Modern Languages Degree Requirements

The requirements for a major in French, German, or Spanish are 30 hours in the Language at the 300- and 400-level, 6 hours of which must be completed at an approved host institution in a foreign country in which the target language is spoken and which includes a home-stay. The major in French must include 301-302, 305; four 400-level courses, at least one of which must be in literature; and three electives from language, culture, or literature courses at the 300- or 400-level. The major in German must include one 300-level literature course; four 400-level courses, at least one of which must be in literature; and five electives from language, culture, or literature courses at the 300- or 400-level. The major in Spanish must include 301-302, 303-304, 305 or 306; four 400-level courses, at least one of which must be in literature; and one elective from language, culture, or literature courses at the 300- or 400-level.

The requirements for a minor in French, German, or Spanish are 18 hours in the language at the 300- and 400-level. Three to six hours of study at an approved institution in a foreign country where the language is spoken are strongly recommended. The minor in French must include 301 or 302, 305; and one 400-level literature course. The minor in German must include at least one literature course at the 300-level; and one 400-level course in literature, language, or culture. The minor in Spanish must include 301-302, 303 or 304, 305 or 306; and one 400-level literature course.

STUDY ABROAD
The Department of Modern Languages encourages and sponsors foreign study and monitors closely the standards and administration of the programs to which it entrusts its students. Approved programs offer supervision, coordination, structure, and compatible cost, and financial aid may be available for approved programs in the event of need. Courses overseas must be approved in advance by the department chair and be consonant with Hampden-Sydney's curricular philosophy.

THE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT
The foreign-language proficiency requirement is deemed met in a modern language when, in addition to an awareness of appropriate usage in specific cultural contexts, students achieve at a minimum the Intermediate level in speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing, as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The complete ACTFL guidelines are available from the chair of the Department of Modern Languages. A student is deemed to have achieved the Intermediate level of proficiency when he successfully completes 201-202 at Hampden-Sydney College, or in an approved foreign-study program in a country in which the target language is spoken and which includes a home-stay. Or, if he places out of 202, he may satisfy the requirement by successful completion of any 300-level course in French, German, or Spanish at Hampden-Sydney College, or in an approved foreign-language program in a country in which the target language is spoken.

updated 7-13-2012