Modern Classical Languages
French and Spanish

Learning a foreign language is a personally enriching experience. The study of another culture leads to new insights and perspectives on one's own history, society and values, while increasing an understanding of other people. As networks of international cooperation and exchange grow in complexity, those who possess foreign language proficiency are increasingly in demand.

Background Information

The Department of Modern Languages recognizes the vital need for college graduates to be able to speak and write effectively. More and more, employers are requiring and rewarding strong verbal abilities in their hiring and promotion practices. These employers realize the value of foreign language training in developing such competence. Furthermore, the knowledge of a second language can be the key to advancement in one's chosen profession or the critical qualification for a unique position of responsibility. In today's economically and politically interdependent world, knowledge of a foreign language and culture opens up opportunities that were practically nonexistent 30 years ago, such as export manager, international consultant, foreign service officer and agricultural consultant. Foreign language skills will be even more essential for success in the future than they are now.

The Program

French and Spanish majors are offered by the Department of Modern Languages. The classical languages of Latin and Greek also are available at North Dakota State University, as is first- and second-year Arabic. German is offered through the intermediate level. Through the Tri-College University, NDSU students also may study Russian, Japanese and Chinese.

The emphasis in our classrooms is on developing proficiency in the four communication skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Small classes at the advanced levels of instruction permit highly individualized approaches to language study. The up-to-date language laboratory is a valuable adjunct to classroom instruction.

Study Abroad

For the person who seeks the experience of living in a foreign country in addition to gaining linguistic mastery, individual programs can be designed for study abroad. Study abroad is required for French and Spanish majors. A number of direct exchange programs with foreign universities are available.

Language Placement

Students who have completed and earned a grade of B or better for their first two consecutive semesters of foreign language at NDSU may be eligible to receive up to 14 hours of credit for those courses waived through departmental placement. The department will place students according to their high school language background, but changes may be made upon recommendation by the instructor. Students are encouraged to contact the department for instructions prior to registration. See The Bulletin under Language Placement for more specific information on receiving college credit for language background.

Career Preparation

Several major universities now have a master's degree in international business which completes preparation at an advanced level for this career by concentrating on both business and language skills. NDSU provides the essential undergraduate curriculum necessary for entrance into this kind of professional program.

Many language students who do not yet have definite professional plans may find that their language interest lies within the traditional B. A. or the B. S. with intent to teach degree. They may combine the degree with electives in accounting, economics, management and/or marketing which provides them with the flexibility needed to make later career decisions.

Career Opportunities

Our faculty work closely with its students to arrange programs that fit their particular career interests and personal goals. We strongly advise students to combine their language curriculum with study in other fields that will improve their competitiveness in the job market. The broad range of fields in which the foreign language student will find career opportunities includes international transportation, communication, foreign trade and banking, science and technology, government and library services. Because of the renewed interest in foreign language studies on the elementary, secondary and college level, the employment outlook for the best qualified students in the teaching profession is very good.

Course Offerings

For the General Student
Elementary and Intermediate French, German and Spanish

French For the Advanced Student
Conversation and Composition
French Literature and Culture:
     Approaches to Literature
     France Before the Revolution
     France Since 1800
     The French Speaking World
     Women in French Literature
     Contemporary France
Introduction to French Linguistics and Pronunciation
Translation Practice and Theory
Studies in Language and Style
Special Topics in French (e.g., translation)
Individual Study

Spanish For The Advanced Student
Conversation and Composition
Introduction to Spanish Civilization
Introduction to Spanish American Civilization
Approaches to Literature
Traditions in Spanish Literature
Traditions in Spanish American Literature
Contemporary Spanish Literature
Contemporary Spanish American Literature
Spanish Women Writers
Hispanic Cinema
Cervantes
Chicano Literature
Individual Study

Major/Minor Requirements

A major consists of a minimum of 27 credits beyond the intermediate level. At least nine of these credits must be in advanced language; the remainder may be chosen from courses in linguistics, literature and culture. A minimum of one year of a second foreign language at NDSU, or the equivalent, is required. The required capstone experience for the language major consists of either a study abroad or a senior thesis.

A minor necessitates completion of a minimum of 18 credits beyond the intermediate level. At least nine of these credits must be in advanced language (normally conversation/composition).

A minimum of 15 of the total required credits must be taken at NDSU for the major. For both the major and minor, one-half of the total credits must be taken residentially (i.e., excluding study abroad and Tri-College enrollment).

Sample Curriculum

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Department of Modern Languages
North Dakota State University
Minard Hall 320
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7887
Fax: (701) 231-1047
Email: Paul.Homan@ndsu.edu

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

(12/08)