Why study a language?

Our programs in French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish are designed to build your fluency and guide you in exploring the structures of language itself while drawing connections among world communities. Students in our department develop strong proficiency in their chosen language together with expertise in contemporary cultures and their diverse histories. Becoming fluent in a second language is rewarding because it deepens your mental flexibility and social skills in unique ways as well, providing excellent preparation for many professions that require an awareness of multiple perspectives for successful communication. 

Majors and minors gain skills in interpretation and analysis, increase emotional and artistic sensitivity, engage in problem-solving though group discussion, and acquire knowledge of a rich range of examples of human creativity and ingenuity. You will learn to use these competencies in a variety of real world applications through our sponsored study abroad programs, immersion residential communities, service-learning and experiental offerings, language conversation groups and diverse cultural events. Graduate students benefit from rigorous training in foreign language pedagogy in an active and supportive scholarly community while they are mentored in the advanced study of linguistics, literature and culture.

Put Your Language Degree to Work

Research Languages, Literatures and Cultures