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Modern Languages & Cultures

Modern Languages & Cultures Undergraduate Curricular Requirements

French (B.A.)

Foreign Language (B.A.)

Spanish (B.A.)

Modern Languages & Cultures Academic Minor Requirements

Asian Studies Minor

French Minor

German Minor

Spanish Minor

Irina A. Kappler-Crookston, Dept. Chair (302Admin. Bldg. 83844-3174 phone 208/885-6179; modlang@uidaho.edu). Faculty: Martin Oliver Carrion (Spanish), Lori Celaya (Spanish), Irina A. Kappler-Crookston (Spanish), Sarah M. Nelson (French), Anne Perriguey (French), Gerd Steckel (German), Ikuyo Suzuki (Japanese).

The study of languages, cultures and literature is a way of expanding one's horizons while developing specific linguistic skills that will enhance career, academic, and travel opportunities. One of the many benefits derived from language study is the ability to transcend linguistic and cultural parochialism. To understand the uniqueness of one's own language and civilization, knowledge of another culture is essential. Language study is the key that unlocks the mysteries surrounding people from other cultures. Through language, one is able to explore literature, art, history, and philosophy--in short, a different way of life. In preparing to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing and interdependent world, language expertise plays an increasingly important role. In many areas (business, education, communications, social work, technical and engineering positions, science, law, medicine, etc.), knowledge of languages is not only desirable but necessary.

The Department of Modern Languages & Cultures offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in two modern languages (Spanish and French) and minors in French, German and Spanish. The department also offers elementary and intermediate level course work in Japanese, and introductory courses in Arabic and Nez Perce language. In addition, a cooperative course agreement with Washington State University in nearby Pullman makes it possible for students to complete basic course work in Chinese and Russian. The department's business option offer students the opportunity to combine the advanced study of a language with pre-professional course work .

Language instruction at UI is proficiency-oriented in approach and encourages active student involvement from the outset. Language classes are small enough to allow for instructor-student interaction and to ensure that each student receives individual attention. Classroom instruction is supported by a language learning laboratory with computers and computer assisted learning software, CD's and DVD"s, as well as international television programming.

Language majors are required to spend a semester or year studying abroad with an international exchange program. Modern language faculty advisors and the staff of the UI International Programs Office will gladly assist students in planning a study abroad experience.

If a student has already studied a language in high school, he or she may be eligible to receive vertically-related course credits simply by completing a more advanced course at UI.

Courses

See the course description section for courses in English (FLEN), Arabic (Arbc), French (Fren), German (Germ), Japanese (Japn), Latin (Latn), Nez Perce (NezP), and Spanish (Span), and General Courses (FL).