Mission

The overall mission of the Department of World Languages is to study human language in general, and certain ancient and modern languages in particular, in order to provide both a humanistic and scientific perspective on this most distinguishing of all human abilities. The study of the languages of the world serves the following goals.

To foster an increase in international and diverse cultural and aesthetic awareness.
to provide opportunities for the enhancement of practical communication across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
To provide foreign and second language instruction (including ESL) at all levels to the university community in support of the internationalization of the curriculum and international and multicultural education.
To provide training for undergraduate specialists in ancient and modern languages and literatures, through including advanced studies supporting such fields as international studies, business, History, Philosophy, Anthropology, Religious Studies, English, Art History, and Foreign Language Education.
To provide graduate instruction at the master's level in Spanish, French, German, Classics, and Applied Linguistics, both as terminal programs, or in support of other M.A. programs and as a foundation for doctoral study.
To provide doctoral studies, in conjunction with the College of Education, in applied linguistics and second language acquisition.
To conduct and encourage research, scholarship and creative work in ancient and modern language and literature, and in applied and theoretical linguistics, including technologically enhanced language learning (TELL).
To maintain programs and opportunities for study and research abroad in order to support international education, scholarship, and exchange.
To offer service and outreach programs in support of the Tampa Bay community through workshops and training activities.
To maintain a teaching laboratory in intensive English instruction in support of the M.A. programs in applied linguistics and Ph.D.
To reestablish an intensive instructional program designed to provide rapid language acquisition.
To provide instruction in both language and literature to the community as well as undergraduate and graduate students attending the Univesity of South Florida.