Department of Modern Languages

Department chair: Gladys Robalino
Administrative Assistant: Deborah Chopka
Professor: J. Beaney, K. Yúnez
Associate Professors: G. Robalino, S. Rodriguez, L. Ye
Senior Lecturers: H. Dravk, A. Ginck

Majors and Minors

The Department of Modern Languages offers the following majors:

Chinese Business (B.A.)

Chinese Studies (B.A.)

Chinese Studies (B.A.) with K-12 Teaching Certification (B.A.)

French (B.A.)

French with K-12 Teaching Certification (B.A.)

German (B.A.)

German with K-12 Teaching Certification (B.A.)

Spanish (B.A.)

Spanish Business (B.A.)

Spanish with K-12 Teaching Certification (B.A.)

The Department of Modern Languages offers the following minors:

Chinese Studies

French

German

Spanish

Special Programs

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile

Universidad de Granada, España

Institut Catholique de Paris, France

Accès Study Abroad in Strasbourg, France

La Sorbonne, Paris, France

Modern Languages

Students who major in Chinese Studies, French, German or Spanish learn to communicate effectively with speakers of these languages, gain an understanding of how they perceive the world and critically reflect on their own culture. To this end, all language majors study the language itself and examine historical and contemporary cultures and acquire knowledge about the literary heritage of the respective cultures through the study of individual authors or periods of particular significance.

The Chinese Business major combines a core business curriculum with the study of Chinese language throughout the entire program. Special attention is given to the development of cultural understanding with direct experience in China. Career possibilities include government, business, missions, translating and interpreting, teaching and international business or service.

The Spanish Business major offers a core business curriculum with study of Spanish language throughout the entire program. Special attention is given to the development of cultural understanding with direct experience in Latin America. Career possibilities include government, business, missions, translating and interpreting, teaching and international business or service.

All modern language majors fulfill some of their required courses in study abroad programs. The Chinese Studies major requires one semester of study in China at the Xiamen University or the CIEE program in Shanghai. The French major requires study at the Institut Catholique de Paris, or La Sorbonne, Paris, France. The German major requires study at Ludwig Maximillians-Universität in Munich, Germany. The Spanish major requires study at the Universidad de Granada, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso or Universidad de Adolfo Ibanez, Viña del Mar, Chile.

The pre-requisites for study abroad are:

  • Sophomore, junior, or senior status
  • Four completed semesters of college-level courses in the language of their major
  • 2.75 GPA (China, France, Spain, and Chile); 3.0 GPA (Germany)
  • Clear probation record (disciplinary, chapel, academic)*
  • Apply for pre-approval a year in advance (Fall – December 1; spring April1)

*Students denied the opportunity to do study abroad can appeal to the Dean

The study of language is required for students in all majors. The QuEST Language/Cultures requirement can be met by the completion of three semesters of one modern language or by completing two semesters of one language in addition to a cross-cultural study tour (see QuEST requirements).