A major in Language and Culture with options in French, German, or Spanish prepares students for a variety of careers where cultural understanding, international experience, and practical application of a second language are important, including such fields as international business and marketing, government or civil service, human services, and travel and tourism. The degree also prepares students for secondary or elementary school teacher certification, and graduate work in language and culture, international studies, or other fields. A major in Language and Culture is an excellent complement to a second major in many career fields, adding international understanding and experience and foreign languge competency to knowledge in other disciplines. The degree emphasizes communication, analysis, language fluency, and cultural understanding. It is designed to enable students to improve their proficiency in speaking, writing, listening, reading, and cultural practices, and to apply linguistic and cultural knowledge in a variety of settings.
Students choose to specialize in one of the three language options.
The major is designed to help students improve their proficiency in speaking, writing, hearing, and reading Spanish and to gain a greater understanding of Hispanic culture. Emphasis is placed on thinking, analyzing, and communicating in Spanish, using authentic texts and other cultural artifacts as a point of departure. Literature and advanced language study are balanced to give students a broad preparation appropriate for further education or employment in many fields. Graduate study leading to an MA or MS in humanities with a concentration in French or Spanish is available for students who desire advanced study in a foreign language.