Maryville College

About the Languages and Literature Division

The Division of Literature and Languages is devoted to fostering excellent communication skills in its students and excellence of cultural and intercultural understanding. All the majors in the division – English, Spanish, Writing/ Communication and Teaching English as a Second Language – focus on honing students’ skills in interpreting and expressing ideas through carefully crafted language. In varying degrees, all nurture an awareness of culture and an understanding of differences of culture and worldview.

This sharpening of intercultural understanding and of skills of expression makes great preparation for careers as diverse as law, ministry, teaching, journalism, public relations, publishing, human resource management, politics, social work, diplomacy, management, tourism and labor relations. Simply put, studying in this division will prepare you for any work involving interpreting texts, crafting writing or interacting with people.

Minors in Spanish, French, and German open doors for gaining international experience in study, work or leisure. So whether the mind-expanding experience that you want is on the other side of the world or nestled between the covers of a book, the division of Literature and Languages can provide you with ample opportunities to realize your goals.

Class Favorites

Introduction to Literature in Spanish (SPN262) is a favorite of Spanish major Kelsey White. Tackling poems, short stories, essays and plays from throughout the Spanish-speaking world, students gain more confidence their language abilities. “The enthusiasm Dr. Mitchell shows for his field, along with his incredible knowledge of historical and cultural influences on literature, provided us with top-notch instruction,” she added.

Quick Fact:

Kim Trevathan, Assistant Professor of Writing/Communication, is at work on completing the manuscript for his third book, tentatively titled Liminal Zones.  This manuscript is under contract with the University of Tennessee Press.  It includes essays about paddling upstream on rivers across America, including some nighttime excursions. Trevathan’s other books include Coldhearted River: A Canoe Odyssey Down the Cumberland and Paddling the Tennessee River: A Voyage on Easy Water.

Languages & Literature

Video Series "Black in Latin America"

Many North Americans are unaware of the significant cultural contribution of the African diaspora in Latin America. This documentary series provides a comprehensive look into the various Afro-Latin American communities beyond the borders of the United States.  The videos will be shown 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Lawson Auditorium on the following dates:

Wed. Feb 8 - Mexico and Peru: The Black Grandma in the Closet
Wed. Feb 22 - Cuba: The Next Revolution
Wed. Feb 29 - Haiti and the Dominican Republic: An Island Divided
Wed. March 7- Brazil: A Racial Paradise?

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