1.
Is there a languages requirement at Saint Mary's College?
Yes.
The Saint Mary's College Mission Statement emphasizes
that among the skills each graduate will have acquired
is competence in a foreign language. Therefore, each student
is required to complete two semesters of continuous study
in a foreign language: Spanish, French, Italian, or German.
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2.
What language should I study?
Usually,
Saint Mary's students choose to continue the language
they've studied in high school. They can fulfill their
language requirement by taking two semesters of Elementary
or Intermediate courses in this language. You may also
complete your language requirement by taking two semesters
of Introductory courses in a language other than the one
you studied in high school.
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3.
May I take the Introductory courses in the language I've
studied in high school?
Yes;
however college credit cannot be granted for these courses,
nor do they count towards the completion of your language
requirement. If you don't feel confident enough about
your foreign language background to continue in College
at the Elementary or Intermediate level, we recommend
you choose another language and fulfill your requirement
at the Introductory level of that language.
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4.
I do want to continue with the language I studied in high
school but I am not sure if I should enroll in the elementary
or intermediate course?
The
First Year Studies Office will review your SAT II results
and assist you with proper placement in the right level
of language.
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5.
I understand the SAT II language examination test is required
by Admission at Saint Mary's College. What if I have not
taken the SAT II exam?
Saint
Mary's College offers the SAT II exam on campus during
late summer and during orientation week. The First Year
Studies Office can provide specific information as well
as the actual date on which the exam will be administered.
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6.
What if the other students in the Intermediate classes
have had more French, or Spanish, or German, or Italian,
than I've had? Won't that make it harder for me?
No.
The Modern Languages faculty knows that students come
to our Intermediate courses with a wide range of experience.
All 111-112 courses provide reviews of basic grammar and
vocabulary, as well as cultural material and conversation
practice that are new to all students. Also, on the basis
of your SAT II score in your high school language, the
First Year Studies Office will group together, as much
as possible, students of similar experience and background.
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7.
I did really well in my high school language classes.
Can I place out of the requirement?
Yes!
If you receive a grade of four or higher on the Advanced
Placement Examination in your language, you will receive
eight college credits and thus you place out of the requirement.
If you receive a recentered score of 640 or higher in
French (630 or higher in Spanish and German) on your SAT
II, you are exempted from the College foreign language
requirement, but you do not receive college credit. In
this case, you may complete your language requirement
with the Intermediate language sequence. If after the
first weeks the Intermediate course seems too easy, you
may complete the requirement with a course at the 200
or 300 level.
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8.
I want to teach. Can I get education certification in
my foreign language?
Absolutely!
In conjunction with other departments, the Department
of Modern Languages grants:
Secondary
education certification in French, Grades 9-12 (36 credits)
Secondary education certification in Spanish, Grades 9-12
(36 credits)
The Department of Modern Languages offers a special course
in Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages, MODL 445, which
is cross-listed with Saint Mary's Department of Education.
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9.
Can I combine a language major with a major in another
department?
Yes,
of course. In fact, many of our students are double majors.
Learning a foreign language and becoming familiar with
other cultures increases your attractiveness to future
employers in any number of fields. Foreign language study
complements any major; it enhances your cultural perspective,
challenges your mind, and provides significant personal
enrichment.
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10.
What can I "do" with a major in Modern Languages?
Virtually
anything you want to. Studies show that, in our global
economy, employers give preference to job candidates with
foreign language experience. Our graduates have gone on
to careers in education, communications, business, law,
and government, among other fields.
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11.
Can I study other languages than French, Spanish, German
or Italian?
Yes,
through our co-exchange program with the University of
Notre Dame, you may take courses in a large number of
languages, from Latin to Irish. However, these courses
do not fulfill the Saint Mary's College language requirement;
they may be included as elective credit only. For more
information, consult the University of Notre Dame.
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12.
This sounds great! Can I come visit a language class at
Saint Mary's?
You
are more than welcome to sit in on a language class as
part of your on-campus visit to the College - in fact,
we encourage you to do so! Just ask the Admission Office,
and they'll make all the arrangements. We'll look forward
to seeing you! A bientôt, hasta la vista, ciao!
