“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Nelson Mandela
Learning another language connects you globally.
Studying language and culture is excellent preparation for many professions, including law, international relations, scientific research, medicine, business, education, and publishing, to name a few.
Did You Know?
What you will learn
The department offers sequences of courses in the programs and some courses in English for majors and interested students.
In elementary courses, you gain familiarity with language and culture. Many students begin a new language at college. With persistence and hard work, a high level of fluency is possible by graduation. The elementary courses are taught energetically and interactively by regular faculty.
In intermediate courses, you develop fluency and significant cultural awareness. The intermediate language courses are the bridge to more advanced work. Many students continue a language started in secondary school at the intermediate level in college. By the end of the fourth semester class, we aim for a fluency that would allow you to flourish in a semester-abroad program.
In advanced courses, you will master key elements and works of the culture and language you study. Further study advances your fluency and cultural knowledge and provides access to works otherwise not available to undergraduates. These courses provide the capstone experience for majors and minors.
In cultural and historical courses taught in English, you will deepen connections with the Western Tradition and sharpen your communication skills.
Regular Faculty
- Robert Cape
- Ruth Cape
- Truett Cates
- Patrick Duffey
- Colin Foss
- Julie Hempel
- Wolfgang Lueckel (CML Department Chair)
- Elena Olivé
- Martin Wells
Adjunct and Visiting Faculty
Teaching Assistants
- Lucie Brisard (French)
- Juan David Bueno Lugo (Spanish)
Program Details
Each program has its own requirements for majors and minors. Click the program links below for specific information:
- Classics (Greek, Latin, Classical Civilization)
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Language Placement Exams
Infusing Languages and Global Competency Across the Disciplines (iLAD)
Current Data, Risk Mitigation Strategies, and Myths Debunked
Medical Conference on COVID in Mexico
Jordan Family Language House
Jordan Family Language House is a residence hall specifically designed to encourage students to immerse themselves in one of the modern languages and cultures. Nationally recognized as a leader among language house programs, for over 30 years the JFLH has provided students with the opportunity to earn academic credit while "living" the language and culture, using the target language in everyday, authentic contexts, whether sharing the latest films and music from many cultures, cooking culturally appropriate meals, or playing games, singing songs, or learning dances. Native speakers in each language live in the residence to help students engage in on-campus study of their chosen language.
Spotlight on Archeology -- Dig and Field School
Students have the opportunity to travel to Greece and Israel during the summers and be part of an archaeological excavation. Students will take part in all aspects of the excavation, digging, cleaning of artifacts, cataloging, etc. while learning about modern archaeological methodology and about the history of the sites where they are working. Additionally, frequent trips to other nearby sites give students the chance to expand their knowledge of the region and its history. All these experiences, and the excitement of getting to know another culture, await students who wish to join these projects. Austin College credit is given for successful participation.
After Austin College: Our Alumni
Departmental Extras
Student organizations
- Classics Club
- French Club
- German Club
- Los Amigos
The Washington Post, Washington D.C. | October 27, 2017
Lydia Bean '02, executive director of Faith in Texas and author of "The Politics of Evangelic Identity," writes about how voters are learning to make their faith suit their partisanship.
Departmental Scholarships
- The Clara Zauk Binkley and James Binkley Scholarship for an Outstanding Student in Foreign Languages was established in 1978 by Mrs. Margaret Binkley Collins of Sherman, in memory of her mother who was the wife of an early Sherman merchant and investor.
- The John Cameron Memorial Scholarship for an Outstanding Student in French was established in 1980 by Ms. Margie Boston, Mr. Albert Cameron, friends and family.
- The Carl B. and Florence E. King Fellowship for an Outstanding Student in Classics was established in 1976 by The Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation of Dallas, Texas.
- The John Peyton and Mary Louise Shoap Fellowship for an Outstanding Student in Modern Languages was established in 1975 by Mr. Henry L. Shoap of McKinney, Texas, in memory of his parents.
Study Abroad
Many CML majors decide to go abroad for a semester or a year. They have successfully studied in places such as Perugia, Rome and Florence (Italy), Alicante and Toledo (Spain), Córdoba (Argentina), Xalapa (Mexico), Paris (France), Marburg, Berlin and Munich (Germany) and Vienna (Austria).
Immersive January Term Courses
JanTerm is more than just another month at school for the students of Austin College—it’s an adventure between traditional semesters where students immerse themselves into unique opportunities. JanTerm classes allow students to travel abroad, explore real-world careers, and stretch their talents in focused courses on campus.