Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages are housed in the Department of Languages and Literatures and are 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 Italian and Spanish. Courses are also offered in Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, and Latin.
French courses are designed to foster students' linguistic development and to provide a broad knowledge of France and the Francophone world. Language courses emphasize communicative competence, but all skill areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) are developed. Technology, and multimedia tools (DVDs, CDs, Internet sources) enhance language learning. As needed, courses are offered in literature, culture and civilization, film, and comparative topics. Students are trained to think critically about language and culture. 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 opportunities are available.
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, Ph.D.
Professor
MARK MASCIA, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
PILAR MUNDAY, Ph.D.
Associate Professor