2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Foreign Languages, MA


Banner Code: LA-MA-FRLN

Web: mcl.gmu.edu

This program meets the needs and interests of prospective and practicing teachers and other professionals, and prepares students for doctoral study at other institutions. The program offers four concentrations: French, Spanish, French and Spanish, and Spanish/bilingual-multicultural education.

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

Application Requirements


Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission  chapter of this catalog. For information specific to the MA in foreign languages, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site.

Degree Requirements


Students who elect a concentration in one language must complete a program of 30 credits. Those who concentrate in two languages must complete a program of 42 credits. The concentration in Spanish/bilingual-multicultural education requires 36 credits. In all four concentrations, 6 of the total credits may be earned with a thesis. Regardless of the concentration selected, all students must meet the core and distribution requirements given below and pass a comprehensive exam or write a thesis.

▲ Concentration in French (FRN)


Students pursuing this concentration must complete 30 credits, with at least 18 credits earned in courses with the subject code FREN.

Two required courses in literature (6 credits)


Courses should be chosen in consultation with an advisor and cover two different literary periods or Francophone regions.

Two required courses in French language and linguistics (6 credits)


Courses should be chosen in consulation with an advisor.

Two required courses in French (6 credits)


Students choose two additional courses in French literature or language in consultation with an advisor.

Four elective courses (12 credits)


Students should choose electives in consultation with an advisor. A maximum of 6 credits may be used for directed reading and research or thesis.

Total: 30 credits


▲ Concentration in Spanish (SPN)


Three required core courses (9 credits)


Full-time students must take the core courses in their first year.  Part-time students must include these courses within their first 12 credits.

Three required courses (9 credits) in Spanish language and literature


  • One course (3 credits) in the literature of Spain
  • One course (3 credits) in the literature of Spanish America
  • One course (3 credits) in Spanish language or Spanish linguistics

Four elective courses (12 credits)


Students choose electives in consultation with an advisor. They can include additional courses in Spanish language and literature, courses with the subject code FRLN, up to 6 credits of courses in related fields, and up to 6 credits of thesis. Students intending to go on for the PhD in linguistics or literature are strongly encouraged to pursue the thesis option. Independent studies courses are not available for graduate students of Spanish.

Total: 30 credits


▲ Concentration in Spanish and French (SF)


Nine courses in French (18 credits)


Students take the required courses (not electives) specified under the concentration in French.

Nine courses in Spanish (18 credits)


Students take the required courses (not electives) specified under the concentration in Spanish.

Two elective courses (6 credits)


Electives may include directed reading and research or thesis. Students who elect to complete a thesis may apply 6 credits of 798 and 799 to fulfill this requirement.

Total: 42 credits


▲ Concentration in Spanish/Bilingual-Multicultural Education (SBM)


Nine courses in Spanish (18 credits)


Students take the required courses (not electives) specified under the concentration in Spanish.

Four elective courses (12 credits)


Students choose electives in consultation with an advisor. Electives may include directed reading and research or thesis. Students who elect to complete a thesis may apply 6 credits of 798 and 799 to fulfill this requirement.

Total: 36 credits