2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Foreign Languages, BA


Banner Code: LA-BA-FRLN

Web: mcl.gmu.edu

The BA in foreign languages prepares students for teaching careers at the secondary school level, graduate study in languages, and research and professional work in government and private enterprise.

Students who major in foreign languages are encouraged to complete a minor or, if possible, a second major in another field. Students who want a double major in foreign language and another subject should plan a program of study in consultation with advisors from both disciplines and follow the steps outlined in the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages .

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog.

Degree Requirements


Students pursuing a BA in foreign languages must satisfy university general education requirements and the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as the requirements for all bachelor’s degrees as stated in the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

In addition, students must complete one concentration.

▲ Concentration in Chinese (CHIN)


As China continues to emerge from centuries of isolation, it is assuming a key role on the international scene—not only in business, politics and finance, but also in art, culture and science. This transformation directly involves one fifth of the world’s population and will have a profound impact, however indirectly, on the rest of humanity. China also will play a pivotal role in shaping the Earth’s environment. Chinese has been identified by the national security committee as one of the critical languages.

The concentration in Chinese prepares students for teaching careers at the secondary school level, graduate study in Chinese, and research and professional work in government and private enterprise. Language majors with Chinese concentration are encouraged to complete a minor or, if possible, a second major in another field.

Students pursuing the concentration in Chinese must complete a minimum of 30 credits in Chinese at the 300 level and above, each with a minimum grade of 2.00. Students are expected to complete a balanced program that includes courses in language, culture and civilization, and literature. Only two courses (6 hours) taught in English may be applied to the major. Students are highly encouraged to participate in study abroad.

Two elective courses (6 credits) chosen from:


With the approval of their advisor and the director, students may apply to this requirement relevant courses in anthropology (ANTH), art history (ARTH), government (GOVT), history (HIST), philosophy (PHIL), religious studies (RELI), and sociology (SOCI).

Total: 30 credits


▲ Concentration in French (FRN)


Students pursuing the concentration in French must complete a minimum of 33 credits in French at the 300 level and above, each with a minimum grade of 2.00. No more than one course (3 credits) conducted in English may be used to fulfill requirements for the concentration. Students are expected to complete a balanced program that includes courses in language, culture and civilization, and literature.

One advanced language course (6 credits)


Three courses (9 credits) in FREN at the 300-level or above


Four courses (12 credits) in FREN at the 400-level or above


Total: 33 credits


▲ Concentration in Spanish (SPN)


Students pursuing the concentration in Spanish must complete a minimum of 33 credits in Spanish courses at the 300-level and above, each with a minimum grade of 2.00. With approval of the department, one course taught in English (3 credits) may be applied toward the concentration.

One or two core courses (6 credits):


Four courses in Spanish at the 400 level (12 credits)


Two elective courses in Spanish (6 credits)


Choose from Spanish courses not specifically required or not used to fulfill another requirement.

Total: 33 credits


Writing-Intensive Requirement


The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in foreign language may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing CHIN 480, FREN 309, or SPAN 370.