The SMU Modern/Classical Language Department offers an intellectually stimulating curriculum to students within a comprehensive study of the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Hispanic and Francophone worlds. The program is organized to prepare students for 1) a professional career in such fields as translation, international business, foreign service, etc., 2) a career in teaching, and 3) graduate study in French or Spanish. The use of proficiency-based methodologies and the incorporation of technology into the teaching of both culture and language bring the student to an understanding and an active command of French and Spanish in their spoken and written forms.

General Department Goals

• Upon completion of their studies, majors will be able to demonstrate:
• The ability to engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions;
• The ability to understand and interpret both spoken and written language on a variety of topics; and
• The ability to present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of readers on a variety of topics.

All French and Spanish courses are conducted in the target language. 100- and 200-level courses are four-credit courses and 300- and 400-level courses are three-credit courses. Additionally, the department offers introductory level courses in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. Latin is taught each year to serve the needs of the Immaculate Heart of Mary seminarians and the other students who desire exposure to a classical language. Greek and Hebrew are offered in alternate years. The Modern/Classical Languages Department offers a wide variety of courses that contribute to the General Education Curriculum in the Literature and Cultural Traditions content areas, and also offers one Writing Intensive course in both French and Spanish.

The department sponsors two extra-curricular organizations. Eligible students studying either a modern or classical language are inducted annually into the Eta Delta chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma, a national foreign language honor society. The Cultural Connections club is open to all students interested in languages and cultures. The club gives students an opportunity to take their language learning outside the classroom into the campus and community. Several annual events are Christmas caroling in French, Spanish, and German at area nursing homes, a Christmas party for all language students, and a Mardi Gras/Carnaval celebration.

All students who have taken Spanish or French in high school must take the Placement Test prior to continuing in that language at Saint Mary’s. The test facilitates placement at an appropriate level and is given prior to registration each semester. Upon completion of one semester of study with a final grade of at least B, a student will earn 2 credits for each class bypassed in the language sequence (courses numbered 141, 142, 241, 242). A maximum of eight credits may be earned that count toward a minor and as elective credit that count toward graduation. If the student earned a 3 or higher through the CEEB AP program, s/he may receive four 100-level credits. A maximum of eight credits may be earned through the CEEB AP program and/or SMU AP program.

The department offers the full complement of courses for either a French or Spanish major or minor. It is suggested that students interested in:

• A professional career should take Advanced Conversation, Civilization/Culture, and French/Spanish for Business;
• Teaching French or Spanish should take Advanced Composition, Advanced Conversation, Civilization/Culture, Phonetics/Diction;
• Continuing their studies in graduate school should take Advanced Composition, Advanced Conversation, Civilization/Culture, three different period/area literature courses, and acquire a working knowledge of another foreign language; or
• Any of the above, complete a period of study abroad in programs through Saint Mary’s or in programs with which Saint Mary’s has an affiliation.

Majors/Minors Offered:
French Major
French Education Major
Spanish Major
Spanish Education Major
French Minor
Spanish Minor

For more information contact:
Dr. John Reed, Chair
Modern/Classical Languages Department
jreed@smumn.edu