English, Communication Arts & Foreign Languages

English

Chair: Ms. Donna Menis

This department is concerned with teaching writing, literature, and specialized communications courses. The ability to express ideas in clear, forceful language is generally recognized as a key talent in all walks of life. The study of literature puts the student in direct touch with the world’s most perceptive and discriminating minds, offering valuable insights into age-old human thoughts, anxieties, and desires. Literature has to do with the eternal verities: life and death, time and eternity, love and hate, sorrow and joy, and the perennial problem of distinguishing between good and evil. It is an exploration of what Emerson meant when he called writers mankind’s liberators and consolers who “free us from bondage to matter by showing us that our distinctively human destiny is spiritual.”

English majors may specialize in literature or secondary education. Recent English graduates have taken positions in teaching, writing, law and management. Many have chosen to pursue graduate studies in a variety of disciplines.

Communication Arts

Chair: Ms. Donna Menis

Clear, accurate and creative composition and distribution of information is the focus of the Communication Arts major.

We live in an age of instant communication that seems to invent a new means of conveying messages almost daily. Those who are able to master the crafting of messages well, and who understand the best way to send the messages to reach the desired audiences, are highly sought-after employees.

The Communication Arts major makes extensive use of a multimedia production lab designed specifically for our students in the media. Students will learn techniques of digital imaging, as well as concentrate upon the fundamentals of writing and editing for both print and video media.

The “arts” portion of the major is addressed with a foundation of coursework in American and English literature. American literature addresses issues pertaining to early magazines, and British literature makes use of historical themes in classic works that are still portrayed in music, movies and videos today. Finally, writing courses help to provide additional focus on one of the principal needs of today’s employers. Strong written and oral communication skills and adeptness with use of technology are the primary abilities that will make our students stand out from those from other schools and programs.

Speech

Speech is intended to improve the speaking skills of students, particularly those who need basic principles and practice in effective oral communication, and to develop skills needed for speaking before groups.

International Business/Modern Language

Coordinator: Dr. Margaret Morales

The programs in Languages and Cultures have as their mission to educate each student to become a productive worker, a responsible citizen, and a cultured member of society. This mission is reflected in the descriptions of the department’s major programs given below which aim at providing life enrichment through a liberal arts curriculum and life skills through professional experiences to all its students. The curricular objectives of the program are consistent with those of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, the Modern Language Association of America, the several American associations of teachers of foreign language.

The interdisciplinary major in International Business/Modern Language, with options for either French or Spanish, is offered in conjunction with the Business Administration Department. French language courses are taken at Saint Francis University and at its program in Ambialet, France; Spanish language courses are taken at Saint Francis and at its program at Cuernevaca, Mexico. Study abroad is required to complete the International Business/Modern Language program.

The graduate competent in business and a foreign language has a clear edge in the domestic and international job markets. Opportunities for graduates with a language and business competence have increased significantly in recent years and are projected to do so well into the future. Personnel are sought by national and local governments, hospitals, multinational corporations, social agencies, libraries, museums, airlines, and travel agencies. Further information can be provided upon request by the departmental advisors and the Office of Career Counseling and Placement.

Spanish

Coordinator: Dr. Margaret Morales

The programs in Languages and Cultures have as their mission to educate each student to become a productive worker, a responsible citizen, and a cultured member of society. This mission is reflected in the descriptions of the department’s major programs given below. They aim at providing life enrichment through a liberal arts curriculum and life skills through professional experiences to all its students. The curricular objectives of the Department are consistent with those of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, the Modern Language Association of America, the several American associations of teachers of foreign languages, and other professional organizations.

A major and minor in Spanish with an emphasis in literature or culture are offered through a comprehensive array of courses taken at Saint Francis University and at its program in Cuernevaca, Mexico. Study abroad is required to complete the Spanish language major or minor.

Students in the health sciences majors may earn a minor in Spanish with an emphasis on communication with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. They will learn how to explain and discuss complicated medical procedures and diseases, using the appopriate medical terminology and vocabulary. SPAN 203 and SPAN 303 will be taken at the University. Study abroad is required and students are encourage to do a medical internship while in Mexico.

Students pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice may earn a minor in Spanish with an emphasis on communication with Spanish-speaking victims, perpetrators, or witnesses of accidents or criminal acts, using the appropriate law enforcement terminology and vocabulary, in order to write incident reports and/ or assist in interrogations for crime solving. SPAN 204 is required and will be taken at the University. Study abroad is required and students are encouraged to do a law enforcement internship while abroad in Mexico.

The study of Spanish can also be incorporated into a program leading to elementary and secondary teaching certification. For teaching certification, consult the program requirements under Education. Other employment opportunities are provided upon request by the departmental advisors and the Office of Career Counseling and Placement.

World Languages

Program Coordinator: Dr. Margaret Morales

The program in Languages and Cultures offers majors and minors in Spanish and a minor in French, and students interested in those programs of study should consult the appropriate sections of this catalog.

The department offers instruction in other languages, including Italian, Latin, German, and Sign Language. Two additional Languages and Cultures minors are World Languages and Global Cultures and Languages.

Saint Francis University may award academic credit for course work completed at an accredited institution in any human language as long as the course content and goals are similar to those specified at Saint Francis for French and Spanish. Approval of transfer credit by currently enrolled students must be obtained in advance from the Coordinator of Languages and Cultures.

The curricular objectives of the Department are consistent with those of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign languages, the Modern Language Association of America, the several American associations of teachers of foreign languages, and other professional organizations.