The Department of Modern Languages and Classics seeks to empower learners to better interact in and understand a dynamic, global environment. We feature an undergraduate Spanish (SP) major and a foreign languages and literature (FLL) major with concentrations in classical civilization, French, German, Greek, Italian, and Latin. We offer undergraduate minor concentrations in Arabic, Chinese, Classical Civilization, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies, Russian, and Spanish. Our courses are affiliated with the Asian studies minor, comparative and world literature minor, linguistics minor, and the medieval and early modern European studies minor. Many of our courses are applicable to the Global Studies Certificate.
Programs
The Department of Modern Languages and Classics offers two majors leading to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree: one in Spanish and one in Foreign Languages and Literature. The major in Foreign Languages and Literature offers various tracks: Classic Civilization, French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin and Russian. Also offered are minors in Arabic, Chinese, Classical Civilization, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies, Russian, and Spanish. The department also offers language courses in ASL (American Sign Language) as well as less commonly taught languages, such as Thai and Korean, many of which are vital for national security. Students pursuing majors or minors in a language are strongly encouraged to take advantage of study abroad opportunities.
Modern Languages and Classics courses focus on the study and acquisition of durable and transferrable skills essential for the 21st century. Classes focus on developing creative and critical thinking abilities, effective written and oral communication, and deep intercultural understanding. Students will learn to identify and avoid logical fallacies and cognitive biases, and exercise careful human judgment to successfully engage in creative problem-solving. They will be able to express ideas clearly and effectively across a wide range of audiences, as well as collaborate with a variety of partners. Modern Languages and Classics programs foster intercultural understanding to position students for success in localized, globalized, and international workforces.
- Majors
- Minors
Placement into Language Courses
The course level at which students begin their study is determined by several factors, including the following: the number of high school units completed, language placement examination scores, AP score, and/or faculty evaluation/consultation. For more information, consult the College placement website, the departmental website, or an advisor.
Faculty
Chair and Professor
- Toman, Cheryl
Professors
- Carvalho, Susan
- Corbalán, Ana M.
- Moody, Sarah
- Rodeño, Ignacio
- Summers, Kirk
Associate Professors
- Cipria, Alicia B.
- Crane, Corinne
- Drewelow, Isabelle
- Drozd, Andrew M.
- Elnaili, Safa
- Feminella, Matt
- Granja, Xabier
- Koronkiewicz, Bryan
- Lightfoot, Douglas
- McKay, Micah
- Minets, Yuliya
- Montalbano, Alessandra
- O'Rourke, Erin
- Robin, Jean Luc
- Romanelli, Claudia
- Stamm, Gina
- Summers, Tatiana
- Worden, William
Assistant Professors
- Battista, Fabio
- Coss, Matt
- Rubio, Laura
- Stevens, April
- Tezil, David
- Vignon, Maxime
- Wigdorowitz, Mandy
- Zhang, Xiang
Courses
Students are introduced to the new material outside of class—they study the new vocabulary or grammatical concepts, watch a video, or read a story/article outside of class. In turn, class time will be devoted to activating the vocabulary and structures prepared at home through homework assignments. Most of the class time will be used to deepen understanding through activities with pairs and small groups.
This course is designed for non-native learners of Chinese, who do not have previous knowledge of Chinese. It aims at developing students' Chinese competence in the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, typing/writing. Pinyin (Chinese phonetic system) and Hanzi (character) writing will be introduced at the beginning of this class for speaking, reading, typing and writing purposes. In this course, students will acquire essential fundamental Chinese structures, topics, and vocabulary and will learn the appropriate socio-linguistic application in both spoken and written communication. Through a diverse set of media, cultural resources, and various projects, students will explore multiple perspectives and develop knowledge of topics relating to contemporary Chinese and Chinese-speaking culture. This course promotes the development of basic communication skills as well as intercultural competence.