Modern Foreign Languages - Major

The general purpose of the major program is to educate students to think and perceive rationally and critically. This will include reading and thinking, learning about literary and cultural movements and making connections between the primarily aesthetic literary artifacts of the culture and its political, social and economic history.

Through the new Emerson Foreign Language Laboratory, students are trained to use new learning and technology media at all language levels to allow them to communicate effectively in the world. Likewise, they are encouraged to prepare themselves philosophically and practically to make linkages between the major and other academic disciplines.

The student majoring in Modern Foreign Languages will learn about the world of ideas and letters, past and present. This training requires study abroad in both languages, and comprehensive examinations in both languages. The cohesive, integrated program of foreign language, culture and literature courses ensures maximum proficiency in the target languages.

Required Courses for Modern Foreign Languages Major

The Modern Foreign Languages core provides the foundation for all of our programs. Students take the courses listed below in both languages. Any of the courses listed below, except for the 400 Level Senior Seminars, may be taken abroad.

First Language

A minimum of 24 advanced credits are required for the First Language. Students enrolled in teacher certification programs must take a minimum of 30 advanced credits in the language in which they will receive initial certification.

First Language 201-202 Credits: 6
First Language 203-204 Credits: 6
First Language 300 Level Credits: 6
First Language 400 Level Senior Seminar Credits: 6
First Language Senior Comprehensive (DEPT 499) Credits: 0
First Language Study Abroad (LAN 300/301)

Second Language

A minimum of 18 advanced credits are required for the Second Language.

Second Language 201-202 Credits: 6
Second Language 203-204 Credits: 6
Second Language 300 or 400 Level* Credits: 6
Second Language Senior Comprehensive (DEPT 499) Credits: 0
Second Language Study Abroad (LAN 300/301)

*Department chairperson approval is required for 400 Level courses in the Second Language

Sample Program for Modern Foreign Languages - Major

Freshman Year

Perspectives I credits: 3
Math and Science Perspectives I credits: 7
First Language 103-104 credits: 6
Second Language 103-104 credits: 6

As well as:

ENGW 101 - College Writing I Credits: 3
ENGW 102 - College Writing II Credits: 3
FRS 101 - Freshman Seminar Credits: 3

Sophomore Year

Perspectives I credits: 9
Math/Science Perspectives II credits: 3
First Language 201-202 credits: 6
First Language 203-204 credits: 6
Second Language 201-202 credits: 6

Junior Year

Perspectives I credits: 6
Perspectives II credits: 6
Second Language credits: 6
Electives credits: 12

ABROAD

Senior Year

First Language 300 - 400 Level credits: 12
First Language Senior Comprehensive (DEPT 499) credits: 0
Second Language credits: 6
Second Language Senior Comprehensive (DEPT 499) credits: 0
Perspectives II credits: 3
Electives credits: 9