Department of Foreign Languages

Chair and Professor: Cervantes
Professor Emeritus: Shelton
Associate Professors: Dolsen, Nickisch, Park
Assistant Professors: Hunt, Sherman, Sieber
Instructors: Frantz, Hurd, Stewart
Adjunct Faculty: Denison, Zaltzman

The Foreign Language Department offers courses in French, German, Latin, Russian and Spanish. Students may study several other languages on a self-paced basis (see LANG 120). The courses serve several purposes: (1) to contribute to the general education of students by imparting an awareness of foreign languages, literatures and civilizations; (2) to meet the needs of language majors and minors; (3) to prepare future teachers of French, German, Russian and Spanish; and (4) to provide language training for students whose subsequent careers require the knowledge of a foreign language.

Two years (or equivalent) of a foreign language are prerequisites to all upper-division courses in French, German, Russian and Spanish. However, the department reserves the right to place students at a level commensurate with their knowledge of a specific language.

To secure a major in French, German or Spanish, the student is required to complete at least 26 hours of courses numbered 300 or above, most of which are given in the respective language.

Prospective high school teachers may obtain teaching majors or minors in foreign languages. They should consult the Teacher Education Program in the College of Education concerning the requirements for certification. Foreign language majors and minors are expected to include in their programs the designated required courses and to attain a reasonable degree of fluency in the languages they have selected.

The department maintains a modern language laboratory, which includes tapes, a record library, computers and video equipment. Its facilities are available to all language students.

General Education Requirements

Please note the following goal requirements:

  1. LANG 207, Contemporary European Culture, 3 credits, which is taught in English, fulfills Goal 10A.
  2. One year of either French, German, Latin, Russian or Spanish at the elementary or intermediate level fulfills Goal 10B.
For a major or minor in a foreign language the student must fulfill both Goals 10A AND 10B. Goal 10B may also be fulfilled by passing the departmental proficiency exams in French, German, Latin, Russian or Spanish. Non-native speakers of English, i.e. students who grew up in a non-English speaking country and learned English as their second language fulfill Goal 10-B by passing ENGL 101 and 201.

The subject CLEP examination in French, German or Spanish may not be substituted for Goal 10B.