Modern Foreign Languages - James Madison University

Modern Foreign Languages from James Madison University is a Campus Bachelor Language degree that prepares you for a Liberal Arts career. Mission Statement The Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures is a central site on campus for the implementation of James Madison University internationalization efforts. Through its course offerings, study abroad programs, organizations and clubs, and the presence of faculty with research areas in diverse foreign cultures, the department embodies cultural diversity, particularly international diversity, at JMU. The strong presence of international students and faculty on campus is a critical indicator of this recognition of international diversity. The Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers students and the community a broad range of educational courses and programs that help develop foreign language competence, a global perspective, and an understanding of foreign cultures both ancient and modern. The department's mission is to ensure that all graduates with a B.A. have sufficient knowledge of a modern foreign language to build fluency in that language when future personal or professional needs require it; prepare language majors for success as professionals in language-related career fields; enhance the education of non-language majors by providing them foreign language skills that complement their chosen major; teach understanding and appreciation of foreign cultures and provide basic knowledge about the literature, culture, and intellectual achievements of countries other than the U.S.; play a leading role in internationalizing the college curriculum; provide opportunities for language and cultural study abroad; support cross-listed courses for the departments of English and history as part of their major requirements, and the General Education program with courses for the Cluster Two requirements. The department also plays an important role in the university interdisciplinary minors by offering courses for Russian studies, Latin American studies, world literature and classical studies. Goals and Objectives The department strives to fulfill that mission by pursuing the following goals. Within each area, students should: Knowledge Be familiar with a variety of linguistic principles in both the target language and their own. Understand the major literary movements of the target culture and be familiar with selected major literary texts of the target culture. Be familiar with the great ideas of humanity and of Western civilization in particular, especially as they have originated in or influenced the target culture. Understand the institutions and history of the target culture. Understand similarities and differences between the target culture and their own. Skills Demonstrate reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in both English and the target language. Think critically, analytically and objectively. Make and formulate informed aesthetic and linguistic judgments. Research a topic thoroughly using both traditional and online sources. Use computers effectively for a variety of purposes, from word processors and spell checkers in the target language to terminological data bases and machine-aided translation tools. Experiences Ponder what it means to be human in response to literary and cultural studies. Engage great texts and great ideas. Realize what it is like to be a foreigner with incomplete cultural and linguistic competence. See the world through the filter of another language and culture. Realize that every language is an imperfect vehicle, riddled with traps and ambiguities. Attitudes Embrace life-long learning. Approach issues from interdisciplinary, global and historical perspectives. Respect diversity among cultures and within any given culture. Respect the opinions and beliefs of other people?and other peoples?while defining and advancing their own. Recognize the contingent nature of knowledge. Program The department offerings address a wide spectrum of student needs. Our program seeks to: Offer a minor and a major in a specific language. Strongly recommend a second major and/or minor in another discipline. Offer advanced courses for interdisciplinary programs. Offer basic courses required for Bachelor of Arts candidates. Organize and participate in Honors courses. Provide General Education courses in Cluster Two and reinforce Cluster One goals in all courses. Faculty The faculty members of the department strive to: Meet the ever-evolving needs of the students. Develop innovative teaching techniques, courses and programs while preserving a traditional core. Engage consistently in scholarship. Provide dutiful service to the college, the university and the profession. Be a role model for students as educators and as human beings. All language majors are expected to meet certain objectives. General To have a knowledge of critical thinking methods and to be able to apply these. To have had an introduction to computers that includes word processing as well as working with software devoted to grammar exercises, vocabulary development, literature and culture. To have developed an appreciation and affective feel for other cultures, not just an intellectual perspective. Specific The Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers programs designed to: Teach students to understand and speak a language with facility. Develop skills in reading and writing. Provide an acquaintance with foreign literatures. Develop an appreciation of foreign cultures. Prepare students for professions in education, government work, international trade or for research leading to advanced degrees . Career Opportunities Banking Criminal Justice Education Foreign Service Import/Export Law Management Marketing Medicine Ministry Museum work Public Relations Social work Translation View more details on James Madison University . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Language courses.