学习西班牙语和德语不仅为学生提供了讲这些语言所需的技能，而且还为他们提供了学习和欣赏西班牙裔和日裔社会，文化和艺术表现形式的机会。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。西方国家的西班牙语课程特别强调建立坚实的语法和词汇基础，同时也强调通过文化，电影，文学和语言学课程培养文化意识。德语课程提供语言，文学，文化，戏剧，电影和语言学方面的广泛课程。该部门的多方面综合计划通过语言，文学，文化和文明向世界开放。西班牙语和德语的学习成为真正多样性的聚会场所。
In keeping with the aim of providing the skills needed to learn about a culture in depth, the department 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. 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.