Modern Language and Culture

  • LANG

    What is Modern Language and Culture?

    Speaking a second language and understanding other cultures are of strategic importance in a world in which international collaboration is not only necessary for political survival, but also indispensable for economic success. The B.A. with a major in Modern Language and Culture prepares graduates who are able to communicate effectively in one or more foreign languages and have a keen understanding of how humans interact across world cultures. Graduates will be familiar with current global issues and possess the knowledge, skills, and versatility needed to succeed academically and professionally in an ever-changing society.

    The B.A. with a major in Modern Language and Culture is designed to develop students’ communication skills and understanding of other cultures and to foster respect for difference and diversity in a global society. Students choose one of five primary languages - Chinese, French, German, Italian, or Spanish - in which they develop and refine language proficiency as well as cross-cultural competence. In the course of their studies, Modern Language and Culture majors acquire and practice the communication skills and cultural competence necessary to function effectively in a global society. The curriculum prepares degree candidates for future academic programs and professional careers in which foreign language proficiency and cultural knowledge are desirable or required or both.

    Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences

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    4-Year Suggested Program Map Concentrations Below 

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    Admission Requirements

    None.

    This program does not have specific admission requirements. Only admission to Kennesaw State University is required to declare this major.

    Primary Languages to Choose From

    • Chinese
    • French
    • German
    • Italian
    • Spanish

    Concentrations Available

    *Students may choose from Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, or Spanish

    **Admission to teacher education is separate from declaring Modern Language and Culture. Students must meet the admission, retention and graduation requirements outlined in the Teacher Education Admission Requirements catalog page to pursue this degree program.

    Graduation Requirements

    All Modern Language and Culture majors must take an official Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). In addition, majors choosing the “Teacher Certification in a Foreign Language” concentration must receive a minimum rating of “Advanced Low” to graduate and to receive a recommendation for certification.

    Related Minors or Certificates Available

    • Chinese Studies Minor
    • French and Francophone Studies Minor
    • German Studies Minor
    • Italian Studies Minor
    • Japanese Minor
    • Korean Minor
    • Linguistics Minor
    • Lusophone Studies Minor
    • Spanish Minor

    Sample Classes

    • This course examines theories of second language acquisition (SLA) and their practical application to second language teaching and learning. It addresses the theoretical foundations of working with second language learners. It focuses on the classroom applications of this theoretical base to interactions with language learners, curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Students interpret relevant SLA research that informs language teaching and takes ownership of SLA theories and research as a rationale for pedagogical decisions

    • An in-depth study of business practices and the language of business that focuses on verbal and written communication as well as economic, social and political factors that are important to the conduct of business in the German-speaking world.

    • Advanced study of grammar from a linguistic perspective. Provides an overview of phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax. Exposes students to dialectical variations of the Spanish-speaking world. Stresses development of oral proficiency. 

    • This capstone course designed to synthesize and connect the students’ prior academic experiences in the major and related fields of study. Students prepare a reflective essay and a research paper to present to the faculty of the Department of Foreign Languages. Papers and presentations are in Italian.

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