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Modern and Classical Languages
Department Chair: Camilla Krone
Faculty: Eleonora Bertranou, Patricia Bolaños-Fábres, Bruce Campbell,
Shirley Cardozo, Margaret Cook, Seán Dwyer, Nathaniel Dubin, Nelsy Solano-Echávez,
Karen Erickson, José Antonio Fábres, Elizabeth Guzman, Telan Hu OSB,
Chikako Keymer, Andreas Kiryakakis, Camilla Krone, John Kulas OSB,
Marina Martín, Christina Mougoyanni Hennessy,
Lisa Ohm, Sarah Pruett, Scott Richardson, Thorpe Running, Elena
Sánchez Mora, Corey Shouse, Wendy Sterba, Mark Thamert OSB, Vera
Theisen, Jerome Tupa OSB, Vilma Walter, Gladys White
The study of another language is an adventure,
an exploration into the workings of minds both like and unlike our
own. As human minds mold language, so language also molds human minds.
A language is therefore not only a means by which we represent our
thoughts; it is also a medium that presents the world to us in a
certain way. When we learn a new language, we learn to see differently
- we acquire a new perspective from which to view both ourselves and
the world. In the literature of another language we encounter a
culture revealed, extended and tested by its most critical and
inventive thinkers, who use the language to explore their society's
limitations and possibilities. Because the study of language liberates
us from bondage to a single cultural perspective and allows us to
converse with members of another culture, it has from the times of the
ancient Romans been considered central to a liberal education.
Students of the classical languages - Greek
and Latin - strive to gain an understanding of the ancient peoples
whose hard thinking about the perplexities of the human condition,
preserved in literature of astonishing richness and beauty, has
provided the foundation of modern Western civilization. In these
languages the emphasis falls primarily upon developing the students'
reading ability.
Students of modern languages seek to
understand an intricate contemporary culture and explore the
literature and traditions that give it life. The major in French,
German, and Spanish, accordingly, consists of a balanced program of
languages, literature, and civilization, and should ideally include
one or two semesters of foreign study. Study of Chinese and Japanese,
integral to the Asian Studies minor, may include participation in the
colleges' study abroad programs in China and Japan.
For students whose first language is not
English, courses are available in English as a Second Language. The
focus in these courses is on improving language proficiency in
listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing, with special
emphasis on the language skills necessary for success in an advanced
academic setting.
A language major is often interdisciplinary in nature and prepares
students for a wide variety of careers, both in the United States and
around the world. Some students pursue careers in teaching or go on to
graduate school in their field, others enter those professions in
which applicants with a broad liberal background are sought. Beyond
that, the linguistic competence associated with such a major is
increasingly of interest to employers in a growing number of business,
service, and government fields. As a result, students often choose to
join a foreign language major to an additional major.
The MCL department also provides the core
curriculum requirement in language proficiency for all CSB/SJU
students. In order to fulfill this goal, all students should:
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Know the basic grammatical structures of the
target language.
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In the modern languages, achieve balanced
development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
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In the classical languages, develop reading
and writing skills.
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Understand the relationship between language
and culture.
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Acquire an inclusive perspective on the
target culture(s), one which ranges from artistic accomplishments to
details of everyday life.
- Demonstrate awareness of the intellectual discussion provided by
the learning of a foreign language above and beyond the language's
practical usefulness.
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