Department of Modern Languages (B.A.)
Harman (Chair), Barnada, Bhattacharya,Linares-Farras, Lorenzen, Trachte
The study of a modern foreign language brings together practical training in language skills – understanding, speaking, reading and writing – with an understanding of the sociology, history and literature of the culture. The pragmatic virtues of a usable skill are joined with the humanistic values of liberal education.
The Department of Modern Languages offers programs of study that reflect its desire to encourage both mastery of one or more foreign languages and an overall appreciation of the cultural contexts in which they occur. The Department serves the Core Program,Bachelor of Arts degree candidates majoring or minoring in languages, students whose degree programs require studies in languages,and students who – for professional or personal reasons – wish to broaden their cultural background.
General Information
International students with fluency in French, German, Japanese or Spanish may pursue a major or minor under certain circumstances. First, they must place into the 300 level at Elizabethtown College. Second, if they participate in the BCA program, they must study only at the university level and must enroll in advanced literature or linguistics courses. Third, successful completion of the major or minor will be contingent upon the rating of Superior on the oral proficiency interview.
An online placement testis administered free of charge several times a year. It may be taken at other times by special arrangement for the general college fee. All students with one full year or more of language preparation must take the placement test before registering in language courses for academic credit. For further information,please consult the Modern Language Department’s website
or the Department Chair.
Majors
The Department offers majors in French , German , Japanese and Spanish .The requirements of a major may be met by completing 35 credits in one language above the 112 level. At least 20 credits for the major must be earned in residency and at least 15 credits must be earned through Brethren Colleges Abroad (BCA) or another Department-approved program. (For Japanese majors, at least 12 credits must be earned through the Nihon University Study Abroad Program or the BCA program in Sapporo.)
Language majors are required to participate in the BCA program (or another approved study-abroad program) for one academic year or the equivalent of two separate semesters.Non-majors who have completed 211 or above also are encouraged to participate in the BCA or approved study-abroad programs.
For all Modern Language
majors, at least two of the required courses must be completed on the
Elizabethtown College campus with members of the Department faculty. In addition, the senior research project (495) must be written on campus under Departmental faculty supervision.
Majors
