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:

• FREN 303 - Themes and Issues in the French/ Francophone World 
• FREN 305 - The Craft of Writing 
• FREN 306 - Advanced Conversation 
• FREN 310 - French Cinema 
• FREN 314 - Introduction to French Cultural Studies 
• FREN 315 - French Literature in its Cultural Contexts 
• FREN 361 - Culture in Context 1: Art and Ideas 
• FREN 362 - Culture in Context 2: The Republic 
• FREN 363 - Culture in Context 3: Social Trends 
• FREN 390 - Topics in French/Francophone Culture and Civilization 
• FREN 391 - Topics in French/Francophone Literature 
• FREN 393 - Topics in French/Francophone Cinema 
• FREN 406 - Contemporary Spoken French 

Programs and Course Descriptions

Programs

• Arabic Language and Literature, Minor
• Chinese Language and Culture, BA
• Chinese Language and Literature Minor
• French and Francophone Studies, BA
• French and Francophone Studies, Minor
• German Studies, BA
• German Studies, Minor
• Hispanic Studies, BA
• Hispanic Studies, Minor
• Italian Studies, Minor
• Japanese Studies, Minor
• Russian Language and Literature, Minor
• Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages, Minor

Courses

• RUSN 390 - Russian Literature Since the Death of Stalin (Taught in English)
• RUSN 392 - Special Themes in Russian Literature and Culture (Taught in English)
• RUSN 393 - Special Themes in Russian Language and Culture (Taught in Russian)
• RUSN 396 - Major Works of Chekhov (Taught in English)
• RUSN 397 - Major Works of Dostoevsky (Taught in English)
• RUSN 398 - Major Works of Tolstoy (Taught in English)
• RUSN 402 - Russian Poetry
• RUSN 410 - Seminar in Russian Literature and Culture
• RUSN 411 - Independent Study
• RUSN 412 - Teaching Practicum