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Classical & Modern Languages Department
Classics (Greek, Latin, Classical Civilization) | French | German | Spanish
"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." Nelson Mandela
Learning another language connects you globally.
Studying language and culture is excellent preparation for many professions, including law, international relations, scientific research, medicine, business, education, and publishing, to name a few.
Any language you are interested in is the right language to take Expand
The world needs more speakers of multiple languages. When you study another language you become a resource for understanding.
Language learning enhances academic achievement Expand
Numerous studies have shown that language learners outperform others not only in language study but in all academic areas.
Be in the multilingual minority Expand
Language learners and bilinguals work better than others in settings of cultural diversity. Less than 20% of Americans are multilingual.
Knowing the language connects you to important masterworks in the original language Expand
Knowing the language of the original capitalizes on the rich array of texts artifacts that make up the social and historical context for the great works of the Western Tradition. Access to native idiom and melody reveal a power and beauty not otherwise accessible.
Being multilingual literally fires up your brain Expand
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex - responsible for problem-solving - lights up when you negotiate meaning between two or more languages. (From Ted talk)
Speaking a foreign language is more than just a valuable skill for the job market Expand
It also gives you access to new cultures and offers perspective on your own culture and attitudes.
Learning a foreign language makes study abroad experiences much more enriching Expand
While all Austin College students have the opportunity to study abroad, speaking a foreign language allows you to experience a culture in deeper, more meaningful ways, leading to lifelong friendships and passions.
Austin College offers sequences of courses in the programs and some courses in English for majors and interested students.
In elementary courses, you gain familiarity with language and culture. Many students begin a new language at college. With persistence and hard work, a high level of fluency is possible by graduation. The elementary courses are taught energetically and interactively by regular faculty.
In intermediate courses, you develop fluency and significant cultural awareness. The intermediate language courses are the bridge to more advanced work. Many students continue a language started in secondary school at the intermediate level in college. By the end of the fourth semester class, we aim for a fluency that would allow you to flourish in a semester-abroad program.
In advanced courses, you will master key elements and works of the culture and language you study. Further study advances your fluency and cultural knowledge and provides access to works otherwise not available to undergraduates. These courses provide the capstone experience for majors and minors.
In cultural and historical courses taught in English, you will deepen connections with the Western Tradition and sharpen your communication skills.
Regular Faculty
Robert Cape
Ruth Cape
Patrick Duffey
Colin Foss
Julie Hempel
Wolfgang Lueckel (CML Department Chair)
Elena Olivé
Martin Wells
Adriana Alvarez
Seth Compaoré
Mary Yetta McKelva
Each program has its own requirements for majors and minors. Click the program links below for specific information:
Classics (Greek, Latin, Classical Civilization)
Infusing Languages and Global Competency Across the Disciplines (iLAD)
Current Data, Risk Mitigation Strategies, and Myths Debunked
Medical Conference on COVID in Mexico
Andrew Pak Wins Best Presentation
Jordan Family Language House
Jordan Family Language House is a residence hall specifically designed to encourage students to immerse themselves in one of the modern languages and cultures. Nationally recognized as a leader among language house programs, for over 30 years the JFLH has provided students with the opportunity to earn academic credit while "living" the language and culture, using the target language in everyday, authentic contexts, whether sharing the latest films and music from many cultures, cooking culturally appropriate meals, or playing games, singing songs, or learning dances. Native speakers in each language live in the residence to help students engage in on-campus study of their chosen language.
Jordan Family Language House Residence Application
Spotlight on Archeology -- Dig and Field School
Students have the opportunity to travel to Greece and Israel during the summers and be part of an archaeological excavation. Students will take part in all aspects of the excavation, digging, cleaning of artifacts, cataloging, etc. while learning about modern archaeological methodology and about the history of the sites where they are working. Additionally, frequent trips to other nearby sites give students the chance to expand their knowledge of the region and its history. All these experiences, and the excitement of getting to know another culture, await students who wish to join these projects. Austin College credit is given for successful participation.
