Students who want to enhance their marketability upon graduation should learn a foreign language and become familiar with other world cultures. The study of languages and the development of cross-cultural understanding transform students into more enlightened, culturally sensitive citizens who can better perform in the global community and the world marketplace. To ensure Clarion University graduates are prepared for today's competitive job market, the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures offers the following courses and programs:
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B.A. in French or Spanish
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Minor in French, German, and Spanish
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B.S. in French or Spanish Education for students who intend to teach
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Russian language classes offered via distance education in partnership with Slippery Rock University and Edinboro University
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Courses that fulfill foreign language, general education, or values flag requirements
We recommend students opt for a double major or a minor, combining two languages, or a language with other fields, such as business, communication, fine arts, the sciences, and the humanities. Recent graduates of the program have found employment as teachers throughout the nation. Others have gone to graduate school, or are pursuing careers with international corporations, the government, the military, or the foreign service.
Unique features of the program include:
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Competent and dedicated faculty-well-trained professionals who are near-native speakers of the language they teach, or have studied and lived extensively in countries where it is spoken. All are highly dedicated teachers who are on the cutting edge of foreign language pedagogy, and whose research interests are relevant to, and enhance their teaching.
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Low student-faculty ratio allows faculty to be accessible to students and to give them individual attention.
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Language center offers students the opportunity to practice their aural/oral skills, and to have access to computer-enhanced and Internet-based activities. An extensive video library is available to students, either as support to courses, or for personal enrichment.
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Overseas travel and study abroad programs for one summer, one semester, or an academic year are available for students of French, German, or Spanish.
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Language clubs provide many special social and cultural events, including films, conversation and game nights, guest speakers, and field trips.
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National language honorary society, Alpha Mu Gamma, initiates outstanding language students each year.
FRENCH, B.A. – 42 credits
Required: FR 251, 252 (or 250*), 281, or 282, 301, 341, 342, and 12 additional credits from courses numbered above 252 excluding courses taught in English. In addition to these 30 credits of French, ENG 262; and nine additional credits in French, geography, and history, and/or ENG 380/ANTH 380, and/or other courses by advisement are required.
SPANISH, B.A. – 42 credits
Required: SPAN 251, 252 (or 250*), 280, 281, 282, 301, and 18 additional credits from courses numbered 253-499 excluding courses taught in English. In addition to these 30 credits of Spanish, ENG 262, and nine additional credits in Iberian and/or Latin American geography and history, and/or ENG 457 and 458 and/or other courses by advisement are required.
In addition to these courses, students of Spanish have an opportunity to study for a summer, a term, or an entire academic year in a Spanish-speaking country.
SECONDARY EDUCATION, B.S.ED.
Certification for grades K-12, French (see Secondary Education French).
Certification for grades K-12, Spanish (see Secondary Education Spanish).
FRENCH, GERMAN, OR SPANISH, MINOR – 21 credits
Required in either French, German, or Spanish: Credits to be divided among nine required credits (FR/GER/SPAN 152, 251, and 252), nine credits of 200-level courses, and three credits of 300-level courses.
FILM STUDIES, MINOR – 18 credits
Offering students an opportunity to study film from various points of view ranging from the aesthetic approach to an investigation of film's philosophical or sociological content. Gives students the opportunity to study film critically and to have a hands-on experience in film making.
*As a general policy, students who have received credit for a 151- or 251-level course in French, German, or Spanish are not advised to take the respective 150- or 250-level courses. If students in this situation do decide to take these courses, however, they may receive only three credits for them, i.e., the three credits they would normally receive for a 152- or 252-level course.
See statement on Study Abroad-International Education.
