An increasing number of careers demand proficiency in a second language. More students are choosing to study modern languages for professional enhancement every year. Others select foreign language study to broaden their intellectual horizons, to enjoy the literature of other countries and times, or to be able to travel with greater independence. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are required to successfully complete the second semester of the first year of a foreign language or pass the placement exam. Students who plan to seek certification as foreign language teachers should consult with the chair of the Education Division.
French
The Modern Languages Division offers a major in French in which students acquire proficiency in speaking, understanding, reading and writing. French majors at Alfred acquire basic knowledge by taking core requirement courses in three areas: French language, culture, and literature. Beyond this core, students are offered a series of elective courses allowing them to expand their knowledge in all three areas, or to specialize in one. Recent French majors have entered a variety of career paths including teaching, international business and technology, and government service.
Requirements for the major in French
(Prerequisites: MLF 101, 102, 201, 202 or equivalent) A. Core course: all of the following
MLF 301 Reading French Texts 3
MLF 302 Advanced French Grammar and Composition I 3
MLF 304 French Literature I 3
MLF 305 French Literature II 3
MLF 306 Advanced French Conversation 3
MLF 307 Contemporary French Culture 3
B. Elective courses: choose 9 credits from among the following:
MLF 303 Advanced French Grammar and Composition II 3
MLF 308 French Film Criticism 3
MLF 401 The Art of French Translation 3
MLF 402 French Speaking Africa 3
MLF 450 Independent Study 3
MLF 480 Topics in French 3
Total credit hours 27
It is expected that French majors will pursue some independent study. They are also encouraged, although not required, to spend at least a semester in a French language Study Abroad program. (Contact the Study Abroad Office)
Requirements for the minor in French
(Prerequisites: MLF 101, 102, 201, 202 or equivalent)
Students wishing to minor in French take three required courses (MLF 301, MLF 302, MLF 306) for a total of 9 credit hours. They then select a minimum of six hours from the major level elective courses.
Total credit hours 15
German
The Division of Modern Languages offers both a major and minor in German. Either option enables students to attain proficiency in speaking, comprehension, reading and writing. The study of a foreign culture broadens students' horizons and increases their self-awareness. German majors frequently combine the major with other disciplines which call for an understanding of German culture and language. Study for one or two semesters in a German-speaking country (generally during the Junior year) is expected of all majors and strongly suggested for the minor. The Study Abroad Office on campus will help students find a suitable program. Alfred University offers an exchange program in Trier for Business students and in Erlangen for German Engineering students.
Requirements for the major in German
(Prerequisites: MLG 101, 102, 201, 202 or equivalent) A. Core Courses
MLG 301 German Literature I 3
MLG 302 German Literature II 3
MLG 305 Advanced German Conversation/Composition 3
MLG 307 German History and Culture 3
Three 400-level courses 9
MLG 450 Independent Study 3
Core credit hours 24
Study Abroad credit may transfer to satisfy the above requirements.
104 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences B. Elective Courses
Choose six credits from the following. Other 300- and 400-level courses may be accepted in lieu of the courses below with approval from the major advisor.
BUS 457 International Business 3
ECO 458 International Eco/ Finance 3
HSH 330 Modern Germany 4
HSH 321 Modern Europe I 4
HSH 322 Modern Europe II 4
HSH 343 World War I 2
HSH 347 World War II 4
HSP 312 19th Century Philosophy 4
MLL 120 Introduction to Linguistics 2
MLL 240 Language and Society 2
Elective Credits 6
Study abroad credit may transfer to satisfy these courses
Total credits for major 30
Requirements for the minor in German
(Prerequisite: MLG 101, 102, 201, 202 or equivalent)
Students wishing to minor in German take four required courses (MLG 301, MLG 302, MLG 305, and MLG 307). Study Abroad credit may transfer to satisfy up to three of these required courses.
Total credit hours 12
Spanish
The Modern Languages Program offers a Spanish major giving students a proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Through a core or requirements, Spanish majors at Alfred acquire basic knowledge in three areas:
Hispanic language, culture, and literature. Beyond this core, students are offered a series of elective courses allowing them to expand their knowledge in all three of the areas or to specialize in one. Although majors in Spanish generally are interested in teaching, some decide to use their language proficiency in business, government service or community services. Study abroad is strongly recommended for both majors and minors. The Study Abroad Office on campus will help students find a suitable program.
Requirements for the major in Spanish
(Prerequisites: MLS 101, 102, 201, 202 or equivalent)
The major program in Spanish consists of the following six required courses (21 hours):
MLS 300 Advanced Spanish Practica 3
MLS 309 Introduction to Critical Analysis 3
MLS 310 Peninsular Culture and Literature I:
Middle Ages – Eighteenth Century 3
MLS 311 Peninsular Culture and Literature II:
Nineteenth and Twentieth Century 3
MLS 312 Spanish American Culture and Literature I:
Pre-Columbian – Eighteenth Century 3 MLS 313 Spanish American Culture and Literature II:
Nineteenth-Twentieth Century 3
Plus any three of the following elective courses (nine hours):
MLS 400 Latinos/as in the U.S 3
MLS 402 El Siglo de Oro 3
MLS 403 Readings in Modern Peninsular Literature 3 MLS 404 Readings in Modern Spanish American Literature 3
MLS 450 Independent Study 1-3
MLS 480 Topics in Hispanic Literature 3
Total credit hours 27
It is expected that Spanish majors will pursue some independent study. Although not strictly required, it is also expected that majors will spend at least one semester in a Spanish language Study Abroad program. (Contact the Study Abroad Office) Requirements for the minor in Spanish
(Prerequisites: MLS 101, 102, 201, 202 or equivalent)
Students wishing to minor in Spanish take four required courses (MLS 300, MLS 309 (unless waived by instructor), 1-3 or MLS 310 or 311 or MLS 312 or 313 for a total of nine or twelve credit hours. They select one or two additional course from the major level elective courses.
Total credit hours 15