Department of Languages and Cultures

The mission of the Department of Languages and Cultures is to contribute to the Liberal Arts education and personal enrichment of the student through increased cultural awareness and an emphasis on the structure of a second language. Such a structure, which includes the basics of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, gives students the opportunity to expand communication techniques while learning about diverse cultures and countries. Certain courses, offered in English, provide students with the opportunity to appreciate other societies and their development and progress. The Department of Languages and Cultures provides language courses in Spanish, Italian, Intensive English Language, and American Sign Language. The Department offers advanced courses to celebrate the diversity and contributions of the Latinx, Hispanic, Chicano, and Spanish communities in the United States and abroad.  All students majoring in Spanish will fulfill a three to twelve-credit internship. These practical internship opportunities in the field, along with the cultural awareness gained in the classroom, prepare students for careers in areas such as education, international business, medicine, the arts, and criminal justice.Although study abroad is not required, it is highly encouraged for all students majoring/minoring in Spanish or Spanish & Latin American Studies.

Upon completing a program of study in the Department of Languages and Cultures, students will:

• Formulate an advanced conceptual understanding of literature, music or film as a viable means of expressing different viewpoints regarding the relation of art, nature and society.
• Develop competency in oral communication skills in the target language as assessed through engaged class participation, group work, class debate, and oral presentations.
• Develop competency in written communication by writing well-organized, logical and coherent arguments in homework assignments, and directed essays on numerous cultural themes.
• Recognize how various cultures and civilizations from Spain and Latin America inform the individual and societal life of its citizens.
• Enhance digital literacy skills as measured through frequent assignments on elearning and Google Sites (comprehensive and cumulative final class project that will be worked on throughout the semester).
• Distinguish important cultural differences and historical moments within Spain, Latin America, and the United States.
• Adopt the appropriate level of formality and cultural awareness when engaging with members of the Spanish-speaking community.
• Achieve near-native fluency in the target language.
• Properly quote and cite sources to avoid plagiarism.
• Develop and support a thesis statement.
• Write organized and coherent essays in Spanish and English by producing a series of developing drafts, showing your understanding that writing is a process in which prewriting, drafting, revising, editing and proofreading are all integral.
• Possess the writing and research skills, and the literary knowledge, necessary to flourish in the liberal professions and relevant graduate programs.

Spanish (Traditional Undergraduate Program)

Minors
Spanish (Traditional Undergraduate Program)
Spanish and Latin American Studies (Traditional Undergraduate Program)