Program Opportunities

• Minor in Spanish
• Major in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Welcome, Bienvenue, Bienvenido, Willkommen!

Mission Statement:
The Department of Modern Languages is committed to developing students’ ability to communicate effectively in their target language, to conduct further study and research or pursue a career that requires advanced language skills, and to understand the complex world in which they will be citizens. We expect our majors to spend significant time abroad as part of their linguistic and intellectual development. In addition, our students are taught to approach literature from analytical and cultural perspectives that will prepare them for graduate study. Since the study of language and literature helps students cross disciplinary and cultural borders as well as geographical ones, our students become culturally sensitive, develop tolerance for ambiguity, think creatively about solving problems, and communicate in diverse ways.

The learning goals for the Department of Modern Languages are carefully aligned with the ACTFL national content standards. Our majors:

1. Develop written and oral proficiency similar the ACTFL “Advanced Low” level;
2. Spend significant time in a culture where their target language is spoken and thereby become adept at understanding a culture through its own perspective and traditions; and
3. Acquire a knowledge base in literary and cultural studies that qualifies them for graduate study.

In addition to the skills and content areas mentioned above, the advanced language proficiency and  substantial international study that accompany Manchester degrees in language also equip students with critical career skills that transcend many types of work:

1. organizational and research skills necessary for effective long-range planning,
2. problem-solving skills, ability to handle ambiguity and newness, careful risk-taking,
3. communication skills in at least two languages, flexibility in thinking, self-expression, listening, and
4. sensitivity to diversity and attention to nuance.

Learn more about Manchester’s study away program.