Modern Languages

Major

How We Work

1. We offer a variety of languages. A major in modern languages and literatures requires in-depth study in one language and its corresponding literature and culture (French, German, or Spanish), with complimentary work in another language (French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Latin, or Greek). Through this study, we learn to appreciate other cultures, literatures, and world views and discover new ways of viewing ourselves in relation to the world around us.
2. We immerse ourselves in locales around the globe. Knox offers more than 100 opportunities to study around the globe. From South Africa to Spain, to Japan and Chile, we pursue subjects of interest, practice our language skills, and learn what it is like to live in global communities. At Knox, 50% of students study abroad, and programs like Gilman Scholarships help make opportunities affordable to all students.
3. We create opportunities to learn from each other. Knox has more than a dozen student-created and student-run cultural clubs. We also have four culture centers, where students live, explore, and celebrate cultural traditions. At our annual International Fair, more than 1,000 visitors enjoy food and live performances from around the world, prepared and performed by Knox students.
4. We learn from professors with a passion for knowledge. Faculty in the modern languages and literatures each have their own research interests—from linguistics to Cuban underground hip-hop to German film and visual culture to 18th Century French literature. Our faculty provide an integrative and rigorous learning experience and encourage students to live with a mind open to the world around them.