Academic Catalog

International Studies (BA)

The interdisciplinary International Studies major, housed in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, allows students to combine the in-depth study of global issues, with intermediate proficiency in a second language, and a concentration in another discipline with an international focus, such as history, economics, political science, or sociology. Students choosing to major in International Studies are strongly encouraged to complete an additional major. The major requires students to study abroad for a semester or summer in the second language of study. The Florence program does not fulfill the study abroad requirement.

Foreign Language Placement (Spanish and French)

During fall orientation, freshmen and eligible transfer students will be given the opportunity to test out of the college requirements in French and Spanish. Those who score high enough on the language tests may have satisfied the college’s general education requirement for one or two semesters of language and will be eligible to continue with sophomore-level courses or higher. Students who have completed three or more years of French or Spanish are required to take the placement exam before taking a course in the same language. If the student does not intend to continue studying the same language, the exam is optional. Students who received credit for any BC language cataloged courses (e.g., SPAN-1000 Beginning Spanish, FREN-1000 Beginning French, SPAN-1020 Second Semester Spanish, FREN-1020 Second Semester French, etc.) through dual credit, AP test, CLEP test, or transfer credit are not required to take the exam. Students who received credit recorded as "elective credit" (e.g., SPAN-ELE, FREN-ELE) must take the exam to continue in the same language. Students who are planning to complete the language requirement in Italy do not need to take the exam; however, if they have three years previous experience in a language other than Italian, they are encouraged to take the placement exam in case their plans to complete the requirement in Italy change. It is highly recommended that students take the placement exam within one year of enrolling at Benedictine College, as this is when their previous language experience will be strongest. Students may not take the placement exam more than once. The placement exam is regularly scheduled at the beginning of the semester. See the Academic Calendar for dates. For more information, contact the Department of World Languages and Cultures.

Native speakers of Spanish or French do not take the placement exam. They satisfy the Foreign Language General Education Requirement by testing out of ESL or by completing the ESL program.

A non-native speaker of a language other than French or Spanish may take a proficiency exam to determine if his or her skills and knowledge are at an appropriate level (Intermediate Low / B1) to waive the foreign language requirement. It is normally taken before the beginning of one’s junior year and costs $250. Students who are non-native speakers of a language other than French or Spanish should contact the Chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures to schedule the proficiency exam. 

Students do not receive academic credit for any placement exam results. 

Study Abroad

Students majoring in International Studies are required to have an immersion experience abroad in their second language of study, 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 study abroad opportunities in Spanish in Seville, Spain, and 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.

Some language courses are offered on alternate semesters, alternate years, or at the discretion of the department. Those who choose to major or minor in International Studies should consult with an advisor in the department and declare their course of study as early as possible so as to follow the recommended schedule of classes.