After Austin College: Our Alumni
Emily Stanton '14
After graduating from Austin College, I completed my Master's in Archaeology at Cornell in 2017. Inspired by my study abroad in Wales during my undergrad at AC, my thesis focused on the archaeology and anthropology of early medieval pilgrimage in North Wales; I also hiked 75 miles of the "Taith Pererin Gogledd Cymru" or "North… [Read More]
Chris Burke '15
I graduated from Austin College in 2015 with majors in German and Political Science and a minor in Environmental Studies. In addition to providing me with a number of fantastic opportunities to travel, explore a different culture, and broaden my horizons, studying German at Austin College helped me cultivate an important set of useful skills.… [Read More]
Joshua Stowers '15
Learning German has done more to improve my interpersonal communication skills than any other single decision in my life. When learning a new language you don't have the opportunity to lazily determine your words mid-sentence. You must construct the entire sentence before speaking. Studying abroad for the better part of a year in Germany and… [Read More]
Madeleine Mannix '14
Studying German at Austin College has immensely impacted my life. I was given the chance to experience the culture more deeply. It not only let me grow closer to my relatives in Germany but grow more confident in who I am as person. It has also helped me to understand the difficulties of learning a… [Read More]
Reo Casey '12
I got a lot out of the French program at AC. Living in the language house was great. The French Teaching Assistants were really helpful and I got to take some interesting classes within the French major. I made a lot of friends in the French program and the language house.
Patricia Reed '92
'L'esprit critique', is something particularly valuable in French culture, and woefully needed in America today. The ability to question, analyze, dissect, scrutinize, and decide for oneself. French literature is nothing, if not a way to explore these things.
Montie Krumnow '89
My study abroad in Nancy, France has helped me post-AC in my role as an international oil broker. I deal with companies and clients in Europe, Russia and all over the world. To be successful in my business, it's important to have an understanding of other people, their sensitivities, and different ways of responding to… [Read More]
Neema Dad '12
Studying Spanish at Austin College was invaluable and gave me deeper insight into the Hispanic culture. It prepared me to confidently communicate with and treat patients while in dental school, now during my pediatric dental residency, and eventually in private practice. Learning Spanish is definitely something I would recommend for anyone pursuing a field in… [Read More]
Hairo Peña '07
Participating in the Spanish program at Austin College was a very positive experience as it complimented my Mexican-American upbringing and expanded my knowledge of the Spanish culture. I was able to refine my Spanish writing skills and learn how to articulate myself professionally. I also discovered I enjoy poetry, specifically the literary characteristics associated with… [Read More]
Gloria Carey Nwelue '09
There were many classes and subjects that weren't in my wheelhouse at Austin College, but the Spanish language came easy to me and it was fun. Although I had no idea as a 19 year old how I'd "put it to use" as most people always asked, I knew it was a natural choice for… [Read More]
Departmental Extras
The Washington Post, Washington D.C. | October 27, 2017
Lydia Bean '02, executive director of Faith in Texas and author of "The Politics of Evangelic Identity," writes about how voters are learning to make their faith suit their partisanship.
The Clara Zauk Binkley and James Binkley Scholarship for an Outstanding Student in Foreign Languages was established in 1978 by Mrs. Margaret Binkley Collins of Sherman, in memory of her mother who was the wife of an early Sherman merchant and investor.
The John Cameron Memorial Scholarship for an Outstanding Student in French was established in 1980 by Ms. Margie Boston, Mr. Albert Cameron, friends and family.
The Carl B. and Florence E. King Fellowship for an Outstanding Student in Classics was established in 1976 by The Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation of Dallas, Texas.
The John Peyton and Mary Louise Shoap Fellowship for an Outstanding Student in Modern Languages was established in 1975 by Mr. Henry L. Shoap of McKinney, Texas, in memory of his parents.
Many CML majors decide to go abroad for a semester or a year. They have successfully studied in places such as Perugia, Rome and Florence (Italy), Alicante and Toledo (Spain), Córdoba (Argentina), Xalapa (Mexico), Paris (France), Marburg, Berlin and Munich (Germany) and Vienna (Austria).
Immersive January Term Courses
JanTerm is more than just another month at school for the students of Austin College—it's an adventure between traditional semesters where students immerse themselves into unique opportunities. JanTerm classes allow students to travel abroad, explore real-world careers, and stretch their talents in focused courses on campus.
Austin College encourage all future and current students to contact us with any questions