About Languages, Literatures & Cultures program

Languages, Literatures & Cultures Faculty

Dr. Gregory Helmick, Chair

Mission

The mission of the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures is to promote academic excellence by providing UNF students with the opportunity to learn to communicate effectively in writing as well as orally in a language other than English. Additionally, the department fosters human understanding by exposing students to a multiplicity of textual constructs and by urging them to undertake cultural experiences that enhance their vision as global citizens. The Department’s pedagogical focus is to underscore at all times the importance of language as a window to human understanding. The Languages, Literatures and Cultures faculty strives to instill in students the critical skills necessary to analyze a variety of texts—literary and otherwise—in their original language and social context, so that they may discern and appreciate cultural differences. Programmatic relevance is ensured by a shared teaching methodology that blends language instruction at its most practical level with academic approaches in the humanistic tradition, which assert the inherent value of multiculturalism. In order to ascertain success in its mission, the Department assesses its students yearly through instruments tailored to the program as well as to the desired learning outcomes. This commitment to rigorous assessment promotes self-reflection on the part of a committed faculty willing always to renovate and upgrade the language program for the benefit of UNF students as well as to address the needs of the community the university serves.

The Program

Learning another language is essential in today’s global, multicultural society. The current nature of international business as well as increasing opportunities to travel or work abroad require the cultural awareness that only language knowledge provides. In addition, as the twenty-first century unfolds, the United States is increasingly becoming a more ethnically diverse nation that encompasses a multiplicity of cultures. The ability to communicate effectively in at least one other language and the willingness to open oneself to diversity by studying in depth the literary and cultural productions of others ensures success in such an evolving community of peoples.

The mission of the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures is to continue to expand the opportunities for UNF students to learn to speak a language fluently, to read it well and to converse and write with ease about the literature and culture associated with it. Therefore, the department offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in both French Studies and Spanish, as well as minors in French, Spanish and Chinese. First and second year courses in German language are also offered regularly.

Pursuant to its mission, the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures encourages students to study abroad by working in conjunction with the UNF International Center. The department sponsors summer programs in Spain, France, China and Colombia, and anticipates developing new programs in the Spanish-speaking and French-speaking Caribbean. Students seeking a longer experience abroad may work with the UNF International Center to arrange for an approved, independent study abroad experience at any number of different academic institutions throughout the world. The department maintains a state-of-the-art computerized language lab that provides a variety of software programs. UNF students use the facility to practice and to engage in self-immersion activities.

Majors and Minors

The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in French & Francophone Studies and Spanish; Honors in the Spanish Major; a Certificate in Spanish for the Professions; and minors in French, Spanish and Chinese.

French & Francophone Studies and Spanish majors must complete 30 credit hours of instruction above the intermediate level (FRE 2240-2241; SPN 2200-2201) with grades of “C” or above. All language majors must earn a university-approved minor in a secondary field of studies. They also have to fulfill general education requirements stipulated by the institution as well as the College of Arts and Sciences graduation requirements. The minimum total hours required for all four-year degrees is 120 credit hours.

Study Abroad

Pursuant to its mission, the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures encourages students to study abroad by working in conjunction with the UNF International Center. The department sponsors summer programs in Spain, France, China and Colombia, and anticipates developing new programs in the Spanish-speaking and French-speaking Caribbean.

Language Laboratory

The department maintains a state-of-the-art language lab dedicated to the creation and testing of immersive digital technologies and to developing immersive, in-person ‘analogue’ opportunities to experiment, build knowledge, and reinforce proficiency in other languages.

Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures Faculty