Offered through the Klinger College of Arts and Sciences, Phil 1001, Section 102: Foundations in Philosophy/Fundamentos en Filosofía is the first bilingual philosophy course at Marquette University. Rooted in the college’s mission to cultivate critical thinking and immersive learning, this course reflects a commitment to creating inclusive academic experiences that honor students’ diverse identities and prepare them to engage with the world beyond campus.
In this course, students will be encouraged to communicate comfortably in both Spanish and English. Rather than restricting philosophical inquiry to one language, the class invites students to explore values, society and the self through a multilingual lens. By engaging with philosophy from a global perspective, students will develop as bilingual thinkers, writers and speakers — strengthening critical thinking across languages.
Dr. Stephanie Rivera Berruz, associate professor of philosophy, is teaching this groundbreaking course in fall 2025. A bilingual speaker herself, Rivera Berruz has long advocated for integrating multiple languages into disciplines beyond language instruction. Reflecting on her own academic experience, she notes the disconnect she once felt when Spanish was relegated to spaces outside the classroom. Now, she aims to provide a learning environment where students can engage with language in a way that best expresses their thoughts.
Phil 1001, Section 102 is notably not a language course, meaning the class will use both English and Spanish in course material, class dialogue and assignments. The course is not meant to develop new language skills in either language but rather give room to bilingual expression in a course otherwise taught in English. Students who are bilingual speakers or who have completed SPAN 3001 are invited to enroll in the course to fulfill their PHIL 1001 requirement.
The course fits into the picture of ongoing research into the topic of languages across the curriculum, which hopes to expand specific disciplinary discourse to multilingual speakers. Courses of this kind hope to encourage students of all language backgrounds to give their voice to fields of study, specifically engaging with how language and culture may shape the practice of different disciplines. Having multiple languages in the classroom can help students have global perspectives and appreciate how language shapes the way they think and interact with the world around them.
“The languages that we speak are not just addendums to who we are, but they’re fundamental to how we operate in the world.”
Dr. Stephanie Rivera Berruz, associate professor of philosophy
Rivera Berruz expresses gratitude to everyone who supported the development of this bilingual class, especially the faculty within the Department of Philosophy. She hopes the creation of this course will allow students to recognize that their language is integral to their identity and is something to be embraced in the classroom and their studies.
“The goal,” she says, “is for students to see themselves reflected in the classroom and in the content, so they can better engage with the world around them.”
To register for Phil 1001 section 102, email your name and MUID to Dr. Yoon Choi, associate professor of philosophy, at yoon.choi@marquette.edu.
For more information or questions on the bilingual Phil 1001: Section 102 course, email stephanie.riveraberruz@marquette.edu.
