We offer seven languages, plus courses in international cultures, leading to degrees in Spanish, Italian, and Classics. Flexible course offerings allow students to pair a language major or minor with a degree in another discipline. Our graduates leave ¿Û¿Û´«Ã½ with both content knowledge and intercultural skills, giving them an advantage in the global job market.
Classical and Modern Languages and Cultures
Come develop your language abilities and study the culture and traditions of various countries. We’ll teach you how to understand the nuances of cultural diversity, helping you to gain a perspective on the products and practices of each region. You’ll communicate effectively with intercontinental peers and understand their point of view as well as the historical context behind it. Plus, you can learn in the country you’re studying through our more than 45 study abroad programs.
Consistent with the University’s mission, the Department of Classical & Modern Languages & Cultures is committed to developing students into responsible citizens of the world.
When you study a language, you will expand your horizons, improve your analytical abilities, and learn to communicate more effectively. Language study enhances any other major, from sociology to pre-health and from political science to international business. Plus, learning a new language is fun!
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Department Highlights
Italian Literary Parks: IC 164 Students Tour Italy During Spring Break
After learning about Italian writers and the landscapes that inspired them in class, Dr. Luigi Ferri took his students to Italy for Spring Break. Accompanied by Dr. Santa Casciani, students visited Rome and Florence, enjoyed the sites--and the gelato--and earned ¿Û¿Û´«Ã½ Core credits!
Gazing Women: IC 240 Students Tour France and Italy
Dr. Casciani and Dr. Conrady took 38 students from the IC 240 class to France and Italy during spring break 2022.
To look at some of the highlights, click
A Companion to Late Medieval and Early Modern Siena
The Department of Classical & Modern Languages & Cultures congratulates Dr. Santa Casciani, Professor of Italian, on the publication of A Companion to Late Medieval and Early Modern Siena. Edited by Dr. Casciani and Heather Richardson Hayton, the book presents "chapters by prominent scholars on the powerful commune that birthed a pope, sheltered saints, built banking institutions that have thrived for nearly 1000 years, and nurtured vibrant communities of artists and intellectuals." The book is available for pre-sale by visiting .
Marlene Villa '18
Marlene Villa graduated with a double major in Humanities and Italian Studies. She also minored in Spanish!
After graduation, Marlene joined AmeriCorps and spent two years at Cristo Rey Boston, a private, co-educational Roman Catholic high school where she was subsequently hired as an Admissions Coordinator. In this role, Marlene served as the main point of contact for students and their families while also hosting virtual visits at elementary schools and community organizations in the surrounding areas.
Marlene recently received a Master's degree in Higher Education from Harvard University. She is employed as the First-Generation Student Success Coordinator at Michigan State University.
