The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is composed of two divisions: Spanish Studies and European Studies, which includes German, French and Italian. The Department promotes the study of languages, literatures, and cultures in Europe, South and North America, and other continents. Ours is a rigorous and intellectually challenging program that will introduce the students to new languages and to the cultures where those languages are spoken. This unique experience enriches the lives, widens the perspectives and deepens the knowledge of other peoples, as well as of the native language and culture of those involved. The understanding gained by such studies translates into a wider outlook on reality and great respect and acceptance of others.

Administration

The Department's administration consists of the following individuals who make up the Department Advisory Council:

• Dr. Mercedes Juliá: Professor of Spanish and Chair of the Department
• Dr. Carmen Peraita: Associate Professor of Spanish and Director of Spanish Division
• Dr. Charles Helmetag: Professor of German and Director of European Division
• Two external advisors from the College of Arts and Sciences: Dr. Adele Lindenmeyr and Dr. Robert De Vos, professors of history and mathematics respectively.

This is the main policy grouping in the Department, but major new proposals are referred to Division-wide referenda, voted upon by faculty in both divisions. Other important administrative bodies include the Director of Graduate Studies in Hispanic Studies and Associate Professor of Spanish, Dr. Carlos Trujillo, and the coordinators of the French and Italian programs and Associate Professors of French and Italian, Dr. Jan Rigaud and Dr. Gaetano Pastore.

There are also several important departmental committees, such as curriculum, majors and concentrations, lectures, and grievance. The Department is represented by the Chair on the College Strategic Planning Committee, and by elected faculty members on the Academic Affairs Committee and University Senate.