Department Philosophy
The study of modern languages develops in the student the ability to communicate with people of other cultures and backgrounds. It helps to
expand her knowledge of foreign countries, their geography, history, social organization, literature and culture. The student grows in an appreciation of the many civilizations which have directly or indirectly shaped and influenced her own.
In order to equip the student to take her place in a multi-lingual world, the Modern Language Department endeavors to help her attain a functional level of fluency in understanding and speaking the target language. This demands knowledge of the grammatical structures of the language and its idioms as well as an awareness of the cultural and historical background of the people whose language is being studied.
The study of modern languages involves the development of four basic skills: verbal fluency, accuracy and clarity in writing, cultural awareness, and comprehension in both listening and reading in the target language. In order to best emphasize these four skills, an audio-lingual method is employed to provide maximum practice of the language. The ability to communicate in a second language is the primary goal of the Modern Language Department.
It is the aim of the Modern Language Department to help the student in a relaxed yet purposeful environment to broaden her vision of life, to adjust to the concept of differences among cultures and civilizations, to gain a deeper perspective and appreciation of her own culture and to begin to realize the basic unity which exists among all civilizations, old and new, no matter how different they may appear to be at first glance. To this end, the Department is committed to respect and develop the potential and self-confidence of each student as she grows in self-awareness and knowledge.
Department Curriculum
For details on courses and instructors in this department, please visit the Curriculum section in My Louisville. Here you will find course descriptions, prerequisites, teacher profiles and contact information.
