The Department of Languages & Literature provides a diverse curriculum in language, literature, culture and creative expression. Students gain a foundation in oral and written communication and the critical thinking skills necessary to explore fundamental questions of the humanities, liberal arts and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. We create a collegial environment in which faculty, students and staff collaborate through innovative teaching and cutting-edge research.
English students in the Department of Languages & Literature at Sacred Heart University study, understand and appreciate literature from both within and beyond the Anglo-American tradition, including the social, historical, religious and political contexts of these traditions. In addition, students develop the ability to analyze literary and critical texts in response to the central questions of the human condition by developing skills in critical thinking, literary analysis and numerous forms of written expression.
Sacred Heart University offers an English major, an English minor and a Writing minor. Courses are taught in a collegial environment in which faculty, students and staff collaborate through creative teaching and innovative research while providing students the skills essential for the many academic and professional careers available to them in the twenty-first century.
Students can pursue a BA in Spanish, minors and certificates in Italian and Spanish and courses in French. Courses are also offered occasionally in Arabic, Chinese, Gaelic, Japanese and Latin.
The academic programs in Foreign Languages focuses on developing students’ linguistic abilities, cultural understanding and critical thinking. The programs draw on varied sources such as literary and non-literary texts, film, art and music and technology in order to engage students in an evolving global community.
Students who plan to take Spanish, French or Italian and who have any previous experience in the language (junior high school or high school study, study abroad, experience speaking the language with family, etc.) within the past five years.
Study abroad is encouraged. Sacred Heart University has its own study abroad programs in Spain, Italy, Ireland, France & Australia. The University is also affiliated with American institutions that offer study abroad opportunities throughout the world, including locations in Canada and Latin America.
Sophomore Foreign Language students have the opportunity to study abroad during the fall semester at our SHU Dingle campus in Ireland. Participants experience the culture and history of Ireland while also completing core requirements. For more information, visit the Global Engagement website.
Students also have the opportunity to spend a semester at John Cabot University in Rome during their first year or later.
Happiness and humor are crucial to the human condition and both deserve a stronger place in higher education. Sacred Heart University has begun to achieve this goal through a joyful campus community and a vibrant great books curriculum. As an English professor, I teach and research the literature of laughter, a topic that has brought relief to students during a pandemic; comedy and storytelling will enrich us intellectually and emotionally going forward.
English Professor Emily Bryan's Experiencing Literature class in the Humanities Center.
Sacred Heart University Associate Professor Cara Erdheim Kilgallen
Sacred Heart University students taking notes in class
English Professor Emily Bryan's Literature class
Professor Rick Magee's Witches in American Literature class at Sacred Heart University
English Professor Emily Bryan at Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University students in Literature class
Sacred Heart University Associate Professor Cara Erdheim Kilgallen
Sacred Heart University’s Office of the Provost and the Department of Languages and Literatures present Literary Spotlight 2018: Unlocking the Word: An Anthology of Found Poetry
Professor Rick Magee's Witches in American Literature class at Sacred Heart University
