Our mission as the Department of Language and Literature is to provide excellent major and minor programs in English Literature, English Writing, Spanish, French, Philosophy, German, and ESL. Our students learn to be highly literate, broadly educated graduates, able to think critically, to make informed decisions, and to express themselves creatively.

English offers a major, minor, or subject endorsement. Within the major students may choose an emphasis in writing or literature, or a combination (writing/literature). The subject endorsement is for 7-12; a Field Endorsement in Language Arts (7-12) is also available and combines coursework in English and Communication. An English major will: (1) have a better understanding of the interaction between culture and literature; (2) learn to analyze and evaluate literary works, both orally and in writing; (3) be able to locate and synthesize complex information; (4) develop creative and analytical writing skills. Moreover, all courses in English provide the background and skills needed to understand the written word, to use language effectively, and to enter careers in which success depends on reading critically and writing competently.

Modern Languages include Spanish, French, and German, as well as selected courses in other languages such as Portuguese, Chinese, and Russian. Modern language study prepares students to live and work in the “global village” of contemporary society. As students may prepare for careers in secondary education, business, government, nursing, counseling, law enforcement, and other fields, knowledge of other languages can enrich their preparation and enhance their marketability.

The Philosophy minor is designed to enrich students’ understanding of the views of the important philosophers of the past and to stimulate them to think critically about the basic questions confronting human beings. The minor will help prepare the student for graduate level work in medicine, law, history, political science, business, and any vocation which prizes the tradition of liberal arts studies and critical thinking.

The Undergraduate Endorsement in English as a Second Language supplements a secondary or elementary endorsement and consists of coursework in Communication, English, and Education, plus one year of study (or equivalent proficiency) in another language.