Modern languages and literatures students at a table, speaking to guests during SNC Day background

Modern languages and literatures

Language is the road map for a culture

Did you excel in foreign language courses in high school? Do you want to delve deeper into those studies, immersing yourself in the study of a language and culture? Whether you choose to focus on French, Spanish or international business, you’ll find that our faculty at St. Norbert College works to create hands-on opportunities for intercultural experiences and small-group activities that enhance your learning. You’ll be exposed to literature, film, art and culture associated with your field of choice, and through these areas, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of cultural history, traditions, struggles and other intricacies.

Cultural literacy and multi-language fluency are two of the most in-demand skills that a job seeker can have. Increasing globalization demands that companies have employees who are not only able to speak another language, but who are well versed in the customs and culture of other countries as well. Here at SNC, our modern languages and literatures (MLL) degree focuses on developing cultural awareness that will prepare you to live and work in an international milieu while deepening your understanding of your own beliefs and values.

Academic paths within the major

At SNC, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in French, Spanish, or international business and language-area studies. You may also pursue language-based minors in:

  • French
  • French teaching
  • Spanish
  • Spanish teaching

Plus, you may complete a certificate in French or Spanish that demonstrates intermediate-level proficiency.

High-achieving MLL students often choose to pursue membership in our chapter of Phi Sigma Iota. Membership in this national honor society is the highest U.S. academic honor for language majors.

Some students choose to take their love of languages to the next level by exploring connections to classical languages with interdepartmental courses in Greek, Hebrew and Latin, offered through the humanities division.

Elevate your language education

The best way to develop fluency in another language is to study it in a country where it is spoken. As a language major at SNC, you’ll spend at least one semester studying abroad, though students are often encouraged to spend even more time in their target area.

If you opt to pursue a teaching minor, you’ll complete at least six weeks of international-language immersion.

Many of our MLL majors choose to gain practical experience through internships. SNC students have interned at Alexander Graham Bell Montessori School, Brown County Health & Human Services and Green Bay Community & Economic Development, among other organizations.

Major requirements

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Minor requirements

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Course offerings

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  • I enjoyed Spanish classes in middle and high school and wanted to continue taking them in college. I’m glad I did, because it pushed me to study abroad in Ecuador – which I wanted to do, but don’t know if I would have done otherwise.

    Brittany Wagner ’21

    Portrait of student Brittany Wagner
    Portrait of student Brittany Wagner

    I enjoyed Spanish classes in middle and high school and wanted to continue taking them in college. I’m glad I did, because it pushed me to study abroad in Ecuador – which I wanted to do, but don’t know if I would have done otherwise.

    Brittany Wagner ’21

  • I studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador. I definitely think [that was a valuable experience for me] because you can use that culture and that experience to reaffirm yourself. ... I can then give all of my learned experience to my students, which is basically what teaching is. You are sharing your experience just in a way that they can digest.

    Braxton Thompson ’21

    Portrait of Braxton Thompson
    Portrait of Braxton Thompson

    I studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador. I definitely think [that was a valuable experience for me] because you can use that culture and that experience to reaffirm yourself. ... I can then give all of my learned experience to my students, which is basically what teaching is. You are sharing your experience just in a way that they can digest.

    Braxton Thompson ’21

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Undergraduate research

Collaborate with faculty on special research projects starting during your first year of college at SNC.

Learn more
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Practical internships

Put your language skills to the test through an internship.

Learn more
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International reach

Go global! Explore the country where you’ve focused your studies through our study abroad program.

Learn more
Professor Katie Ginsbach holding a mobile device as part of a teaching exercise.
Learn from exceptional SNC MLL faculty

If there’s one thing that SNC professors and instructors have in common, it’s a passion for teaching and sharing their expertise. You’ll also find them dedicated to providing personalized guidance that supports your academic and career aspirations. Discover the distinguished scholars you’ll be learning from.

Laurel Laurel

Your language degree at work

In an increasingly international society, your language studies will serve you well in almost any career. Whether you work for a multinational corporation, a family farm, a Main Street business, a medical facility or a school system, you’ll find many situations in which people need your communication skills. SNC language majors have held the following positions:

  • Bilingual teacher
  • Digital technology leader
  • Director of music
  • Domestic violence program specialist
  • French teacher
  • Logistics technician
  • Management fellow
  • Spanish teacher

Future study in languages

Your fluency in another language can open up doors to advanced study — even in other fields, where your linguistic skills and cultural appreciation are valued. SNC language alumni are well-prepared for graduate programs and have exceptional placement rates. They've studied:

  • Biology at Harper College
  • Clinical psychology at Marquette University
  • Education at St. Thomas University
  • Law at University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Sociology at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

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Contact the St. Norbert College admission office

Campus location

Ariens Family Welcome Center
310 College Ave.
De Pere, WI 54115

Hours of operation

Monday-Friday
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

We’re also available by appointment.

Mailing address

Office of Admission
St. Norbert College
Ariens Family Welcome Center
100 Grant St.
De Pere, WI 54115

Campus