About Languages, Literatures & Cultures program
Languages, Literatures & Cultures Faculty
Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures
Location: Building 10, Room 2425
Phone: (904) 620-2282
Web Address: http://www.unf.edu/coas/languages/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 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 Burgos,
Spain, Strasbourg, France, China and Colombia. 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 both French Studies and Spanish, as well as minors in French,
Spanish and Chinese.
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
Burgos, Spain, and Strasbourg, France. 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
Johanna Leidy Barerro, Instructor
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
Yongan Wu, Associate Professor
Emeritus
Faculty
Jorge M. Febles, Professor
Renee S. Scott, Professor
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