西班牙语学习包括语言，文学，语言学和文化方面的教学。西班牙语的学生不仅需要掌握说英语的技能，还可以学习和欣赏西班牙裔的社会，文化和艺术表现形式。课程的指导原则是理解一种文化的最好方法之一就是直接通过其语言。西方的现代和古典语言系在两个领域进行培训：语言结构和文学分析。语言结构通过多媒体技术，出国学习，语言技能课程和语言学课程进行整体和分析性授课。文学分析是课程的重要组成部分，该系提供历史和文化以及文学理论方面的指导。
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 high school students to begin the acquisition of world languages.<br><br>The department provides students with the skills to learn firsthand about major world societies. The department believes that the best way to understand a culture directly is through its language. The modern languages offered in the department are spoken natively by nearly two billion people. The multifaceted programs of the department provide an opening to the world through language, literature, and culture. It is a meeting place for true diversity.