Foreign Languages and Cultures
The Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures is oriented toward developing students’ linguistic abilities as well as providing a broad knowledge of foreign cultures and literatures. Communicative competence and oral proficiency are stressed in language classes, but all skill areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) are developed. Multimedia tools (DVDs and Internet sources) are integral to the methodology. The program also provides offerings in literature (including comparative literature and literature in translation), culture and civilization, linguistics, history, and film. Students are trained to think critically about foreign languages and cultures. Courses incorporate textual and linguistic analysis, as well as the examination of the social, cultural, and historical context of the given country or countries.
Study abroad is encouraged. Sacred Heart University has its own study abroad programs in Spain, Italy, Ireland, France, Luxembourg, and Australia. The University is also affiliated with institutions that offer study abroad opportunities throughout the world, including locations in Spain, France, Canada, and Latin America.
Students can pursue a major in Spanish as well as minors in French, Italian, and Spanish. Courses are also offered in Arabic, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Japanese, and Latin.
Students can earn certificates in advanced language study after the completion of 6 credits at the advanced, third-year college level (201 or higher) in Spanish, French, or Italian. Credit toward the certificates can be satisfied by coursework taken at Sacred Heart, study abroad credit, or transfer credit once the student has enrolled at our university. Because the certificates carry only 6 credits, AP, IB, and CLEP credit are not accepted. Students pursuing foreign language majors or minors would not earn certificates as they already would be formally minoring or majoring.
Faculty
CLAIRE MARRONE, PhD
Professor
MARK MASCIA, PhD
Associate Professor, Department Chair
PILAR MUNDAY, PhD
Associate Professor