NOTE: The Foreign Languages program is in the teach-out phase and new majors are not being accepted as of August 1, 2023. It is listed in this catalog so that those students currently enrolled can complete their program of study.
The Foreign Languages Program allows students to acquire proficiency in two or three languages. Students pursue study in a primary language currently offered as a major (Spanish or French) and may opt to choose one or two secondary languages from the following: Spanish, French, Greek, Italian, and Latin. Foreign Languages majors are required to study abroad in an immersion program in their primary language of study.
The major seeks to assist students in preparing for careers in education, business, government, or the professions.
Study Abroad
The Department of World Languages and Cultures sponsors several study-abroad programs to provide students with an opportunity for immersion in Spanish. Students majoring in Spanish are required to have an immersion experience abroad in Spanish, either through studying, completing an internship, doing service learning, or volunteering abroad. This requirement may be waived for students who already demonstrate advanced proficiency in the language or who have substantial immersion experience in the target language.
The department offers department-sponsored study abroad opportunities in Spanish in Seville, Spain, and in French in Lyon, France. Students also have the option of participating in an exchange program through the College’s affiliation with ISEP. This program is administered by the International Programs office.
Program Mission
The mission of the Foreign Languages Program is to develop proficient communicators of the languages of study. Learners will also demonstrate knowledge of the structure of the languages studied, and of the cultures, history, and literatures associated with these languages.
Program Outcomes
- Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in interpersonal communication in the languages studied.
- Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in presentational communication--writing in the languages studied.
- Graduates will use the languages studied in interpersonal communication that is appropriate to the context and the intended audience.
- Graduates will demonstrate an awareness of the cultures of the languages studied and how they shape perceptions, practices, and cultural products.
- Graduates will be able to recognize and express understanding of difference, express a respect for the perspectives of others, and critically reflect on their own worldview.
Program Requirements
There are two options for pursuing a major in a foreign language. Both require FORL-COMP Senior Comprehensive Exam.
Option 1
One primary language and one secondary language.
Primary Language: Spanish
The student is required to complete 22 credit hours beyond:
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Hours |
| SPAN-1020 | Second Semester Spanish | 4 |
| SPAN-2010 | Intermediate Spanish I | 4 |
| SPAN-2020 | Intermediate Spanish II | 3 |
| SPAN-3040 | Introduction to Hispanic Lit & Lit Analy | 3 |
| SPAN-3400 | Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics | 3 |
| 9 |
Primary Language: French
The student is required to complete 22 credit hours beyond:
Secondary Language: French
Sixteen credit hours beyond FREN-1020 Second Semester French, to include FREN-2010 Intermediate French, FREN-3040 Introduction to French Literature, and nine additional hours to be completed at Benedictine or through a study abroad program.
Secondary Language: Spanish
Sixteen credit hours beyond SPAN-1020 Second Semester Spanish, to include SPAN-2010 Intermediate Spanish I, SPAN-3040 Introduction to Hispanic Lit & Lit Analy, and six additional hours to be completed at Benedictine or through a study abroad program.
Option 2
One primary language and two secondary languages.
The requirements for the primary language are the same as Option 1 above. The requirements for the secondary languages are a combination of two languages: completing 13 hours of one language beyond the level of 1020, and two semesters of a third language.
Note: Students cannot earn a double major in Foreign Languages and either Spanish or French. Students may not get a major in Foreign Languages and a minor in any foreign language.
