Dec 03, 2024  
2020-2021 University Catalog 
    
2020-2021 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Foreign Languages, B.A.


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   Roger Williams language students have a special understanding of diversity through the cultures they explore in class.

   They also show future employers that they are disciplined, self-challenging, and are equipped with a specific job-related skill.

   Language students also improve their communication skills in general, and have a clearer understanding of grammar and usage in English.

   All students in the Department have experiential learning opportunities, and there are internships as well as intensive (short-term and semester) study abroad programs.

   The needs of students are met in a variety of ways: there are courses taught in English, one-credit courses, a rich choice of double-majors, and courses cross-listed with other schools and majors.

  

 With television, telephone, E-mail, and the advent of the World Wide Web, it only takes a split second to communicate with anyone from around the world. Where once there was isolation among nations, today we are interdependent as never before. With this increasing global contact, however, comes a need to be able to communicate effectively, and it is no understatement to say that foreign language is a key that can open up the world to you. Knowledge of a language unlocks great works of world literature, enlarges our awareness of other cultures, and even enhances our understanding and appreciation of English.

Students are assigned the appropriate course based upon placement testing and previous language study. In addition to classroom activities, students at all levels are also expected to utilize the Language Lab for further training. It is the expectation of the Department that all students who complete the program will use their language proficiency in their future careers or in graduate study.

Program Requirements


Majors pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in a language must satisfy the University Core Curriculum requirements and the College speech requirement, COMM 210 . Specific requirements of the language programs are outlined below. In addition, majors must complete sufficient electives to total 120 credits. Majors are encouraged to apply electives taken outside the major toward a minor or a second major. The three programs of study offered by the department are: Modern Language Studies, Latin-American Studies, and Classical Studies.

Required Courses


Modern Language Studies


The Modern Language Studies major consists of at least 18 credits in the selected language, with 12 of those credits at the 300 level and two major electives to be chosen from a specified list of alternatives. In addition, students are required to pass a comprehensive examination during their final year and to complete a senior thesis related to their course of study.

Latin American Studies


The Latin-American Studies major consists of the same requirements as the Modern Language Studies major with the following changes:

  • Students must choose either Spanish or Portuguese for the four 300 level course requirements.
  • Students must complete at least one 300 level course in both Spanish and Portuguese.
  • Both major electives must be related to Latin-American studies.

Classics Concentration


The Classics Concentration consists of the same requirements as the Modern Language Studies major with the following changes:

  • Students must complete four courses at the 300 level in Latin.
  • Students must complete at least one 300 level course (or equivalent) in German, French, or Italian.
  • Both major electives must be related to classical studies.
Students Must Complete Two of the Following Courses:

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