Atchison, Kansas

Department of World Languages and Cultures

The goal of the Department of World Languages and Cultures is to develop proficient communicators in the world language of study. Learners should also be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the cultures, literature, and the structure of the language of study.

Language Offerings

The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers language courses in Spanish and French.

Majors and Minors

Benedictine College offers majors and minors in Foreign Languages, French, International Studies and Spanish.

Careers

The degree enables students to pursue careers in education, graduate studies, journalism, travel, social services and health professions, law school, law enforcement, marketing, management, Peace Corps, and international non-government organizations.

Campus Organizations and Activities

  • Spanish Club
  • French Club
  • Hispanic Latino Club
  • Alpha Mu Gamma

Study Abroad

The department offers the following study abroad programs:

French

  • Summer and Semester programs in France at the Catholic University of Lyon. For information contact Dr. Daphne McConnell

Spanish

  • Semester and summer program at the CLIC language institute in Sevilla, Spain. For information, contact Dr. Daphne McConnell

Faculty

  • Daphne McConnell, B.A. 1989, M.A. 1991, Ph.D. 1998, University of Georgia, Professor  of World Languages and Cultures
  • Filiberto Mares Hernández, A.A. 2001, B.A. 2003, M.A. 2006, Ph.D. 2010, University of California-Riverside, Associate Professor of World Languages and Cultures
  • Julie Sellers, B.A. 1994, B.A. 1996, M.A. 1996, M.A. 2000, Ph.D. 2005, University of Wyoming, Professor and Chair of World Languages and Cultures
  • Susan (Suzie) Wright, B.A. 2009, M.A. 2012, Ph.D. 2019, University of Colorado-Boulder, Assistant Professor of World Languages and Cultures.
  • Caglar Erteber, B.A. 2008, M.A. 2011, Ph.D. 2025, University of Arizona, Visiting Instructor of World Languages and Cultures

Foreign Language Placement Exam for Spanish and French

Students with previous experience in Spanish or French Latin can take the Foreign Language Placement Exam for Spanish and French for the opportunity to test out of the college requirement.

Students with previous experience in Latin should consult the Department of Classics.

For more information about the Foreign Language Placement Exam for Spanish and French, consult the College Catalog. Information about the Placement Exam is under the section “Locally Administered Placement Examinations.” Also see the Foreign Language Placement Exam for Spanish and French FAQs.

Placement Exam for Spanish and French: Schedule for 2025-2026

All sessions will be held in STB 332

  • Tues., Aug. 26, 2025, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
  • Wed., Aug. 27, 2025, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Thurs., Aug. 28, 2025, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Mon., Sept. 1, 2025, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Mon., Nov. 3, 2025, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Thurs., Nov. 6, 2025, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Tues., Jan. 13, 2026, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
  • Tues., Jan. 13, 2026, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Thurs., March 26, 2026, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Mon., March 30, 2026, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Contact Information

For more information, please email Dr. Julie Sellers or call 913.360.7544.