Modern Language Studies (B.A.)
Language Concentrations: French, German, Japanese, Spanish
(Other language concentrations may be approved by the Department Chair. Students interested in study of Chinese and Japanese are encouraged to consider a major in International Studies.)
Related Majors:
International Studies (B.A., B.S.)
International Business (B.A.)
Social Work (B.A.)
Biology (B.S.)
The Department of Modern Languages at Nebraska Wesleyan University prepares students to engage in a diverse and changing world through the study of languages, literatures and cultures. Recognizing that the study of language is central to the experience of a liberal arts education, the Department of Modern Languages serves the entire student body through the Archway Curriculum and its Major and Minor programs. At every level, students develop skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing, equipping them to communicate with global competence.
Modern Language Studies at NWU:
The study of language and cultures is central to the humanities and vital to students as they prepare for professional careers in a globally interconnected society. The Department of Modern Languages offers a broad curriculum with courses in language, culture and literature, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration with departments and programs across the university and through study abroad opportunities.
The Modern Language Studies Major and Modern Language Literacy Minor encourage students to delve deeply into language and cultural study. Beginning with a focus on literacy by developing skills to read, write, and communicate effectively in the language of concentration, our majors and minors study in disciplines that are complementary disciplines such as History, Linguistics, Political Science, Communication Studies, and Anthropology. By approaching language and cultural studies through an interdisciplinary lens, our goal is to cultivate educated speakers of foreign languages with intercultural competence.
Language Placement: Students with prior language study may qualify for placement at advanced levels through assessment results and/or other criteria that the department determines relevant.
Department Learning Outcomes
Majors will be able to:
- Express themselves effectively and are understood by native speakers in a variety of oral and written registers.
- Understand native speech.
- Employ a variety of coping strategies to communicate both verbally and non-verbally in the target language.
- Read and comprehend a variety of texts written for native speakers of the target language.
- Investigate local, national, and international issues of interest in the target language.
- Demonstrate knowledge of linguistic and cultural aspects of another county.
- Enhance intercultural competency through living in another linguistic and cultural environment.
Please note: The wide variety of course offering allows us to tailor our options each semester and rotate courses as needed.
Modern Language Studies (B.A.**, 40 hours)
The Modern Language Studies major is comprised of four elements: Language Concentration, Study Abroad/Modern Language Studies Core Courses, Modern Language Studies Electives, and Capstone Courses
| 1. Language Concentrations - Select One | 24 hours |
|---|---|
| French | |
| 24 hours of MFREN at the 3000 and 4000 level.
4 credit hours must be at the 4000 level. |
|
| German | |
|
24 hours of MGRMN at the 3000 and 4000 level. |
|
| Spanish | |
|
24 hours of MSPAN at the 3000 and 4000 level. |
|
| Other Language | |
| Select courses in another language, as approved by the Department Chair. |
| 2. Modern Language Studies Study Abroad and Core Courses |
2-3 hours |
|---|---|
|
For all language concentrations, students must complete a study abroad experience (or similar immersive experience approved by the Department of Modern Languages) in the Language of Concentration of an approved host country and program. Students are highly encouraged to complete a semester-long study abroad program. For information on the many available exchange programs and financial aid and scholarship options, students should talk with the Director of Global Engagement and visit the library of study abroad resources. |
|
|
In conjunction with the semester abroad, students must also complete: MLANG 3010 Preparing for Education Abroad MLANG 3020 Engaging in Study Abroad (or MLANG 3020N or MLANG 2500) |
2-3 hours |
| 3. Modern Language Studies Electives | 10 hours |
|---|
- Credits may be earned in any language that is not counted toward the 24 hours of 3000/4000 credit for the Language of Concentration.
- Credit may be earned in courses taught outside the Modern Language Department that support the study of languages and/or cultures - refer to list of approved courses. Other courses must be pre-approved by the Department Chair.
| 4. Capstone Courses |
3 hours |
|---|---|
| 2 hours | |
| MLANG 4980 Senior Capstone | 1 hour |
| Additional Considerations |
|---|
- Majors preparing to teach a modern language should consult the Education Department.
**A Modern Language Studies major customarily earns a B.A. degree. However, if a student has a first major that is associated with a different baccalaureate degree, the Modern Language Studies major may serve as a second major for the degree associated with the first major (B.S., B.FA., B.M., B.S.N.).
Our faculty regularly lead short-term study trips abroad during the summer. Locations include Spain, Mexico, Japan, Germany, and Austria. Credits available vary by program and student language level. Detailed information about current trips and credits is available through the Modern Language Department of the Office of Global Engagement.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.
Designed to prepare students who are considering or planning to go abroad for study, work, or volunteer/service learning by investigating the many facets of facing life in another culture. Topics to be covered include intercultural communication, cross-cultural value systems, foreign academic systems, cultural self-awareness, and challenges and opportunities that are unique to language-learning abroad.This course will give students the tools to make their experience more successful and rewarding. The course is designed for both the student who has already applied for a program and for the student just beginning to explore the idea of going abroad.P/F only.
(Offered every semester.)
Designed to engage students in meaningful activities while studying abroad, to maintain a connection with students while abroad, and to foster continued development of skills and knowledge during the study abroad period. Students will be introduced to specific strategies in culture and/or language learning in the target culture to help students achieve an experience in the host culture that is meaningful and productive. Students take this course concurrently with their first-semester study-abroad experience.
Corequisite(s): IDS 2700E Study Abroad-Exchange Program, IDS 2700N Study Abroad-Nonexchange, or MLANG 2500 Faculty Led Trip.
(Offered every semester.)
Designed to engage students in meaningful activities while studying abroad, to maintain a connection with students while abroad, and to foster continued development of skills and knowledge during the study abroad period. Students will be introduced to specific strategies in culture and/or language learning in the target culture to help students achieve an experience in the host culture that is meaningful and productive. Students take this course concurrently with their first-semester study-abroad experience. For students participating in non-exchange study abroad programs.
(Offered every semester.)
For students who have successfully completed a semester or year of study abroad or international internship. Students will process that experience further by analyzing specific cultural and educational experiences and interacting with students who have had similar experiences abroad.P/F only.
(Offered every semester.)
Culmination course in which students reflect on their academic growth, integrate knowledge, carry out an assessment of their academic career, develop professional materials, and prepare for the transition from their undergraduate education into their future professions. This course is taken during the student's last year in residence at Nebraska Wesleyan University and concurrent with or after completing MLANG 4990 Senior Project.
Pre or Corequisite(s): MLANG 4990 Senior Project.
Senior-level research and writing seminar supports the student's individual work on an approved Senior Project. This course is required of graduating majors and taken prior to or concurrent with MLANG 4980 Senior Capstone.
Prerequisite(s): MFREN 3050 French Language and Writing or MGRMN 3050 German Language and Writing or MSPAN 3100 Spanish Composition and permission of Department Chair.