Department of Modern Languages

Language competency is an important life skill and career asset. The Department of Modern Languages immerses students in the study of a second language and its literatures and cultures.

Our students gain a deeper understanding of cultural differences and similarities, exercise their responsibilities as citizens of the world and promote meaningful cross-cultural exchange.

Our courses are taught by experienced, approachable faculty who have lived and studied around the world. We strongly encourage participation in study abroad programs, support internships abroad wherever possible and promote volunteer outreach in the Newport community, where our students tutor English as a second language and teach French and Spanish to elementary school students in after-school programs.

We also offer occasional coursework in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, German, Korean, Latin and Portuguese.

Explore Our Programs

French and Francophone studies (major, minor)

Our French and Francophone studies program allows you to become proficient in the language while exploring the cultures, history and literature of the French-speaking world. With only 11 courses required for the major, you can double major or minor in areas like business administration, global business and economics, global studies, marketing or political science.

French and Francophone studies program

Hispanic studies (major, minor)

Our Hispanic studies program allows you to become proficient in the language while exploring the cultures, history and literature of the Spanish-speaking world. With only 11 courses required for the major, you can double major or minor in areas like business administration, global business and economics, global studies, healthcare administration or social work.

Hispanic studies program

Italian studies (minor)

Our Italian studies minor allows you to become proficient in the language while exploring the culture and history of the Italian-speaking world. Our program helps you improve your skills in four key areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Italian studies program

World languages education (major)

Our world languages education program develops your skills in either French or Spanish and prepares you to apply for Rhode Island teacher certification in grades K-12. Our students gain the knowledge to confidently move from being a student in the classroom to a teacher who makes a difference.

World languages education program

Immerse Yourself

Our Language House is a living learning community where you can connect with others who share a love for Spanish language and culture. You'll live with fellow enthusiasts and our Fulbright foreign language teaching assistants, practice your language skills and engage with native speakers. Activities include language tables, movie nights and volunteering to teach Spanish at a local elementary school's after-school program.

Meet Our Faculty

With experience living and studying in countries around the globe, our faculty specialize in French, Italian and Spanish language and culture. We also host visiting professors from countries like Argentina, Colombia, France and Spain through the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program.

See all Modern Languages faculty