World Languages and Literatures
In an increasingly interdependent world, knowing a second language has become the necessary means for traversing boundaries, for understanding other peoples and cultures, and for becoming knowledgeable and broad-minded world citizens. Language study has also been shown to generally improve academic performance and cognitive skills. Certainly career opportunities for those who have mastered another language are greatly enhanced. At Manhattanville College learning a second language is understood to be an integral part of preparing students to achieve Manhattanville’s mission of creating leaders for the global community. A year of second language study is a general education requirement for all Manhattanville students, but the hope is that most students will go beyond this minimum to study one or more languages in greater depth. There are many opportunities for doing so. Language instruction is available in French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, and through a cross-registration program with neighboring Purchase College, in Chinese. Students can major in French and Spanish and minor in French, German, Italian and Spanish. Japanese and Chinese courses can count toward a major or minor in Asian Studies. In addition to classroom instruction, there are a variety of extra-curricular activities and events to engage students in active use of the language and to help them deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the world’s languages and cultures. These include guest lectures, language tables, language clubs, an annual international film festival, a languages holiday party in December, and study trips to New York City and neighboring towns. Students studying languages beyond the introductory level are encouraged to study abroad for a summer or an academic semester.
Faculty: Binita Mehta Chair, World Languages and Literatures
Language Coordinators:
Binita Mehta - French
Gabriele Wickert, - German
Alessandro Daniele - Italian
Maria José Lujan - Spanish