The Department of Modern Languages offers full and varied programs leading to majors in French, German, and Spanish, as well as a minor in Latin American Studies. Instruction is also provided in Italian, American Sign Language, Polish and Arabic. Courses in Latin and Greek are provided by the Department of Classics. Dual majors with virtually every other academic discipline are encouraged and easy to implement.
The Canisius Advantage
The Department of Modern Languages develops the student's ability to understand, speak, read, and write the language(s) of his or her choice. At the same time, we strive to instill an understanding and appreciation of the culture, history, literature, and diversity of other peoples. A further aim is to give the student a comprehensive grasp of the structure of language as an end in itself. In short, the Department seeks to provide our students with the skills and intellectual breadth needed for them to communicate effectively with people both within and outside of our country, and to play an active role in today's world.
Student Spotlight
French majors Sarah Harding ’10, Dylan Menguy ’11 and Elizabeth Wilkins ’09 received 2008 Western New York Foreign Language Educator’s Council (WNYFLEC) S.T.A.R. awards. Winners are chosen for their outstanding achievement in foreign language, outstanding effort and appreciation of the value of studying other languages and cultures, and interest in pursing further foreign language study.