Foreign Languages Department [E-309]

In keeping with the basic philosophy of the Department of Foreign Languages, the fundamental objectives of the Department are: to familiarize students with a culture, language and literature other than their own; to provide language students with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective communication in the foreign language; and to provide adequate training for those who plan to continue their language study in senior college and for those who plan to enter one of the many professional fields that require a mastery of a foreign language.

The Department of Foreign Languages is dedicated to helping students discover the world through the study of language, literature, and culture. Our goal is to provide students with the means to scrutinize their own world view and challenge their capacity to identify with people of different backgrounds. We endeavor to motivate in students an appreciation and understanding of the world's people so that they may leave Kingsborough with the ability and the desire to communicate and empathize with others.

The Department of Foreign Languages emphasizes the variety and integrity of our programs, the skill and competence of our graduates, and the importance of our efforts within the vocational and career-oriented mission of our community college. To this end, our courses and programs of study: help students discover their capacity as language learners; provide students with the appropriate language skills to enable them to communicate effectively and function in their chosen profession; enable students to acquire and incorporate knowledge of the tools and organizational proficiency needed for language and cultural studies; inspire students to think critically in the humanistic tradition about texts and language; instill in our students the positive nature of cultural differences.

This includes mutual respect and concern for one another, openness to questions and risk taking, and a focus on excellence and engagement in active learning. Our faculty is responsible for facilitating learning and guiding students toward the accomplishment of established educational outcomes.