Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Modern Languages is stated by the following:

  1. To develop language and literature specialists who will be a credit to the liberal arts tradition as well as prepare those seeking further study to participate in university graduate programs;
  2. To support the development of specialists in other academic disciplines where skills in a foreign language and knowledge of its literature are essential to the completion of student academic goals;
  3. To develop specialists in professional areas such as teaching, translation and interpretation, and foreign language media;
  4. To contribute to the development and integration of departmental courses in the skill development, critical thinking, multi-cultural outlook, and substantive world view of General Studies;
  5. To develop and offer opportunities for students to participate in study-abroad programs as a way of improving skills and enriching the educational experience;
  6. And to provide opportunity for faculty service to the community and students.

To accomplish its mission, the Department offers or has offered a variety of foreign language programs, including French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. Over one thousand and seven hundred students are currently enrolled in the different programs of the Department. The Department offers two majors in Modern Foreign Languages; one with an emphasis area of either French, German or Spanish, or a composite program which features emphasis areas in French/German, or French/Spanish, or German/Spanish; and minors in French, German, and Spanish.

In addition, the Department supports Individualized Degree Programs (IDPs) in French, German, and Spanish especially designed to meet the needs of students with an interest in a specific area of concentration, such as translation and government service. Students successfully completing all department requirements for a major in Modern Foreign Languages and those established by the MSCD Teacher Certification Program are eligible for certification in elementary or secondary education by the Colorado Department of Education.