德文的研究旨在通过语言结构和文学分析来深入了解一种文化。该系提供历史，文化和文学理论方面的指导，以向未来的外语教师传授技能，以便他们可以类似地使小学生开始学习外语。德语初级专业满足基础教育认可的教师认证的学术专业要求，并且必须伴随基础教育的专业准备课程。
In keeping with the aim of providing the skills needed to learn about a culture in depth, the Department of Modern and Classical Languages trains in two areas: language structure and literary analysis. Language structure is taught both holistically and analytically. Holistic language learning is facilitated by modern methods and multimedia technology, as well as study abroad opportunities. The department supports the analytical instruction of language structure through a full range of language skills courses, as well as a significant number of courses in linguistics. Literary analysis is essential to a student's understanding of the highest achievements in aesthetic expression of a culture's values.<br><br>The department provides instruction in history and culture, as well as literary theory, with an end to enabling the student to gain access to the intellectual life in the culture. The department imparts skills to future world language teachers so that they may similarly enable elementary school students to begin the acquisition of world languages.