The Foreign Language Department at Houghton demands of all its students a rigorous two-year program grounding the student in the fundamentals of the target language. The first year program stresses comprehension and linguistic production from the student, while the second year stresses a further broadening of vocabulary and understanding of essential grammatical concepts.

 There are currently majors in Spanish and French with minors available in Spanish, French, German, and Latin.. The department offers opportunities for students to gain valuable experience and academic credit through service-learning and  Mayterm courses offered in Latin America, Europe, and French-speaking Africa.  As well, Houghton language majors can complete their requirement to spend a semester abroad through a variety of programs that provide the opportunity to live, learn, and serve in a myriad of contexts.

 Furthermore, with the rapid advances in technology creating a consequent coziness of once distant languages (Career Opportunities) students at Houghton have the technological support for more frequent and more authentic contact in their target language. The Foreign Language Satellite dish allows students to watch the news from the country of their choice in the target language, and foreign films are shown for students and available for viewing upon request.  Spanish and French tables and clubs also provide opportunities to use the target language with other language learners and native speakers! 

 The Houghton College Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures provides a safe community in which students are challenged to become international scholar-servants.  Come grow with us!

 For further information, contact Marlene Collins-Blair at marlene.collins@houghton.edu.