|
The French, Russian, and Spanish Majors
A student majoring in one of the modern languages is expected to read and write as well as speak the language accurately and fluently. Students specializing in literature are expected to know the main facts of its development, including historical and social background, and to demonstrate ability for critical appreciation. Students specializing in culture and civilization are expected to be familiar with the general political, economic, and intellectual trends of the society studied and to be able to situate these with respect to historical developments, particularly those since World War II. Majors are required to complete 30 credits chosen from courses at the 200 and 300 levels, including nine at the 300 level. The 300-level courses tend to be small seminars that guarantee students ample opportunity to put their linguistic and literary skills to active use.
Students majoring in French are required to spend at least one semester in the Goucher's Paris program in order to perfect their language skills and knowledge of French culture. Those wishing to have a concentration in literature also need to complete FR 256 and 330. Those wishing to have a concentration in French civilization and culture must complete FR 258 and 333. Required courses for the major include: FR 230 and/or FR 235, FR 245, FR 256 and/or FR 258, and at least three 300-level courses (from among FR 330, FR 333, FR 351). Special topics courses may be repeated for credit if the topic is different.
Students majoring in Russian may count two world literature courses toward the fulfillment of this requirement. Students returning from an abroad experience must take RUS 395 and RUS 396 at Goucher.
Students majoring in Spanish must have a well-balanced combination of courses dealing with peninsular Spanish as well as Spanish-American literature. All majors must spend at least one semester abroad in a Spanish-speaking country in order to perfect language skills and increase knowledge of Hispanic culture. They must also take SP 230, SP 235, SP 250 or WL 210, WL 254, WL 260, WL 263 OR WL 272Y, WL294, and three courses at the 300 level, as a minimum. Special topics courses may be repeated for credit if the topic is different. In some cases, courses taken as part of a study-abroad program may substitute for the above-listed courses.
The History Department offers several courses in the histories of other countries. Students of Spanish are encouraged to take HIS 295 and HIS 297; students of Russian, HIS 220; students of French, HIS 227; students of German, HIS 233.
Independent projects and tutorials are an important part of the language program. Students may augment their course selections with courses listed under World Literature Courses in Translation.
Students planning graduate work should confer with their advisers about language requirements for graduate study.
Writing Proficiency in the Major
Majors in French, Russian, or Spanish who successfully complete any 300-level course in their major will have fulfilled the writing proficiency in the major requirement.
Computer Proficiency in the Major
French, Russian and Spanish majors should consult their language section for information on how to fulfill the computer proficiency requirement.
Students seeking certification as teachers of one or more languages at the secondary level should make their intention clear to the chair of the department as early as possible and no later than the time they declare their Major. Certification requirements are listed under the Education Department.