a few words ...

The purpose of writing is not to describe the world, but to change it.

Man schreibt nicht um das Leben zu beschreiben,
aber um es schreibend zu veraendern. (Anna Seghers)

Se escribe, no para describir el mundo, sino para cambiarlo.

Le but de l'écriture ce n'est pas de décrire le
monde mais de le transformer en le réécrivant.

We are a diverse group offering studies in English, French, Spanish (download the catalog PDF), Teaching English as a Second Language, and an Intensive English Program.

Informed by the Christian faith of an Anabaptist heritage, we take seriously our commitment to foster critical and creative thinking, meaningful communication, and an appreciation of cultural diversity.

Literary, linguistic, and cross-cultural studies hone language skills, increase self-awareness and empathy, and provide opportunities for philosophical and theological reflection, preparing students to lead and serve in academic, church, and global communities. (EMU is a small Christian liberal arts college dedicated to Anabaptist and Mennonite values of peacebuilding and service.)

Our love for language moves us to write original poetry and fiction for The Phoenix, our literary magazine; bring notable authors to campus for Writers Read; and prepare students for cross-cultural experiences all over the world.

A world suffering from conflict and injustice, burdened by poverty and racism, threatened by ecological disasters and unloosed from its spiritual moorings sorely needs leaders with the commitment and skills to bring about change. We believe that well-chosen words can transform our world.