Department of Modern Languages

Kenley (Chair), Bhattacharya, Borilot, Harman, Lorenzen, Takahashi

For more information, please visit the Department’s website or check your course syllabi, which are available through the course instructor or at the High Library.

The study of a modern foreign language brings together practical training in language skills – understanding, speaking, reading, and writing – with an understanding of the sociology, history, and literature of the culture. The pragmatic virtues of a usable skill are joined with the humanistic values of liberal education.

The Department of Modern Languages offers programs of study that reflect its desire to encourage both mastery of one or more foreign languages and an overall appreciation of the cultural contexts in which they occur. The Department serves the Core Program, Bachelor of Arts degree major and minor language candidates, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Education (PK-12) students, whose degree programs require studies in languages, and students who – for professional or personal reasons – wish to broaden their cultural and linguistic horizons.

Majors

The Department offers majors in French , German , Japanese , Spanish , and Spanish Education (PK-12). Language majors are required to participate in a BCA Study Abroad or another Department-approved program for one academic year or equivalent of two separate semesters. Non-majors who have completed 212 or above also are encouraged to participate in the BCA or approved study-abroad programs.

Minors

The Department of Modern Languages offers minors in French , German , Japanese , and Spanish .

General Information

All students with more than two full years of language preparation must take courses at the 112-level or above. The appropriate language level is determined by an online placement test. In the case of Chinese or Japanese placement, students must contact the Chinese or Japanese faculty.

If a student places into a modern language course at the 211-level or higher and earns a B- or better, then he or she will also receive credit for the previous course in the sequence. The course must be taken before the end of the student’s second year. This policy is not applicable to native speakers who were formally educated in the language through the high school level.

Native and heritage speakers must contact the Department Chair, if they plan to take courses in their native or heritage language.

For further information, please consult the Modern Language Department’s website or the Department Chair.

Honors in the Discipline

The Department of Modern Languages participates in the College Honors in the Discipline Program. For guidelines, students should consult the Department Chair.