School of Language and Literature

Language and Literature Undergraduate Programs

A degree in language and literature involves developing proficiency in a target language and a basic understanding of its linguistic structure. Students gain a deeper understanding of textual analysis and literary genres, styles and periods while acquiring greater knowledge and appreciation for other cultures.

The School of Language and Literature produces successful alumni who obtain coveted positions in business, government, education and the most prestigious professional and graduate schools. A degree in a language and literature complements all other fields of study and makes a graduate more marketable. The student experience begins with small, student-centered language classes, continues with a study abroad experience and concludes with challenging advanced level courses in the language.

Bachelor of arts degrees are available in French, German and Spanish. Students can also minor in French, German and Spanish. Language students are encouraged to have a second major.

Program Objectives
Students who complete the undergraduate program will:
1. Demonstrate language skills (i.e., reading and listening comprehension, speaking, and writing) that aid in the communication and understanding among persons and groups of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
2. Demonstrate critical thinking and creative insights in the disciplined study of cultural media (such as literature and film) and linguistics.
3. Demonstrate fluency and coherence when presenting ideas in writing and in speech.
Degree Options

French, B.A.

Designed to develop proficiency in a target language and a basic understanding of its linguistic structure through language and literature.

German, B.A.

Designed to develop proficiency in a target language and a basic understanding of its linguistic structure through language and literature.

Spanish, B.A.

Designed to develop proficiency in a target language and a basic understanding of its linguistic structure through language and literature.

Chinese Minor

Students are encouraged to add a language minor to their degree program as a minor.

French Minor

Students are encouraged to add a language minor to their degree program as a minor.

German Minor

Students are encouraged to add a language minor to their degree program as a minor.

Russian Minor

Students are encouraged to add a language minor to their degree program as a minor.

Spanish Minor

Students are encouraged to add a language minor to their degree program as a minor.

International Engineering/Science and Language Program

An interdisciplinary, dual degree program that offers students the opportunity to earn a degree in an engineering or science discipline and a degree in a language.

Typical Four Year Schedule

FRESHMAN – FALL SEMESTER	FRESHMAN – SPRING SEMESTER
Exposition and Argumentation	First Seminar
First Year College Experience	Contemporary Mathematics
Block I - Aesthetic Inquiry and Creative Experience	Block II - Historical and Social Interpretation
Block II - Historical and Social Interpretation	Block III - Scientific Investigation
Beginning Spanish I	Beginning Spanish II
SOPHOMORE – FALL SEMESTER	SOPHOMORE – SPRING SEMESTER
Block I - Aesthetic Inquiry and Creative Experience	Liberal Arts and Preparation for Life after Graduation
Block II - Historical and Social Interpretation	Block II - Historical and Social Interpretation
Intermediate Spanish I	Block III - Scientific Investigation with lab
Minor	Intermediate Spanish II
Elective	Minor
JUNIOR – FALL SEMESTER	JUNIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
Composition in Spanish	Study Abroad (upper division Spanish credits)
Intro to Spanish Linguistics
Latin American Cultures
Minor
SENIOR – FALL SEMESTER	SENIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
Seminar in Latin American or Spanish Literature	Special Topics in Spanish
Minor	Senior Project
Elective	Elective
Elective	Elective
Elective	Elective