德文研究旨在向学生深入讲德语世界的文化。德文是美国最大的欧洲贸易伙伴，德语是世界第二大最常用的商务语言。精通德语的学生可以与生活在欧洲中心许多国家的大约1亿人进行交流。德语课程将语言学习的教学与文化和文学历史研究相结合，使学生能够获得德语国家的知识生活。
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 students 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, culture and civilization. It is a meeting place for true diversity.