Modern Languages and Cultures at NDNU 

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures provides students with a range of courses in the language, culture, literature, film, and business of the French and Spanish speaking worlds enabling all NDNU students to experience the process of language learning, to acquire proficiency in the target language, and to gain insights into other cultures.
The department offers minors in French Studies and Spanish. Please see the catalog for course descriptions and degree requirements. It also gives the opportunity to create interdisciplinary majors and minors  as approved by the department Chair.
 Students are encouraged to gain practical experience outside the classroom by engaging in internships with international companies and agencies both in the USA and abroad to prepare for future careers as global citizens. The University’s mission and vision are at the center of the courses taught by the Department, especially global peace, social justice, and values-based learning.

Study Abroad
Study Abroad is highly recommended and a popular way for students to hone their language skills, experience living in another culture, and undergo significant personal growth.  Study Abroad programs are available in the French and Spanish speaking areas of the world and are open to all Notre Dame de Namur University students. All students in French Studies or Spanish will be encouraged to study abroad for a summer, a semester, or a year. .

Service Learning
An exciting summer service learning program has been developed in Guadalajara, Mexico for students who are interested in immersing themselves in, contributing service to, and learning from life in a poor, urban community. This program is also open to all members of the NDNU community. See photo gallery. ( put one photo here)
The study of a foreign language and culture is a good preparation for graduate studies and for careers in teaching institutions, government agencies and companies with ties in Canada, Europe, Africa and Latin America.

FACULTY  
Hélène Laroche Davis, professor of French, Department Chair. BA University of Lyon, MA Sorbonne in Paris, PhD Stanford University
Audrey Calefas-Strebelle, Lecturer and Core Faculty. BA, MA Sorbonne in Paris, PhD Candidate Stanford University (ABD)
Natashia Gomez, Lecturer in Spanish and Latin American Studies, BA UC Berkeley,  Med Harvard University.
Jessica perla-Collibee, Lecturer in Spanish, BA UC Santa Barbara, MA Tuft University
Penny Rich, BA College of Notre Dame, Credentials San Francisco State University, MA Stanford University.
Bobby Vaughn, AB Lafayette College, MA, PhD Stanford University.