About Languages, Literatures & Cultures program

Languages, Literatures & Cultures Faculty  

Dr. Patricia Geesey, 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 Languages, Literatures and Cultures encourages students to study abroad by working in conjunction with the UNF International Center. The department sponsors summer programs in Santander, Spain, and Strasbourg, France. Given existing relationships with the University of Alcalá de Henares (Spain), the University of Cantabria (Spain) and the University of Nantes (France), those who seek a longer experience abroad may study Spanish language, culture and literature for a semester or an entire year in Alcalá de Henares, Santander or French language, culture and literature in Nantes. With the assistance of the UNF International Center, students are also able to study independently in 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 

French 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 Santander, Spain, and Strasbourg, France. Given existing relationships with the University of Alcalá de Henares (Spain), the University of Cantabria (Spain) and the University of Nantes (France), those who seek a longer experience abroad may study Spanish language, culture and literature for a semester or an entire year in Alcalá de Henares, Santander or French language, culture and literature in Nantes. With the assistance of the UNF International Center, students are also able to study independently in different academic institutions throughout the world. 

Language Laboratory 

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 their skills and to engage in self-immersion activities.

Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures Faculty

Patricia A. Geesey, Professor & Chair  

Maria A. Fernandez Cifuentes, Associate Professor 

Gregory G. Helmick, Associate Professor 

Nuria Ibanez, Associate Professor 

Constanza M. Lopez, Associate Professor 

Clayton L. McCarl, Associate Professor 

Shira I. Schwam-Baird, Professor 

Renee S. Scott, Professor 

Yongan Wu, Associate Professor 

Emeritus Faculty

Jorge M. Febles, Professor

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