Department of Modern Languages

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers a full range of courses for students interested in language, culture, and literature. Non-majors interested in the literature and culture of French-, German-, Japanese-, and Spanish-speaking peoples may choose elective credits from a variety of courses taught in English. The study of foreign cultures, languages, and literature is an integral part of a basic education and an essential component of one's university training. It provides students with the knowledge to better understand their own language and culture and to function intelligently as members of a multicultural society.

In addition to providing opportunities for students to participate in MSU-sponsored study abroad programs, the department offers advice concerning the role of language study in career planning. Foreign languages are used by interpreters, translators, and teachers. Language proficiency also enhances employment opportunities. With almost any "marketable" skill plus a foreign language, the chances of finding an interesting job are improved considerably. Foreign language training is a critically important skill for careers in business and commerce, secretarial/clerical positions, health care, government service, social services, and agriculture.

The department offers undergraduate options in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Lower division courses are designed to teach the five language skills: speaking, listening, understanding culture, reading, and writing. Advanced courses provide students with comprehensive knowledge of the important writers and movements of each language. Other advanced courses concentrate on history and contemporary culture. For students interested in teaching, K-12 teaching options are offered in French, German, and Spanish. The Department, in conjunction with the Department of History & Philosophy, offers both a non-teaching minor in Japan Studies and a Japan Studies option, as well as a minor in Latin American and Latino Studies.  We now offer Chinese language and culture classes.  These will be part of a planned Asian Studies minor, in conjunction with the Department of History & Philosophy and the Department of Sociology & Anthropology.

For students planning careers in international business/management, the department offers a commerce option to provide students with the training necessary to enter master's degree programs in business. In conjunction with the College of Business, we also offer an International Business minor. This program also prepares students to compete for jobs in businesses where foreign language skills are desirable.

Curricula in Modern Languages and Literatures

• French and Francophone Studies Option
• German Studies Option
• Hispanic Studies Option
• French K-12 Teaching Option
• German K-12 Teaching Option
• Spanish K-12 Teaching Option
• Commerce Option
• French Minor (Non-Teaching)
• German Minor (Non-Teaching)
• Japan Studies Minor (Non-Teaching)
• Hispanic Studies Minor (Non-Teaching)
• Latin American and Latino Studies Minor (Non-Teaching)
• Chinese Classes (for the upcoming Asian Studies minor)

This curriculum leads to the baccalaureate degree in Modern Languages - French, German, Japan Studies, and Spanish, with additional options in Commerce and Teaching. Students with previous language training will take a CLEP exam to place at the approriate level. Courses taught in English may count toward the language major or minor with the consen of the advisor.

To be certified for graduation in a major option or a minor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, students must take one-half of the required MLL upper division credits in the department. Students who have already completed a degree at another university and are seeking teaching certification from MSU may be required to take some additional course work in the language as determined by the language advisor. In addition, the department will not accept grades lower than "C" (2.0) or P in any of the upper division courses required for the degree. (Note: Department-approved study-abroad credits are considered to be the equivalent of resident credits.)

Students with native or near-native ability in a given language may only enroll in courses for credit which have been approved by the appropriate language section.

FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE STUDIES OPTION

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

GERMAN STUDIES OPTION

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. Students in the non-teaching option should also consider taking ML 344 for one credit.

HISPANIC STUDIES OPTION

It is highly recommended to take SPNS 323-Advanced Grammar and Phonetics and SPNS 324-Advanced Oral and Written Composition prior to taking 300 and 400 courses.

Requirements for the major comprise 57 credits. A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

FRENCH K-12 TEACHING OPTION

Students with a teaching option should file with Education Certification in the sophomore year to establish their program of study. These students will be required to pass a language proficiency test approved by the Modern Languages department in order to qualify for practice teaching.

HDCF 150 (3 cr.) must be taken prior to or concurrently with EDU 222 or EDU 223. (Take either EDU 222 or EDU 223 depending upon your preference for an elementary or secondary focus.)

