Contact Us

Modern Languages & Linguistics
Dakota Hall, Room 319
414 E. Clark St.
Vermillion, SD 57069
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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Welcome to the Department of Modern Languages & Linguistics

Studying a new language involves learning new skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Language learners also gain knowledge of other cultures and exposure to a wide range of literature and art. 

Our faculty are enthusiastic, friendly, and dedicated instructors who care about learning with, and not lecturing at, students. With small classes and faculty who provide individualized attention, our students gain language proficiency and explore the literature and cultural practices of the peoples who speak your chosen language. We offer service-learning experiences and research opportunities that expand our students’ language, critical thinking, and writing skills. In this interconnected world, graduates are engaged members of the global community and poised to excel in careers that require cultural understanding and knowledge.

Join our community of mentors, adventurers and researchers in the USD Department of Modern Languages & Linguistics.


Programs

Meet the Department

Our faculty in the Department of Modern Languages & Linguistics have consistently earned awards for their teaching and scholarship. Our faculty are experts in their fields, contributing to research in Spanish literature and theater, German language and culture, foreign language pedagogy, Russian language and culture, historical linguistics, sociolinguistics and phonetics.
Bio Image for Faculty Member Robert Turner

Robert Turner III

Chair, Mod Lang/Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Nathan Bates

Nathan Bates

Associate Professor of Practice
Bio Image for Faculty Member Angela Helmer

Angela Helmer

Professor

Specialty

Hispanisc Linguistics, Language Contact

Known for Excellence

At USD, you'll find a high quality educational experience strengthened by our faculty's research and creative scholarship. See what makes our department exceptional.

Student Opportunities

Explore the variety of opportunities and resources available to modern languages and linguistics students.

Related Departments & Facilities

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in the Department of Modern Language and Linguistics.
Students from the International Office on a trip to mount rushmore.

Gallagher International Center

The Gallagher International Center oversees the university's international affairs, including programs and resources such as study abroad, international admissions and international student services.

Group of Students on a Trip Abroad

Study Abroad

Supplement your education by taking advantage of our exchange partnerships in Germany and Spain. You can also embark on a number of short-term, faculty-led programs during the summer in other locations. 

 

student success story

Katelyn Riesmersa smiling.
My professors helped me fulfill dreams that I didn't know were possible for a first-generation college student. I have built great relationships with my professors, presented at conferences, became vice president of a Spanish honor society and I am now living in Spain working through a program my professor found for me. The foreign language department at USD is a family. They encourage you, help you and love you as one of their own.

Katelyn Riemersma

B.S. Modern Languages & Linguistics, Spanish, '24
Jackson, Minnesota

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