Modern Languages (BA)
Major

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Overview

Pittsburg State University's Modern Languages major provides students the opportunity to select from four emphases: French Language and Culture, French Teacher Certification, Spanish Language and Culture, and Spanish Teacher Certification.

Additional information

About Degree
Native Speakers
Research Opportunities
Retro-Credits Program
About the Department

A Modern Languages undergraduate degree will provide you with a broader understanding of the culture of your chosen language with exposure to historical, literary, and social artifacts of that culture. The program is designed with language fluency in mind. Our faculty have designed a robust regimen of coursework to improve students’ speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Pittsburg State provides intermediate upper-level students (4th semester and above) with intense weekly conversational sessions with a native speaker. Students in these sessions quickly improve their language skills and gain a better appreciation for the culture. The teacher certification emphasis also prepares students to teach at the middle or secondary level.

Native speakers are encouraged to take courses in French or Spanish. Students who graduated from high school in a French- or Spanish-speaking country may fulfill coursework for a major in modern languages by completing 15 hours of upper-division courses in the native language, French or Spanish. Native speakers of any language taught in the department are not allowed to enroll in lower-division courses in that language. Consult with the chairperson of the department or the Modern Languages program coordinator.

Students have the opportunity to work with their professors to develop research projects and deliver presentations at national conferences.

The Modern Languages Retro-credits Program rewards students for their significant prior language experience, such as high school coursework or language spoken at home. Students who desire credit for language proficiency they acquired before coming to PSU should consult with Modern Languages faculty.

Retro-Credits Information Sheet (PDF)

The Department of English and Modern Languages offers baccalaureate degrees and a master’s degree program. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs are offered in English and in Modern Languages. A master’s program is also offered in English. The department offers minors in English, English Teaching, Creative Writing, French, Professional Writing, and Spanish.