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. Majors are encouraged to take more than the minimum 36 credits in the department.

GERMAN K-12 TEACHING OPTION

Students with a teaching option should file with Education Certification in the sophomore year to establish their program of study. These students will be required to pass a language proficiency test approved by the Modern Languages department in order to qualify for practice teaching.

HDCF 150 (3 cr.) must be taken prior to or concurrently with EDU 222 or EDU 223. (Take either EDU 222 or EDU 223 depending upon your preference for an elementary or secondary focus.)

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. Majors are encouraged to take more than the minimum of 36 credits required in the department.

SPANISH K-12 TEACHING OPTION

Students with a teaching option should file with Education Certification in the sophomore year to establish their program of study. These students will be required to pass a language proficiency test approved by the Modern Languages department in order to qualify for practice teaching.

HDCF 150 (3 cr.) must be taken prior to or concurrently with EDU 222 or EDU 223. (Take either EDU 222 or EDU 223 depending upon your preference for an elementary or secondary focus.)

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. Majors are encouraged to take more than the minimum 36 credits required in the department.

COMMERCE OPTION

This program is designed to provide students in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures with a concentration of courses in Business which will provide them with a background necessary to enter degree programs for the MBA or master's degree programs in International Management/Business. Students will need to satisfy the major requirements in the foreign language of their choice and at the same time complete courses for the commerce option. Students may count courses taught in English toward their major.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

FRENCH MINOR (NON-TEACHING)

GERMAN MINOR (NON-TEACHING)

JAPAN STUDIES MINOR (NON-TEACHING)

The Japan Studies Program offers a non-teaching, interdisciplinary minor in Japan Studies through the Department on History and Philosophy and the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. The Program's mission is to provide students with the skills and understanding they need to succeed in Japanese contexts. The minor requires basic Japanese language proficiency and a broad knowledge of Japanese history, literature, and civilization. It includes 8 credits in Japanese language training, 12 credits in elective course work, and a 3-credit capstone course, for a total of 23 credits.

Those wishing to declare a minor in Japan Studies must submit an "Application for a Non-teaching Minor" to the Registrar's Office by the end of the semester one year prior to the semester of completion. In order to receive the minor, students must successfully complete the following course work:

REQUIRED

Not all courses may be taken in the same department. At least six credits must be upper division (numbered 300 or above). Other appropriate courses, including those taken abroad, may be substituted with the approval of the Director of Japan Studies.

HISPANIC STUDIES MINOR (NON-TEACHING)

LATIN AMERICAN AND LATINO STUDIES MINOR (NON-TEACHING)

      A Latin American and Latino Studies minor (LALS) is available to provide students interested in Latin American and Latino history and language with valuable interdisciplinary skills. Because this is an interdisciplinary program, students will enroll in courses in History and Philosophy and Modern Languages. Courses in Sociology and Anthropology, as well as other departments with relevant course content, will also be allowed for credit subject to approval by the program coordinator. This minor will complement majors for students pursuing graduate school and professional programs in agriculture, engineering, history, literature, political science, sociology, international business, and more. The minor will also strengthen the skill-sets of students who wish to become more competitive in the Spanish speaking job market, either abroad or in the United States . A minor in LALS will prepare students for the close relationship developing between Latin American and the United States in trade agreements, the growing immigrant laborers, and the expansion of Latin American and Latino communities in the United States with significant political and economic power.

Those wishing to declare a minor in Latin American and Latino Studies must submit an "Application for a Non-teaching Minor" to the Registrar's Office by the end of the semester one year prior to the semester of completion.

The equivalent of four semesters of Spanish language is required. Students with prior experience in Spanish language may have some requirements waived. Students interested in the LALS minor should consult with the Modern Language Department immediately upon their decision to fulfill the minor so that they can ascertain the language requirements that are appropriate for them.

Chinese Classes (for the upcoming Asian Studies minor)

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