Foreign Languages

Mission Statement

Serving a diverse ethnic and socioeconomic population, the Foreign Languages Program is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service. We are committed to helping our students become global citizens through the exciting path of multi-literacy and multilingualism.

More About Foreign Languages at PVAMU

In our Basic Language Program (BLP – 1013-2023 level classes), we prepare students to function at professional levels in Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic. These classes are the foundation of foreign language learning, fulfill college foreign language requirements, and also serve as course electives. We educate our students to not only do well in all levels of their chosen language but also to be able to procure international certifications of their linguistic abilities. Follow us on Twitter for more information at: @PVForeignLang

Our continued dedication to student success is also expressed in adopting free, Open Educational Resources (OER) texts for all BLP (1013-2023) classes starting in the Spring of 2020. OERs have been proven to save student bodies millions of dollars as well as remove barriers to learning. We remain dedicated to this movement and supportive of this A&M System initiative with our enthusiastic adoption of these resources in our classes.

The Foreign Languages Program is committed to quality research in the areas of literature, pedagogy, and linguistics. Our faculty and staff are avid publishers, grant writers, and presenters in their fields. We believe in the pertinent and well-guided application of technology to language instruction and learning through the use of a variety of apps, website and digital humanities projects in our classroom. Finally, We are committed to service in our larger department, the college, the university, and our greater Houston Metropolitan community.

Global Opportunities

Study abroad is a great way to enhance and accelerate the learning of a foreign language. We promote not only seeking abroad opportunities in the languages we offer but also in languages NOT offered at the university. Our faculty are ready to help you attain your language learning goals no matter the language and can help you find the right opportunity if you are interested in studying a critical language (as defined by the US Department of State). There are many scholarship opportunities to study abroad as well as to study intensely during the summer in the US. Reach out to your foreign language professor and to the Office of International Studies to learn more.

Specific Language Track Outcomes

Spanish Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate the use of academic Spanish vocabulary and structures.
2. Students will produce quality written compositions in academic Spanish through the development of critical and analytical skills.
3. Students will produce acceptable oral academic Spanish.
4. Students will acquire a basic understanding of Hispanic culture.
5. Students will acquire a knowledge of the major historical periods and literary movements in Hispanic literature.
6. Students will define and apply basic linguistic concepts and processes as they relate to the teaching, learning, and acquisition of Spanish.

Please note, effective Fall 2011, the Spanish major is no longer offered at Prairie View A&M University.