Undergraduate
In September 2013 ,the foreign languages department will become the world languages and cultures department.
Welcome to the world languages and cultures department!
Our department sets as priorities the development of communicative language skills and the integration of cultural knowledge as central to language learning at all levels.
Foreign languages currently offers courses in:
- Arabic (Modern Standard)
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- French
- German language
- Italian
- Latin
- Spanish
All language programs are supported by free foreign language tutors and the state-of-the-art technology in our Language Resource Center.
Beginning fall 2013, world languages and cultures will also offer the following major and minor programs:
- BA in world languages and cultures (Spanish, French or Italian)
- Minors in Arabic Studies, French, Italian, Spanish, or world languages (combination of any two languages)
Bachelor of Arts in World Languages and Cultures
Our bachelor of arts degree in world languages and cultures prepares students to become active participants in an increasingly globalized and multicultural world.
Majors must choose one of six concentrations:
- French liberal arts concentration
- Italian liberal arts concentration
- Spanish liberal arts concentration
- Spanish elementary education (teacher licensure track)
- Spanish secondary education (teacher licensure track)
- Spanish professional studies (focus on translation and professional Spanish)
Each concentration is comprised of 12 courses (36 credits) in language, literature and/or culture, with interdisciplinary course options in the liberal arts concentrations. All majors complete an experiential learning course (an internship, community service placement or study-travel project), allowing them to use their language skills in a practical and meaningful way within the local or global community, as well as a senior seminar where students undertake a major research project on a topic of their choosing. The department also strongly encourages its majors to participate in a study abroad program to improve their language abilities and to learn first-hand about the cultures they are studying in our programs.
How do I Choose a Concentration?
Liberal arts concentrations in French, Italian, Spanish: These concentrations offer students the opportunity to develop advanced communicative proficiency in their chosen language, while also giving them a broad understanding of the cultural diversity, literature and history of Italian, Francophone or Hispanic world cultures. The liberal arts base aims to prepare students to work in a global environment in a variety of fields where language training is required or preferred. Interdisciplinary course options encourage students to explore the interconnectedness of various disciplines and to examine their major subject through a broader lens. They also allow students to focus on a particular area of interest within the major (i.e., Francophone Africa, the Italian Renaissance, etc.). Suggested minors or second majors for world language majors include a second foreign language or a professionally-oriented field such as education, communications, business, geography (travel and tourism), social work, pre-law studies, or political science. Students may also opt for a minor or second major in related liberal arts field, such as history, art, music, theatre arts, sociology, women’s studies, African studies, peace studies, or philosophy.
Specialized concentrations in Spanish: The Spanish education tracks offer a liberal arts degree combined with practical training in teaching methodology, leading to teacher licensure in Spanish at the elementary or secondary level. The professional concentration in Spanish is geared specifically to the development of translation, interpretation and language skills needed for business, medical or legal professions or social service careers.
Study Abroad
Students can study abroad in virtually any country through the university’s Center for International Education. We offer department-sponsored, affordable summer programs in Costa Rica, Italy, Spain, and Canada. Study abroad credits completed during a student’s degree program at Salem State are counted as “in-residence” credits for our majors and minors. For more information about study abroad, contact the study abroad advisor at the Center for International Education.
Internships
All world languages and cultures majors are required to participate in an experiential learning course (internship, community service or travel-study project). These experiences give students the chance to use their language skills in a practical setting and explore career options for language majors.
Post-Baccalaureate Opportunities
Students may apply for post-baccalaureate “teach abroad” programs in France, Italy or Spain. These programs are funded by the governments of these European countries and pay a stipend for housing and living expenses for American students to work as English teaching assistants in European middle and high schools. There are also post-baccalaureate fellowships for research abroad available through the Fulbright fellowship program.
What Can I Do with a World Languages and Cultures Major?
Coupled with a minor or a second major in a professionally-oriented field, or by selecting one of the specialized Spanish tracks, the world languages and cultures major may lead to post-baccalaureate careers in: education, journalism, translation/interpretation, advertising, marketing, public relations, non-profit or government agencies, international business, museums or cultural organizations, libraries, travel agencies, public service, or publishing companies.
The world languages and cultures degree provides a solid liberal arts foundation for graduate studies in: literature or cultural studies, in translation/interpretation, in a liberal arts discipline that requires language skills (history, political science, etc.), or for an international specialization in a professional field, such as law, politics, education, or business.
World Languages Minor Programs
The department offers five minor programs, including:
- Arabic Studies
- French
- Italian
- Spanish
- World languages (combination of any two languages).
A minor in a second (or third!) language can enhance virtually any major at the university, increasing cross-cultural undersanding and opportunities for post-baccalaureate careers.
Study Abroad
Students can study abroad in virtually any country through the university’s Center for International Education. We offer department-sponsored, affordable summer programs in Costa Rica, Italy, Spain, and Canada. Study abroad credits completed during a student’s degree program at Salem State are counted as “in-residence” credits for our majors and minors. For more information about study abroad, contact the study abroad advisor at the Center for International Education.
Why Study Languages?
Studying a second (or third!) language in college is not just for those who want to become foreign language teachers or translators. If you are interested in other cultures, peoples and languages—as many students are in this age of increasing globalization and multiculturalism—you should consider making the study of a language an important part of your college experience. Studying languages offer three main advantages:
Learning a language can improve your overall academic performance. Studies show that there is a link between second language learning and increased cognitive abilities in students. Students who learn languages score higher on standardized tests and have higher academic achievement rates overall. Most graduate programs in the humanities require or prefer students with competence in a second language.
Learning languages makes you more marketable as a job candidate in almost every field. Knowing a second (or third) language is a real asset in today’s marketplace. Language majors rank among the top high-security majors with the best job-growth potential in the 21st century. There is a real need for language educators and translators, but also for multilingual professionals in the fields of health, business, social services, law and politics. A foreign language major or minor will add value to your undergraduate degree.
Learning a language will enrich your life. Most people who choose to study a language do so for personal reasons. Some dream of being able to travel and discover other countries, some want to learn the language of their ancestors to communicate with family members or to rediscover their roots. Whatever your reason, whatever your passion in life, learning languages open doors to the world.
Language Placement
Language course placement is important for all students the first time they enroll in a foreign language course. Please consult the guidelines in the university catalogue or contact a faculty member in the department for further guidance. Students wishing to study Spanish can take the free online Spanish placement test to find out which level is right for them. Students who have previous experience in French, Italian, Arabic, or German, should follow the department's placement guidelines or consult a faculty member.
Literature in Translation sequence: FLT251 and FLT252
These two courses in continental European literature in translation may be taken to satisfy the university-wide division I literature sequence requirement. This sequence is one of the two dozen options that students have (see the current course schedule for the list) to fulfill this core requirement.