Department of Language, Literature, and Media

• LAURA FEITZINGER BROWN
• MIRKO HALL
• EMILY HARBIN, chair
• JEFFREY HOWARD
• STEFANIA LICATA
• JOSHUA MANGLE
• ERIN TEMPLETON, dean, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Mission and Goals

The Department of Language, Literature, and Media explores how language communicates human experience across cultures, historical periods, and media forms. Through the study of literatures, languages, writing, and media, students engage in the careful and critical examination of texts and contexts while developing the communication skills needed to navigate an interconnected world.

Students learn to analyze linguistic, literary, and rhetorical texts through a range of theoretical and analytical approaches, engaging meaningfully with diverse perspectives and cultural traditions.

• Through language study, they develop the ability to communicate across linguistic and cultural boundaries. 
• Through writing and media coursework, they gain experience with technology, collaboration, and design thinking, and learn to communicate authentically and effectively with different audiences. 
• Through literary study, students become thoughtful readers and informed citizens capable of navigating complex questions about culture, history, and the human experience. 

Our majors prepare students for success in today’s evolving job market by developing versatile, in-demand skills that employers consistently seek. Through rigorous coursework, students gain the skills of powerful written and verbal communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis—competencies that translate across industries and career paths. Our alumni pursue careers in a variety of fields, including teaching, publishing, law, business, marketing, nonprofit work, digital strategy, higher education, library science, and ministry, while also being well positioned for graduate and professional study.

By bringing together the study of language, literature, and media, the department affirms the enduring value and power of critical inquiry, cultural understanding, and effective communication in our classrooms, workplaces, and global society.