Modern Languages and Literatures

Programs and Course Descriptions

Faculty

View the Modern Languages and Literatures Faculty.

The Program

The proficiency requirements and placement policies for foreign languages are indicated under the Requirements for Degrees section of the catalog.

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers instruction in eight languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish). It also offers a series of courses on the Modern Languages in general and, especially, the teaching of them. In addition to beginning, intermediate and advanced language courses, MDLL also offers instruction in the analysis of literature, film and culture taught both in the foreign languages and in English. In collaboration with the Global Education office in the Reves Center, MDLL sponsors summer, semester and yearlong study abroad programs in more than ten countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa. On campus, interested students may choose to live in one of eight Language Houses, where foreign Resident Tutors provide an opportunity for unstructured language learning, organize an active schedule of cultural events conducted in the foreign language and serve as a source of information on their native countries.

While the study of foreign languages and literatures has always been a cornerstone of the liberal arts experience, the mission of MDLL at William and Mary includes preparing students for graduate and professional training in a wide range of disciplines, among which are foreign and comparative literature, language teaching, international studies and relations, business, law and government service. Many of our students combine the study of one or more foreign languages with majors such as Government, Global Studies, History, or Business.

Requirements for Major

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers majors in Chinese, French and Francophone Studies, German and Hispanic Studies. The precise requirements for the various “concentrations” of these majors can be found under the appropriate language. All Modern Languages and Literatures majors include a wide range of courses in language, literature, film and culture, most of which are taught in the foreign language. The Major Writing Requirement in Chinese is met through a grade of C- or better in CHIN 428 . To satisfy the Major Writing Requirement in German, a student must earn a grade of C- or better on the writing component of one course numbered 301 or higher, which the student selects from a departmental listing of approved courses. The Major Writing Requirement in French and Francophone Studies is satisfied by a grade of C- or better in FREN 450 . In Hispanic Studies, students fulfill the Major Writing Requirement by receiving a grade of C- or better in HISP 493 .

Interdisciplinary Programs

MDLL plays a central role in numerous interdisciplinary and international programs at the College, among which are Global Studies, Literary and Cultural Studies, Film Studies, and Women’s Studies. For further information about these programs, see the appropriate sections of this catalog .

Competency in French

Students majoring in Art and Art History, in the Social Sciences, or those who select an interdisciplinary program such as International Relations, European Studies, or Literary and Cultural Studies and who wish primarily to acquire competency in French will find a variety of French courses designed to give them the competency they seek. After having completed FREN 210 or FREN 212 the following courses are recommended:

Academic Catalog

Modern Languages and Literatures

Faculty

The Program

Requirements for Major

Interdisciplinary Programs

Competency in French

Programs and Course Descriptions

Programs

Courses