Languages and Cultures

Department Chair-Delgado
Professors-Delgado, Saunders, Stey
Lecturers-Frazier, Lopez-Luna, Nutor, Pantsov, E.

Mission Statement of the Department of Languages & Cultures

The Department of Languages & Cultures is committed to teaching students modern and classical languages, literatures, and cultures as an essential component of Capital University’s Mission. In times of increased international connectedness, the Department strives to accompany students on their quest to satiate academic curiosities and to become life-long learners and stewards of their global communities. The Department furthers these goals through the implementation of communicative focused pedagogy. Through the exploration and appreciation of others, we encourage critical thinking through creative, reflective, dialogue-centered, civically-engaged learning of other cultures. Striving for heightened international social consciousness, we promote diversity through the study of various forms of cultural mediums. Through service learning and student initiated research, the Department plays a vital role in encouraging civic leadership and service in students’ professional fields and roles as global citizens. Moreover, the Department recognizes the value of technology as an enhancement in the language-learning process. The Department’s language laboratory permits computer-assisted instruction and the use of digital media as tools for effective language learning.

Department Goals

Students will:

Interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics.
Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the language studied and their own language.
Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own culture.
Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between cultural artifacts and the culture studied.
Show evidence of becoming lifelong learners by using the language for personal enjoyment and enrichment.
Engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions.
Present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics.
Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and values of the culture studied and use that understanding to inform a reevaluation of personal values.
Identify the distinctive viewpoints that are available through the foreign language and its cultures.
Demonstrate an understanding of the consequences of globalization and the relationship between diversity and its impact on distinct cultures.

The department offers instruction in French and Spanish language, literature and culture; German, Russian and Latin language and culture.

Options available are:

French or Spanish major,
French or Spanish minor.

Double majors are common and encouraged. They may be two modern languages or one modern language and a major in another department. Students may take advantage of a variety of study abroad opportunities, which include the Capital-liaison arrangements with Central College, Alma College, the American Institute of Foreign Study, and the College Consortium for International Studies.

The double major or minor is especially recommended for those students who would like to combine the study of a modern language with a major in another discipline in order to better prepare themselves for a variety of careers including international business, international relations, government, law and social work.

Placement based on CAPE written placement exams enables students to progress in their program as rapidly as proficiency permits. All members of the department have lived, studied, and traveled extensively abroad.