The
mission of the Division of Modern Languages is
to enable our students to become active participants
in the global arena and in their own society by
allowing them to contribute more fully in such
fields as international commerce, education, and
government. We accomplish this through the mastery
of language skills as well as by achieving an understanding
and an appreciation of the culture and history
of other societies and of the diverse subcultures
that make up our own society.
The Division of Modern Languages currently offers
instruction in eight languages:
Language majors have the opportunity to live in
the Language House with a native speaker of the
target language. All language students are encouraged
to study abroad. In addition to courses, the division
offers a variety of campus-wide events to inform
and encourage discussions about global issues and
to foster appreciation of foreign cultures.
Knowledge of a foreign language is a skill that's
both useful and enjoyable throughout one's life.
In today's global market, proficiency in a second
language opens the door to an increasing number
of careers. Therefore, many students choose to
study modern languages for professional enhancement.
Others select foreign language study to broaden
their intellectual horizons, to enjoy the literature
of other countries and times, or to be able to
travel with greater independence. By studying a
culture other than our own, they gain new insights
and perspectives that enlarge their horizons and
increase their self-awareness. In a country of
immigrants, many students also gain a better understanding
of their own cultural heritage. |