UAH Foreign Languages and Literatures Department

Mission Statement

The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures is dedicated to teaching students the language skills and cultural knowledge necessary for succeeding in today�s multi-lingual world of cultural diversity, global markets, political interdependence, and international scientific and cultural collaboration. Within the B.A. in Foreign Languages, students may choose French, German, Russian, or Spanish as focus language, and may also concentrate in Foreign Languages and International Trade. Minors and foreign language teacher certification are also offered, while Japanese and Latin can be taken at the introductory and intermediate levels. Language clubs and extracurricular activities contribute to a rich campus life. Internships, which can be taken locally or abroad, give students a professional experience that greatly enhances their career opportunities after graduation.

The Department offers an integrated curriculum comprising the teaching of linguistic proficiency; the promotion of a critical awareness of other cultures; the development of writing skills in a non-native language; and an aesthetic appreciation of literary and cinematic media in their social and historical contexts. In these efforts, the Department is aided by the cutting-edge technology of its digital language laboratory. Committed to the integrated triad of teaching, research and service in the areas of foreign languages, literatures and other cultural media, such as film, in their historical, social, and interdisciplinary contexts, the Department promotes academic pluralism by fostering a variety of interpretive and pedagogical approaches.

By virtue of its commitment to the highest standards in teaching, research, and service, the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures aims to uphold and further strengthen the national and international standing of UAH.