A degree in language and literature involves developing proficiency in a target language and a basic understanding of its linguistic structure. Students gain a deeper understanding of textual analysis and literary genres, styles and periods while acquiring greater knowledge and appreciation for other cultures. The School of Language and Literature currently offers instruction in nine languages. These include three romance languages-Spanish, French, and Portuguese-that account for hundreds of millions of native-speakers in the Americas and Africa as well as Europe. The most-spoken language on the planet, Mandarin Chinese, is the focus of a growing program with strong student interest. Enrollments continue to grow in Russian and German, and dedicated groups of students choose instruction in Hebrew, ancient Greek, and Latin.