Department of Languages & Cultures
Think and live globally (and get smarter as a side effect!)
The knowledge of other languages and cultures is a hallmark of a liberal arts education for several very good reasons. The primary benefits are:
- Broadening you own perspective and understanding the world better
- The language itself, the knowledge of other cultures, and the advantages these give you in today’s job market
However, all the current research also points to the general cognitive benefits of studying and speaking a 2nd language! That is, learning a 2nd language is an exercise in cognitive problem-solving -- the effects of 2nd language instruction are directly transferable to the areas of math, science, writing, and countless other skills:
Whether you are a major, a minor, or simply interested in taking a few classes, you will learn to express yourself in your 2nd (or 3rd!) language and at the same time you’ll become a better problem-solver in all your other areas of study. You’ll learn to think and live globally, and develop skills and talents that are increasingly significant in the contemporary world and workforce. Why study a language?
Academics
The Department of Languages and Cultures offers major degrees in French, Spanish, Latin American Studies, and starting in Fall 2016, Translation & Interpreting: Spanish-English. You can also study German, Japanese, Italian, Arabic and Chinese. Courses in our program are also a part of the interdisciplinary Asian Studies Minor and the Latin American Studies minor. In addition to helping students acquire proficiency in a 2nd language, our courses teach all aspects of culture, including history, film, and linguistics. Learn more about our programs of study »
Research
The Department of Languages and Cultures offers undergraduate research opportunities. Learn more »
We have a new major concentration beginning in Fall 2016! If you are already bilingual (English/Spanish), check out our Translation and Interpreting: Spanish<>English track. Learn more here
Faculty Success
Dr. Quesada's Book Receives Award
Congratulations to Uriel Quesada, Letitia Gomez, and Salvador Vidal-Ortiz, winners of the 2016 Ruth Benedict Book Prize for Queer Brown Voices.
Student Success
Seven students initiated into national Spanish honor society
¡Felicitaciones a los nuevos socios de Mu Kappa, capítulo de Sigma Delta Pi! On May 4 and 5, seven students were initiated into the national Spanish honor society (Loyola's Mu Kappa chapter) for excellence in the study of the Spanish language and cultures:
Danielle K. Belmont
Alexis Chapital
Caitlyn Cordano
David A. Dupart
Randolph M. Dupont
Leslie Galvez
Angela Theresa Ray
¡Bienvenidos y enhorabuena!
Showcase
Loyola Teacher Certification
Teach Secondary School Science, Math, Language and more