Modern Foreign Languages - Major

The purpose of the major program is to educate students to think and perceive rationally and critically. This education includes 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 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.

Students majoring in modern foreign languages learn about the world of ideas and letters, past and present. This training requires study abroad in both languages, as well as 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 30 advanced credits are required for the First Language.

First Language 201-202 Credits: 6
First Language 203-204 Credits: 6
First Language 300 Level Credits: 12
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 24 advanced credits are required for the Second Language.

Second Language 201-202 Credits: 12
Second Language 203-204 Credits: 6
Second Language 300 or 400 Level* Credits: 12
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

Modern Foreign Languages Senior Experience

The Senior Experience for the Modern Foreign Languages major culminates with two literature seminars (400 level) that encourage students to develop further scholarly and critical thinking, including current theoretical discussions in the academy.

The Comprehensive Examinations in both languages (written, oral) provide students with the threefold opportunity:

to ascertain that seniors have adequately mastered the language of their courses in their fields of study

to help seniors synthesize the matter of the four-year learning experience

to demonstrate a working knowledge of the cultures and literatures of the target languages

Sample Program for Modern Foreign Languages - Major

Freshman Year

Perspectives I credits: 3
Math and Science Perspectives I credits: 7
First Language 201-202 credits: 6
Second Language 103-104 credits: 6

As well as:

ENGW 101 - College Writing I: Exposition Credits: 3
ENGW 102 - College Writing II: Argument & Research Credits: 3
FRS 101 - Freshman Seminar Credits: 3

Sophomore Year

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

Junior Year

Perspectives I credits: 6
Perspectives II credits: 6
First Language (300 level): 6
Second Language (300 level): 6
Electives credits: 6

Full Year Abroad (minimum one semester in each country)

Senior Year

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