Through the major in language and culture, students gain an in-depth appreciation of the language, culture, and civilization of a particular people, and have the opportunity to study specific areas of the literature, history, sociology, and politics of the nation.
Students thus acquire diverse skills that are applicable to varied careers.
The Language and Culture Program provides a strong foundation in the liberal arts with an emphasis on acquiring competence in a foreign language and, through this, a deep understanding of a foreign culture. In addition, students are expected to achieve basic competence in a second foreign language. Language and culture majors choose from the full programs in French , Hebrew , and Spanish , with opportunities to study Chinese , German , Italian , and Yiddish. Study in other languages is available through special arrangements with neighboring institutions. Modern languages are taught through an approach that immediately involves students in oral interactions in the target language, while developing their linguistic and cultural awareness.