic, and cultural texts.
• Communicate effectively in intercultural contexts using language and cultural knowledge.
• Analyze global perspectives and recognize the relationships among language, culture, identity, and society.
• Apply linguistic and cultural knowledge to academic, professional, and community settings.