World Languages

World Languages

Language connects us. It allows us to adventure confidently into the global community, whether abroad or in our own backyard. Learning about languages and other cultures offers a new perspective, making us more intentional witnesses for Christ. In our department, we equip students to cultivate linguistic and cultural proficiency to appreciate and engage thoughtfully with diverse communities around the world.

On this page Overview Graduate Outcomes Programs / Features Faculty Contact

Program Overview

The world languages department offers majors and minors in French and Spanish. We also provide beginner and intermediate level courses in American Sign Language (ASL) and linguistics as well as Greek and Hebrew courses in collaboration with the biblical and theological studies department.

We adhere to a rigorous curriculum that fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and a deep understanding specifically of the Hispanic and Francophone worlds. Committed to a Reformed theology, we promote cultural humility and sensitivity by learning from service and authentic language and culture experiences.

Our students are taught to explore with curiosity and generosity the complexity of the fallenness and beauty of different peoples, languages, and cultures. Each semester we offer cultural and linguistic opportunities for language students of all levels to engage with Hispanic and Francophone communities in Chattanooga. Through our program, we prepare our students to be lifelong learners and effective communicators in a diverse and interconnected world.

Graduate Outcomes

The following are a few of the positions that our for world language students have acquired:

Missionary to Senegal, Mission to the World
Assistant Lecturer in English, Universite de Nantes, France
Founder, French Learning Center for Homeschooling
French Teacher, Chattanooga Christian School
World Harvest Church Planter, Spain
Administrative Assistant in German & English, Volkswagen
English as a Second Language Teacher, EC Boston
Spanish Teacher, Chattanooga Christian School

Alumni have also pursued graduate studies:

Brown University
Middlebury College
Cornell University, Summer Institute of Linguistics
University of Georgia Law School
Pennsylvania State University
Indiana University
University of Alabama
University of Edinburgh (Scotland)

Nicole Restrepo '22

Read Alumni Profiles

Studying Spanish at Covenant provides students with the opportunity to not only develop new linguistic skills while acquiring knowledge of the beauty and complexity of languages and cultures, but Covenant is also uniquely positioned to provide students with opportunities to engage with the Spanish-speaking community locally and globally while extending Christ-like hospitality to those around us.

Dr. Brianne Stambaugh

Associate Professor of Spanish/World Languages

Programs & Features

For French and Spanish majors, the department offers a variety of courses in culture, conversation, literature, structure and writing taught in the world language. Majors in French or Spanish can lead to career opportunities in linguistics, business, missions, government, theology, art history, teaching, travel, journalism, or law.

View Course Catalog

A major in another field plus proficiency in a foreign language greatly enhances marketability and opportunities for career development.

View Course Catalog

Students who are interested in teaching French or Spanish can enroll in the one-year Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at Covenant College after completing their BA in their selected language.

View Course Catalog

The certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) explores the fields of education, linguistics, English, and foreign languages to better understand how languages work and how to effectively teach a foreign or second language.

View Requirements

FRE 220 Gender, Ethnicity, and Religion in Contemporary France
FRE 230 Introduction to French Cinema
SPA 361 Hispanic Culture through the Media Arts
SPA 390 Don Quixote Against the World
LIN 210 Methods in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
ASL 201 Intermediate American Sign Language I

“What’s the Verdict Regarding the Function and Usage of Slang”
“The Chicano Movement: Social Justice and Identity in Mexican-American Activism”
“An Exploration of Cultural Identity in North African Francophone Literature”
“A Study of Eighteenth Century French Botanical Exploration Efforts in North America”
“Educational Challenges of English Language Learners”
“German Giant Volkswagen and its Impact on the Outside World’s View of Germany and the Germans”

Guided Capstone Requirements

The World Languages department requires all majors to complete one semester-long session of immersive language study to qualify for graduation. Students are encouraged to complete their study abroad experience after the intermediate level in order to benefit the most from language immersion. Typically, a student takes four courses during the study abroad semester.

In specific cases, it is possible to request an exemption that would allow the student to fulfill this requirement through summer study. The alternate course of study must be in a primarily Spanish-speaking environment for at least 8 weeks, and the student must receive at least 6 credit hours of instruction at a learning institution. To apply for this exemption, the student must submit a one-page document to the World Languages Department Chair that indicates their reason for exemption and proposed course of summer study.

Learn More

The Language Lab offers students opportunities to meet with French or Spanish tutors, many of which are native speakers. The goal is to create an environment that simulates immersion, where students are able to develop relationships with tutors and glean from their linguistic and cultural experiences.

The Language Lab also provides:
Movie and game nights
Weekly conversation tables
International television channels
Online language drills
Audio recording software

Learn More

Meet the World Languages Faculty

Brianne Stambaugh Associate Professor of Spanish

Deborah Forteza Associate Professor of Spanish

Lindsay Saunds Adjunct Professor of Spanish

Bryant White Assistant Professor of French

Ready to take the next step?

Thank you for your interest in Covenant! By filling out this form, we'll be able to connect you with the best information regarding your program of interest, as well as your Admissions Counselor.