Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
Faculty in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures: Gilberto Gómez, Jane Hardy, Adrien Pouille, Gregory Redding, V. Daniel Rogers, Brian Tucker (chair), and Ivette de Assis Wilson
Wabash College understands that language is the foremost avenue for understanding and interacting with the world, its peoples, and its histories. Consequently, the study of foreign languages is fundamental to a liberal arts education and a well-lived life beyond. Serious intellectual work in other languages broadens a Wabash man’s communicative potential; deepens his understanding of his native tongue; refines his expressive abilities; inculcates in him analytical and creative habits of mind; helps him see beyond his own place, time, and circumstance; and is foundational for his further study and appreciation of the literatures, histories, and aesthetic sensibilities of global cultures throughout time.
The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Wabash College prepares students for citizenship in a multi-cultural, multi-lingual global community. The Department promotes proficiency in languages, expands knowledge of cultures and literatures, and enables students to actively engage in cultural and linguistic exchanges. Our faculty works with students to provide a greater understanding of world affairs in an historical context, an enhanced knowledge of the traditions, achievements, and lifestyles of the international community, and an appreciation of differences and similarities among peoples and nations.
The Wabash College foreign language requirement sets students on their path to these goals while recognizing that some students bring to campus proficiency in a second language.
Language Studies Requirements-Proficiency in a Foreign Language: The Wabash curriculum requires that all students demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. Students who fulfill this requirement in Modern Languages usually do one of the following:
• Earn a passing grade for the elementary sequence (101 and 102, or SPA 103 [formerly 176]) of
any language that we offer (Chinese, French, German, or Spanish).
• Earn a passing grade for any single course beyond 103 (e.g. SPA 201, GER 201, or FRE 301).
• Demonstrate proficiency by being admitted to Wabash as an International Student whose
native language is one other than English.
Students may also fulfill this requirement by passing a proficiency exam with written and oral components. Students interested in pursuing this option should contact the department chair prior to mid-semester break in the fall of their freshman year.
Less Commonly Taught Languages: Students who wish to demonstrate proficiency in a language not offered at Wabash will be responsible for demonstrating proficiency by exam. MLL will assist the student in finding an institution to administer an exam, but the associated costs and arrangements will be the responsibility of the student.
Placement: Students who wish to continue at Wabash with a language studied in high school must enroll at the level determined by the departmental placement policy. Students who have taken at least two years of a language in high school will begin at the 201 level or higher. Placement beyond the 201 level is determined by the Computerized Adaptive Placement Exam and reference to high school transcripts. Any student may begin at the 101 level in a language that is new to him. For example, a student who is placed in SPA 301 can choose to enroll in FRE 101 or GER 101 and complete the requirement with the elementary sequence.
Background Credit: A student who starts with the third semester course or higher (201 or 301 level) of a language and completes that course with a B-or better also receives one elective credit for the course immediately preceding the one he has taken. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.
A student need not earn a grade of B- or better to fulfill the language requirement. A passing grade in the appropriate courses will satisfy the language proficiency requirement.
Comprehensive Examinations: Majors in a modern language must successfully complete a two-day written comprehensive examination. In keeping with the goals of the Department, the student must demonstrate his proficiency in the language in which he is majoring, as well as his knowledge of its culture and his critical appreciation of its literature.
Study Abroad: Modern language students are strongly encouraged to study abroad. Students in modern languages and literatures should meet with a member of the department as early as possible to develop an appropriate plan for study abroad.
Secondary Licensure Program: The Department of Education Studies offers a minor in Education Studies, and an additional licensure preparation program for students interested in becoming licensed to teach at the secondary level (middle and high school grades 5-12). With a major in this department and a minor in Education Studies, students may also choose to complete the licensure preparation program by applying in the spring of the junior year. For more information about the licensure program, students are advised to meet with faculty in the Department of Education Studies. Requirements for the minor and licensure preparation program are outlined in the Department of Education Studies section of the Academic Bulletin.
ASIAN STUDIES
Requirements for a Minor: An interdisciplinary minor is offered that includes a Chinese language component. Please see the Interdisciplinary Programs section for more information. Two semesters of Chinese are required. Another Asian language (or proficiency) will also complete the language requirement for the minor. Please see the MLL department chair to pursue this option. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD THIS MINOR.
FRENCH
Requirements for a Major: Nine courses in French. FRE 202, 302, and 401 are required. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.
Requirements for a Minor: Five courses in French. Minor concentrators are encouraged to take courses beyond 302. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.
GERMAN
Requirements for a Major: Nine courses in German. GER 302 and 401 are required. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.
Requirements for a Minor: Five courses in German. Minor concentrators are encouraged to take courses beyond 302. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.
RUSSIAN: Minor program not offered 2014-2015.
SPANISH
Requirements for a Major: Nine courses in Spanish. SPA 302 and 401 are required. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.
Requirements for a Minor: Five courses in Spanish. Minor concentrators are encouraged to take courses beyond 302. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.
HISPANIC STUDIES
Description of the Major
A major in Hispanic Studies at Wabash College provides students an interdisciplinary and integrative approach to the study of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), Latin America, and the Philippines. The major recognizes that the complexity and diversity of Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula do not fall under the purview of any one academic department. This makes Hispanic Studies an interdisciplinary, liberal arts area of study. Please see the Interdisciplinary Programs section for more information.
Requirements for the Major:
The Major in Hispanic Studies consists of 9 courses. Spanish language courses as part of this major are listed below. Note, students may not double count courses toward a Hispanic Studies major and a Spanish major, a Spanish minor, or a Multicultural American Studies (MAS) minor.
From Spanish: at least 4 courses
• SPA 201, Intermediate Spanish 1 (offered every semester)
• SPA 202, Intermediate Spanish 2 (offered every semester)
• SPA 301, Advanced Composition (offered every semester)
• SPA 312, Seminar in Hispanic Culture (offered every year)