The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures advances the study of languages
and cultures in order to prepare students to live and work in a competitive interdependent
world. In addition to fostering a climate of critical thinking and intellectual growth,
the Department helps students enhance their listening, reading, speaking and writing
skills and augments their appreciation of varied literatures and civilizations.
In small classes with individualized attention, students learn to respect the diversity
of cultural backgrounds and the dignity of all women and men. Some programs include
a community engagement approach to learning, providing students with the opportunity
to work and interact with diverse populations. In these ways, the curriculum and programs
of the department contribute to building moral character through facilitating encounters
with different cultures, traditions, values, virtues, and norms. The department offers
study abroad opportunities through residence programs in Rome, Italy; Salamanca, Spain;
and San Juan, Costa Rica.
The Department fully supports the Standards for Foreign Language Learning developed
by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), the American
Association of Teachers of French (AATF), the American Association of Teachers of
German (AATG), and the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese
(AATSP), and subscribed to by the AATI, ACL/APA, ACTR, CLASS/CLTA and NCSTJ/ATJ.
Undergraduate or graduate student; enrolled in Spanish language courses, and have
demonstrated need.
Preference will be given to those with a 3.5 GPA or higher
The student can be any SO, JR, SR, or GR with a GPA over 3.5
Applications are not required (as long as the student completes a Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the University Financial Aid Application.
In addition, small grants to faculty and students are available to support research
involving undergraduate students.
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Student Opportunities
The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures supports a number of organizations,
projects and activities that offer students opportunities to broaden their appreciation
of foreign languages and cultures outside the classroom.
Student Language Organizations
Phi Sigma Iota International Foreign Language Honor Society
Society of Modern Language Scholars Departmental Student Organization
Sigma Delta Pi International Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society
Study Abroad
Thinking about studying a foreign language in another part of the world? The Department
currently offers two supervised study abroad programs in Europe, directed by department
faculty members.
Salamanca, Spain
Villa Nazareth in Rome, Italy
Additional study abroad programs are available through the University's Center for
Global Engagement.