Why study a foreign language?
The ability to speak a foreign language and the knowledge of another culture are highly prized by employers and lead to a significant degree of satisfaction in the workplace and in one’s personal life. A major in foreign language is only part of what makes you employable and does not necessarily dictate a career. Other helpful experiences include internships, hobbies, work experience, and involvement in campus activities. Excellent knowledge of a foreign language and a mature, informed appreciation of a foreign literature open doors to many professions. For this reason, an education in Spanish or French and Francophone Studies provides ideal preparation for careers not only in academics but also in a wide range of fields from law and diplomacy to journalism and the arts. Others work in primary and secondary education, business, government and a variety of nongovernmental agencies and international organizations. At the office of Career Planning and Networking, you can learn more about what career paths you can pursue with your major. But overall, the most important is to choose a subject you enjoy and will succeed at over your four years.
Majors
French and Francophone Studies
Spanish
To declare a major in Foreign Language, go to the Academic Advisement office at 100 Netzer Administration Building.
Concentrations
Elementary education students may choose a concentration in French or Spanish.
Adolescence education students specializing in foreign language education will double major in either Spanish or French.
Teaching Certification
For information on how to become certified to teach a foreign language in New York state, please consult the website of the New York State Education Department.
In order to satisfy the master’s degree requirement for professional certification in New York state, our Foreign Language education major, with a concentration in French or Spanish, for secondary or elementary education, along with any of our PreK-12 Master’s Degree programs will suffice. The Office of Teaching Initiatives of the NYS Education Department describes four possible routes to an acceptable master’s degree for professional certification in New York state.
Minors
To declare a minor in a Foreign Language, go to the department office, 300 Schumacher Hall.
Courses
The Department of World Languages and Literatures offers the following courses:
American Sign Language courses