Department of Modern Languages
Majors & Minors
Students interested in pursuing a major or minor in modern languages must take a placement exam in September of their freshman year, and consult with a faculty member in the language to determine enrollment level. The major is offered in both French and Spanish; a minor is available in French, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.Â
GUIDELINES FOR A MAJOR IN FRENCH
A major in French requires a minimum of 30 credits, 24 of which must be at the 300-level or above. The curriculum is comprehensive, leading to proficiency in the language skills stressing knowledge of the literary, cultural and historical developments of France and the Francophone world. Learning French creates career opportunities. French is the official language of 33 countries and is widely spoken in at least 10 more. It is of only two languages spoken on f
ive continents and is spoken by about 500 million people around the world (125 million native speakers). It is the second language of the Internet, and the second most influential language in the world (Language Today). It is one of the two official working languages of the United Nations, NATO, the Olympic Games, the International Red Cross, the International Monetary Fund, and the 31-member Council of Europe. In addition, 1,000 FrenchCompanies operate in the U.S. employing 650,000 Americans, while a similar number of U.S. companies have operations in France.
Required courses for the major include: FREN 355, 356 (or equivalent). Students are encouraged to take at least one course in each of the three major genres (prose, poetry, drama). We offer study abroad semesters and a January Interim program in France. Students must complete a Paper-in-the-Major, consisting of a 10-15 page paper in a seminar and in close consultation with their professor, during the last three semesters of their major. Also highly recommended is the study of another language.
GUIDELINES FOR A MAJOR IN SPANISH
A major in Spanish requires a minimum of 30 credits, 24 of which must be at the 300-level or above. Since mastery of the Spanish language includes the cultural contexts that produced it and which it continues to infl uence, students are encouraged to take courses in other disciplines related to the Hispanic culture. An international experience of academic and cultural studies is highly recommended. A variety of programs in Spain, Latin America, and South America provides students with the unique opportunity to become immersed in language, culture, and academics, and courses taken abroad may satisfy major requirements only if approved in advance by the language faculty.
Required courses for the major include: SPAN 320, 325, 355, and 356 (or equivalent). Students are encouraged to take at least one course in each of the three major genres (prose, poetry, drama), as well as courses from Peninsular and Latin American focus, both historical and contemporary periods.
The Paper-in-the-Major requirement is met in courses at the 400-level, which characteristically require significant formal writing assignments, as well as a capstone project that demonstrates the student's command of the material and methods, as well as his/ her ability to communicate these skillfully in writing. Also highly recommended is the study of another language.
THE CHINESE PROGRAM
The program in Chinese offers a sequence of language courses in standard Mandarin, as well as courses on Chinese literature, culture, and film taught in English. As the native tongue of more than 1.2 billion people, Mandarin Chinese is the primary language for approximately 20 percent of the human race. Spoken and written Chinese are also widely used throughout Southeast Asia and in other parts of the world, where it has emerged as an increasingly important medium of cultural, educational, and commercial interaction. The central goal of the program in Chinese is to provide students with a level of linguistic and cultural proficiency sufficient to permit them to function successfully within a Chinese-speaking society.
With a structured sequence of language/culture courses, the curriculum is designed to familiarize students with China's very long history and cultural traditions, and to prepare students for studying, traveling, doing business, and eventually working and living in a Chinese language environment. Students learning Chinese are encouraged to spend their junior year—or a semester during their junior year—in China, studying advanced language skills. Currently, the College offers abroad programs at universities in both Beijing and Shanghai, as well as a January Interim course that travels through China.
THE JAPANESE PROGRAM
The program in Japanese offers training in spoken and written language, as well as study of Japanese culture through a wide range of topics, including literature, linguistics, history, philosophy, art, modern culture and communication. Language classes are conducted in Japanese as much as possible, and provide students personal interaction and communicative practice, including language lab, and opportunities to experience linguistic as well as cultural hands-on experience with native Japanese speakers through various activities and projects. Other classes are conducted in English. The primary goal of the Japanese program is to develop both Japanese language skills and cultural awareness sufficient to succeed in the Japanese speaking society, as well as to provide an opportunity to widen insight into one's own native language and culture.
Knowledge of Japanese is a valuable asset to those who seek opportunities in business, teaching ( JET: the Japan and Exchange Teaching Programme in Japan), and government. The College offers a study abroad program at Obilin University in Tokyo, Japan; courses taken abroad may satisfy requirements for the minor.
GUIDELINES FOR A MINOR IN CHINESE, FRENCH, JAPANESE OR SPANISH
A minor in Chinese, French, Japanese, or Spanish requires a minimum of 16 credits from any level. Interested students should consult with language faculty. All courses require a Language Lab/Supporting Materials Fee.
