MODERN LANGUAGES
WHAT IS MODERN LANGUAGE?
Traditionally, a foreign language major meant the study of the literature of a country and its language. The focus now is not limited to a particular time and place. Rather, language study today encompasses the literature, culture, and media of the people who use a given language. It includes understanding the socioeconomic, political, and educational systems of a particular language group. Modern language study also encompasses linguistics, the understanding of language as a system, and how the language is used in varying social contexts. Major languages considered in modern language study today are French, Spanish, German, English, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Japanese.
WHAT COURSES DO YOU NEED TO TAKE?
Most high schools today offer modern languages, and most college programs expect that you come to them with at least a basic knowledge of the language you want to pursue. Students who have three to four years of high school language study immediately begin language skill courses such as writing, oral skills (listening and speaking), and surveys of literature and civilization. Other course work, in addition to the core courses of the program you select, include overviews of the history of the language, composition, film, and areas of interdisciplinary study, to connect your chosen language to a business or education context and study abroad.
Modern language study is increasingly integrated with technology, a logical combination. Software programs, CD ROMS, and the Internet provide many ways to practice language skills and experience new cultures. Following are the kinds of courses and electives that most programs include (for the purposes of these examples, French will be used in the course titles, but this course overview applies to modern languages in general):
- Advanced French
- Composition and Structure
- Francophone Studies
- French Phonetics
- French View of America
- History of French Cinema
- Intermediate French
- Masters of French Film
- Oral Skills
- Review Survey of French Civilization and Literature
- Studies in French Civilization
- The French Language
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DEGREE IN MODERN LANGUAGES?
You can combine your language major with teacher certification for K-12 education (teaching at the postsecondary level generally requires an advanced degree). With global technology, business is becoming ever more international in scope. This offers many opportunities to individuals with competence in foreign languages, both in the business itself and in international relations. The need to communicate across cultures has increased the need for interpreters and translators in both the public and private sectors. International travel offers opportunities as flight attendants, travel agents, and tour guides. Technology fields need audiovisual specialists, computer programmers, and software designers.