The purpose of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is to foster an environment in which students develop multiple cultural and linguistic competencies, enabling them to access information in a wide range of disciplines, understand diverse perspectives in an increasingly interconnected world, and function effectively and responsibly in it.

The study of modern languages (Chinese, French, German, Spanish) is integrated into a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum at Southwestern. Students who major/minor will acquire a broad cross-disciplinary foundation that prepares them for professional careers (teaching, government, international business), provides them with opportunities for personally fulfilling experiences in pursuit of justice and the common good, and opens opportunities for lifelong learning (University core values).

In brief, the Department seeks to enrich the University curriculum through rigorous classroom teaching and research in modern languages, cultures, and literatures.