Recognizing that language is at the core of human existence, McDaniel College believes that the study of languages, literatures, and cultures is the cornerstone of a liberal arts education.  The Department of Foreign Languages is committed to the goal of providing a sequence of courses leading to linguistic proficiency in and cultural appreciation of a foreign language.

The study of foreign languages is essential in today's world because:

• It contributes to the creation and development of a student's own individual personality and intellectual faculties;
• It expands the student's horizons, making him/her better world citizens as they develop greater sensitivity toward other cultures;
• It provides a competitive edge in career choices in the global community;
• It contributes to the achievement of the economic development and national security of the United States.

We strive to achieve this in three areas:

Humanities

• We foster critical and creative thinking in many areas, including language, literature, history, culture, economics, politics, and more;
• We provide a solid knowledge of original texts and modes of thoughts outside the native language;
• We strive to develop a sense of linguistic and cultural openness to and appreciation of other cultures.

Skills

• We provide standards-based instruction at all levels, targeting all fundamental skills of language learning;
• We provide practical skills to help the students better compete in today's global economy.

Professional Preparation

• We help students achieve their goals by combining the study of foreign languages with other professional programs such as business, communication, education, economics, history, politics and international relations, and more;
• We provide instruction that promotes the use of all pertinent technology, including the Internet, software, audiovisual materials and world news media in the target languages.

Several opportunities to enrich the academic program are provided both on and off campus.  Students are encouraged to explore the opportunities for the language houses in the affinity housing program, to participate in language clubs, and to take advantage of the many special events such as film series and social activities which focus on foreign cultures.  The Department requires students majoring in Foreign Languages to either live in language housing on campus for one year or to study abroad for one semester.  January Term trips provide short-term study tours of major French-, Spanish-, and German-speaking countries.  The college also grants full academic credit for a number of programs that sponsor a summer, a semester, or a year abroad.  Information on such programs is available from the Study Abroad Director.