The foreign language curriculum is designed to meet the varying needs for linguistic competence in today's world. The emphasis in the first two years of study is on the acquisition of functional language skills and on the development of an understanding of the contemporary cultures of the countries involved. As students progress to the more advanced levels, they further refine their communicative language skills while having the opportunity to study literature, culture, and civilization. The professional mission of the Department in foreign languages is to build, first of all, a useful degree of functional language skills and cultural sensitivity. Through the study of foreign languages, students become acquainted with other modes of thought, expression, and cultural perspective and have the opportunity to experience literary masterpieces in their original languages.
Courses are available leading to the major and minor in Spanish and to minors in French and German.