Modern Languages Major

Knowledge of a foreign language is now recognized as an essential element of a liberal arts education, as well as a vital asset in a global society. The importance of being able to communicate effectively with the millions of non-English speakers in the areas of commerce, government, science, and the arts cannot be stated too strongly.

The sensitivity to other cultures which is gained through careful study of foreign languages and peoples is likewise of an immeasurable importance today.

While core curriculum foreign language courses stress the four skills—reading, writing, listening and speaking—emphasis is put on oral/aural proficiency and effective interpersonal communication. The culture of the people who speak the target foreign language is also an important aspect of each course.

The language minor (in French, German or Spanish) leads the student to some understanding of the field of study and to an enhanced degree of competence with its methods of inquiry.

The language major is designed to enable students to perfect their fluency in the language and to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the civilization and literature which are manifestations of that language.

The major is a flexible one and has been shown to be excellent preparation for students desirous of pursuing careers in many professions or of continuing their education in graduate, business, law and medical schools. Students who meet academic requirements may be elected to the following national honor societies: Pi Delta Phi (French), Delta Phi Alpha (German), or Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish).

Plan of Undergraduate Major

Twenty-seven credit hours of course work are required in one language at the 300- and 400-levels. For all majors these required courses include 301 and 302. In addition, LING 300 (Introduction to Linguistics) and either MLNG 410 or

420 are also required of all language majors, for a total of thirty-three credit hours minimum.

Note that students who, through previous academic study, are deemed qualified may bypass Elementary (101-102) and/or Intermediate (201-202) courses in their chosen language, provided that they pass the next higher level course with a C or better. Bypassed courses will be included on The Citadel transcript as if they had been completed at The Citadel on a Pass/Fail basis.