The Department of Modern Languages and Literature

The Department of Modern Languages and Literature at Goucher College consists of five language sections: French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish (with optional concentrations in secondary education). The Russian program also operates as a cooperative program with the Johns Hopkins University. Each language section offers a minor in the target language. With the exception of Italian and German, all offer a major. Students interested in Hebrew should look under Judaic Studies.  The overall goal of the Department as a whole has been, and continues to be the strengthening of the liberal arts undergraduate curriculum at Goucher College by providing language programs of broad scope and high quality. The study of a foreign language remains an essential part of a general education requirement at any liberal arts college. The mastery of a foreign language at Goucher College opens the way to a true understanding of cultures other one's own, allowing students to explore the world from more than one perspective. Furthermore, the knowledge of other languages is an important component in a variety of fields.

At Goucher, all students are required to complete through the last semester of the intermediate level (SP 130, SP 130G, FR 140, GER 130, GER 130G, FR 130, IT 130, RUS 130, JS 133). Placement tests are administered to determine the student’s entry level into these courses. Students must complete their placement test before enrolling in a language class or take language courses abroad. On the basis of a placement test students may exempt (but not receive credit for) certain courses and enter the language sequence at a higher level. Students are urged to begin the completion of the language requirement in their first year. Students interested in fulfilling their language requirement with sign language or a language not taught at Goucher must consult in advance with the chair of the department, and sign a written agreement.  

The department organizes its curriculum under three broad headings: language, literature, and culture/civilization. The majority of courses are taught in the original language. Language courses are offered at all levels, including special applications to particular academic and vocational fields. Literature courses continue to develop language skills while introducing students to major western writers. Culture and civilization courses explore social, political, and intellectual and cultural developments in countries in which the language is spoken.

Outside the classroom, these objectives continue: language floors, conveniently located in the vicinity of the Thormann International Center and staffed by native speakers, intergrate the classroom and social experience of dedicated language students.  Annual plays, language tables, teas, colloquia, and guest speakers will enrich students' awareness of the world beyond Goucher. 

Language acquisition at Goucher culminates in language study abroad. French and Spanish majors spend a semester usually in Paris, Salamanca or other approved programs. Russian students may participate in either the Moscow or Odessa ICA or another reputable program. Students in German can attend the Univeristy of Tubingen.