Purpose Statement

Spanish + Academic Programs + Academics

The Department of Languages and Linguistics provides students with coursework in ancient and modern languages as well as experiences in the scientific analysis of language to fulfill general education requirements, support other majors, minors, and concentrations, and provide specific programs that meet the professional and educational needs of graduates.

Educational Objectives

  1. To provide coursework and experiences in ancient languages that enable students to:
    • become familiar with the fundamentals of syntax, lexicon, semantics, and tools used for study in the target language.
    • read and interpret the target language.
    • become familiar with the literature, history, and customs of the people who spoke the target language.
  2. To provide coursework and experiences in modern languages that enable students to:
    • gain speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Spanish and French languages and to integrate those skills with the Christian experience.
    • become familiar with the value systems and lifestyles of other cultures in ways which enable them to appreciate other cultures and evaluate their own culture more objectively.
    • develop the competence to use their own native language through comparisons and contrasts with the systems of a second language.
  3. To provide coursework and experiences in linguistics that enable students to:
    • identify the origin and structure of languages.
    • analyze the morphological and syntactic structure of languages.
    • understand and use principles of sound system identification and analysis.
    • apply the various sub-disciplines of linguistics.
    • satisfy training requirements of SIL International.