Modern Languages | Westmont College

As a language student at Westmont, you can study German or French at the elementary and intermediate levels or declare a major or minor in Spanish.

Majors become proficient in the language, can spend time studying overseas and develop the intercultural sophistication to live comfortably and effectively in the Spanish-speaking worlds. In small classes, professors draw on their personal experiences with the culture of the languages they teach and develop close relationships with students. You also benefit from a well-equipped language laboratory and a flexible curriculum. Studying languages widens your perspective and appreciation of varied cultural heritages, prepares you to live in an ever-shrinking world and offers lifelong enrichment.

Program Review

Mission Statement

Graduates with a Westmont degree in Modern Languages are expected to be fluent in the language, critical-interdisciplinary thinkers, and world Christians.

1) Fluent in the Language: Graduates attain near-native fluency in the foreign language (in all four skills: speaking, listening, reading, writing) and possess the tools necessary to interact gracefully with those of other cultures. Our graduates also write well in the target language, expressing themselves not only with grammatical accuracy, but also with clarity and elegance. (cf. Standard 4: Written and Oral Communication)

2) Critical-Interdisciplinary Thinkers: Our graduates are trained in how to read, interpret, contextualize, and analyze works of literature, and are knowledgeable in theories of literary analysis. They are familiar with the “great works” of their country of study, as well as the social, historical, and political context in which they were produced. Our graduates are capable of thinking critically, abstractly, and creatively. They also think broadly, making relevant connections between language and literature and other disciplines such as the arts, history, sociology, political science, and religious studies. (cf. Standard 2: Critical-Interdisciplinary Thinking)

3) World Christians: Our graduates know and live the Christian faith, and are prepared to share it graciously with peoples of other languages and cultures. They have the understanding and skills necessary to engage people unlike them in terms that affirm the other as another person created in God’s image. They are sensitive to those from other cultural and ethnic backgrounds, respect alternative viewpoints, and understand and appreciate the diversity of God’s rich creation. (cf. Standard 3: Diversity; Standard 1: Christian Orientation)

Program Learning Outcomes

The links below lead to information about the department's most recent assessment of student learning relative to our program learning outcomes.

Demonstrates critical thinking
Articulates how Modern Language study informs their faith
Demonstrates advanced proficiency in the language (writing, reading, listening comprehension, and speaking)
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Alumni Stories

Kyle Mayl '21, "I came to Westmont with a love for learning Spanish, but I was initially unsure about majoring in it. After I met the faculty and took my first class in the department, I was more than convinced to jump in! My professors took a direct interest in my well-being, asked me questions I had never considered, encouraged me to apply my learning in our community, and cultivated a lively atmosphere of discussion. From the cities of central Mexico to the hilarious life lessons of Don Quijote to the nuances and persistent legacy of colonization, my time as a Spanish student introduced me to perspectives I would not have otherwise explored. Majoring in Spanish also opened a series of unique international leadership and career opportunities, leading me to my current position as a Fulbright grantee in Spain. As I've transitioned between roles in human services, education, and nonprofit administration, my degree in Spanish has always amply prepared me to serve well."

Ella Urquhart '20, "As a French student at Westmont, I was able to simultaneously pursue my love for foreign language and learn the intricacies of a different culture; my French courses better prepared me to engage with the wider world and enter into conversation with those different from me. As someone eager to live abroad again, my Westmont French experience has given me new insights at an age of great personal development-I will take with me the language skills and the greater cultural awareness I've developed wherever I go in the future!"

Career Opportunities

Becoming proficient in a second language and understanding people of another culture provide valuable competencies for any profession or career. You prepare to live and move in the global community as attractive and articulate witnesses for Christ. Every field needs people capable of communicating meaningfully with others, including:

Foreign Missions

Law

Education

International Business

Domestic Human-Service Agencies

Government Services

The Arts

See Career Paths for Graduates Who Studied Modern Languages at Westmont

Faculty and Staff

Mary Collier, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus

Mary Docter, Ph.D.

Leonor Eliás, Ph.D.

Claudia Molina, Ph.D.

Carolee Peterson, Administrative Assistant

Outstanding Graduates

Highlighting exceptional seniors from the Modern Languages department, recognizing their academic and community achievements. Featuring recent award-winners along with previous years’ graduates who have distinguished themselves through language study, service, and cultural engagement.