The Modern and Classical Languages Department aims to give the student, major or non-major, an opportunity to become familiar with different languages, literatures and cultures. To achieve this aim, the department offers:

1. Comprehensive programs in French and Spanish languages and literatures; 
2. Varied course offerings in German, Greek and Latin languages, literature, history and archaeology;
3. The facilities of the language laboratory, which are available to students on all levels of instruction;
4. Courses leading to primary and secondary teaching certification (French and Spanish), in cooperation with the School of Education.

In addition, all students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities sponsored by the individual language programs (e.g., clubs, honor societies, lectures, films, cultural and social events), as well as in activities sponsored by local foreign language societies.

For non-majors, the program introduces the student to a foreign language and culture. It will fulfill the language requirement in the University's core curriculum, and it prepares the student for the language proficiency needed for graduate study.

In practice, the department aims in its courses to establish a balance between the oral, aural, reading and writing skills in the chosen language.

First and second-year courses are closed to native speakers, with the exception of Spanish.

Once the first two years of a language or their equivalent have been completed, and fluency acquired, the upper-division courses (3000 and 4000 levels) are open to students in no predetermined order. Counseling by the department is required.
Major in Modern Languages: Majors are offered in French, Spanish and Romance Languages (French and Spanish). Refer to the sections on individual languages for a list of the requirements.

Minor in Modern Languages: Refer to the sections on individual languages for a list of the requirements.

Native speakers of languages other than English may fulfill their foreign language requirement by one of the following options offered by the department:

1. Two of the department's 1000-2000 level courses in any one language other than their native language.
2. Two 3000-4000 level courses in the native language
3. Two literature-in-English-translation courses offered by the Department. Requires prior written permission of the Department Chair.

Provide the directed student with specific vocabulary, structure, and cultural insight via individualized computer-based study. Using native-speaker tutors, the course emphasizes both interaction between the English-speaking and the target language-speaking communities, as well as access to target language sources. Intended as an introduction to the language and culture of a selected country especially for students participating in a study abroad program or an area studies program. On demand.

1331-2 - Elementary Language I & II (vary)

Provide the student with vocabulary, grammar and cultural insight via an introduction to a less-commonly-taught target language and associated cultures. On demand.

4393- Special Topics: Perspectives of Literature in Translation

Taught in English by specialists in foreign languages and literatures, this course offers unique insights into literature from perspectives within and across cultural boundaries as well as into the problematic of translation itself. Original language, content and theme vary. Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair.