Classical and Modern Languages and Cultures
Program Overview
Classical and Modern Languages and Cultures
Come develop your language abilities and study the culture and traditions of various countries. We’ll teach you how to understand the nuances of cultural diversity, helping you to gain a perspective on the products and practices of each region. You’ll communicate effectively with intercontinental peers and understand their point of view as well as the historical context behind it. Plus, you can learn in the country you’re studying through our more than 45 study abroad programs.
Consistent with the University’s mission, the Department of Classical & Modern Languages & Cultures is committed to developing students into responsible citizens of the world.
When you study a language, you will expand your horizons, improve your analytical abilities, and learn to communicate more effectively. Language study enhances any other major, from sociology to pre-health and from political science to international business. Plus, learning a new language is fun!
Programs of Study
We offer seven languages, plus courses in international cultures, leading to degrees in Spanish, Italian, and Classics. Flexible course offerings allow students to pair a language major or minor with a degree in another discipline. Our graduates leave John Carroll with both content knowledge and intercultural skills, giving them an advantage in the global job market.
Undergraduate
Major
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Classical Studies
Classics is an interdisciplinary field, encompassing the languages, literature, art, archaeology, history, philosophy, mythology, and religious lives of the Greeks and Romans in the broader ancient Mediterranean world.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Italian Studies
Courses in Italian Studies lead to a thorough understanding of the Italian language, as well as Italian culture and literature.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Spanish and Hispanic Studies
The Spanish and Hispanic Studies program prepares you to communicate effectively in Spanish; to understand the cultural perspectives, products, and practices of the Spanish-speaking world; and to act with intercultural competence.
Minor
French and Francophone Studies
The French and francophone studies program is designed to help you acquire knowledge of the languages, literature, and cultures of France and francophone countries. You’ll develop the skills to read, write, speak, and understand French.
German
The German curriculum will prepare you to communicate effectively in German and to understand cultural perspectives, products, and practices of the German-speaking world.
Department Highlights
- IC 164 Spring Break in Italy 2023
- IC 240 Tours France, Italy
- Dr. Casciani Publishes on Siena
- Alumni Spotlight: Marlene Villa '18
Italian Literary Parks: IC 164 Students Tour Italy During Spring Break
After learning about Italian writers and the landscapes that inspired them in class, Dr. Luigi Ferri took his students to Italy for Spring Break. Accompanied by Dr. Santa Casciani, students visited Rome and Florence, enjoyed the sites--and the gelato--and earned JCU Core credits!
Gazing Women: IC 240 Students Tour France and Italy
Dr. Casciani and Dr. Conrady took 38 students from the IC 240 class to France and Italy during spring break 2022.
A Companion to Late Medieval and Early Modern Siena
The Department of Classical & Modern Languages & Cultures congratulates Dr. Santa Casciani, Professor of Italian, on the publication of A Companion to Late Medieval and Early Modern Siena. Edited by Dr. Casciani and Heather Richardson Hayton, the book presents "chapters by prominent scholars on the powerful commune that birthed a pope, sheltered saints, built banking institutions that have thrived for nearly 1000 years, and nurtured vibrant communities of artists and intellectuals." The book is available for pre-sale by visiting Brill.com.
Marlene Villa '18
Marlene Villa graduated with a double major in Humanities and Italian Studies. She also minored in Spanish!
After graduation, Marlene joined AmeriCorps and spent two years at Cristo Rey Boston, a private, co-educational Roman Catholic high school where she was subsequently hired as an Admissions Coordinator. In this role, Marlene served as the main point of contact for students and their families while also hosting virtual visits at elementary schools and community organizations in the surrounding areas.
Marlene recently received a Master's degree in Higher Education from Harvard University. She is employed as the First-Generation Student Success Coordinator at Michigan State University.
CMLC News & Events
- Dr. Thornton Velazquez Receives 2025 Culicchia Teaching Award
- CAS Awards 19 Strategic Grants
- 2024 Porter Scholarships Announced
- 2021 Porter Scholarship
Center for Global Languages and Cultures
Your Place for Language and Global Learning
Have a question about the Department of Classical & Modern Languages & Cultures?
Contact CMLC at 1 John Carroll Boulevard, University Heights, Ohio 44118
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John Carroll University
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The Center for Service and Social Action offers many great ways for students to get involved.
CSSA sponsors an average of 120 weekly service activities throughout the Cleveland community each semester.
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Athletic facilities at John Carroll University are some of the finest in the Ohio Athletic Conference. It starts with Don Shula Stadium at Wasmer Field, home to JCU football, soccer and track & field. In 2001, construction began on this outdoor facility to transform it to Don Shula Stadium, in honor of the John Carroll graduate who is the National Football League's all-time winningest head coach.
The stadium has a new playing surface (AstroPlay brand artificial grass), and features brand new locker room facilities, grandstands on both home and visitor sides, offices, a memoribilia room, and a press box for both football and baseball.
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Student Organizations are a great way to get involved on campus within your particular area of interest. At John Carroll University we have student organizations representing a variety of interests and categories such as : service, social, fraternities/sororities, cultural, academic and more! Check out the list of Student Organizationsand contact the president to get more involved.
Accreditation
John Carroll University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. CLICK HERE for more information about the 2019 visit preparations.