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Modern Languages
Modern Languages José Alvarez-Fernández, Ph.D. Chair
Programs of Study for Arts and Sciences
The Department of Modern Languages offers a variety of language, culture and literature courses designed to enhance language acquisition, to foster an understanding of diverse peoples and cultures, and to promote critical- thinking skills. Through the analysis of texts (oral and writing narratives, movies, paintings, songs, and so on) produced in languages other than English, students are encouraged to see the intersections among language, literature and culture, and to develop analytical skills that will lead to a fuller appreciation of different forms of expression. The Department seeks to better prepare students to succeed in an interconnected world, where the ability to speak a second language significantly enhances a student’s opportunity to obtain employment in any field. The Department offers a major and a minor in Spanish as well as an individually designed interdisciplinary major with a concentration in Spanish. Students interested in pursuing this second option should meet with the department chair as early as possible in their academic programs to discuss their particular interests. The department also offers Arabic, French and Italian language courses, as well as courses in World Literature in Translation. Students who choose not to fulfill the requirements of a modern language minor or major may instead pursue a Modern Language Certificate in Arabic, French, Italian or Spanish. This course of study gives students an official acknowledgment of completion of a structured program of basic language skills. Completion of a
Emmanuel College
language certificate is dependent upon course availability. Many students complete coursework for the language certificate through outside opportunities including study abroad and Colleges of the Fenway cross registration. Successful completion of a language certificate will be noted on the student’s transcript. Spanish courses comprise the study of language, as well as the incorporation of the students’ experience into the reading and analysis of representative texts of the Spanish-speaking world. French courses cover two levels of language and also include the study of Francophone literature and cultures. World Literature in Translation courses, taught in English, introduce the student to major world authors. The department strongly encourages study abroad at accredited academic institutions.
LEARNING GOALS AND OUTCOMES At the completion of the Spanish major, the student will: • Demonstrate Spanish language proficiency. • Demonstrate an understanding of Hispanic peoples and cultures. • Critically read and interpret texts in Spanish, conduct research in the discipline, and clearly express statements and support ideas in essays and research papers.
THE CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE The culminating experience for Spanish majors is the Senior Seminar course (LANG4999), which is typically completed in the spring semester of the student’s
