Modern Language Studies (B.A.)
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Important Update
Classes beyond stage 2 in French, German, and Japanese will no longer be offered after the 2027-28 academic year. Students wishing to declare these concentrations should speak with the Associate Dean of the College of Public and Global Affairs.
Language Concentrations: French, German, Japanese, Spanish
(Other language concentrations may be approved by the Department Chair. Students interested in study of Japanese are encouraged to consider a major in International Studies.)
Related Majors:
International Studies (B.A., B.S.)
International Business (B.A.)
The Department of Modern Languages at Nebraska Wesleyan University prepares students to engage in a diverse and changing world through the study of languages, literatures and cultures. Recognizing that the study of language is central to the experience of a liberal arts education, the Department of Modern Languages serves the entire student body through the Archway Curriculum and its Major and Minor programs. At every level, students develop skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing, equipping them to communicate with global competence.
Modern Language Studies at NWU:
The study of language and cultures is central to the humanities and vital to students as they prepare for professional careers in a globally interconnected society. The Department of Modern Languages offers a broad curriculum with courses in language, culture and literature, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration with departments and programs across the university and through study abroad opportunities.
The Modern Language Studies Major and Modern Language Literacy Minor encourage students to delve deeply into language and cultural study. Beginning with a focus on literacy by developing skills to read, write, and communicate effectively in the language of concentration, our majors and minors study in disciplines that are complementary disciplines such as History, Linguistics, Political Science, Communication Studies, and Anthropology. By approaching language and cultural studies through an interdisciplinary lens, our goal is to cultivate educated speakers of foreign languages with intercultural competence.
Language Placement: Students with prior language study may qualify for placement at advanced levels through assessment results and/or other criteria that the department determines relevant.
Department Learning Outcomes
Majors will be able to:
- Express themselves effectively and are understood by native speakers in a variety of oral and written registers.
- Understand native speech.
- Employ a variety of coping strategies to communicate both verbally and non-verbally in the target language.
- Read and comprehend a variety of texts written for native speakers of the target language.
- Investigate local, national, and international issues of interest in the target language.
- Demonstrate knowledge of linguistic and cultural aspects of another county.
- Enhance intercultural competency through living in another linguistic and cultural environment.
Please note: The wide variety of course offering allows us to tailor our options each semester and rotate courses as needed.
Modern Language Studies (B.A.**, 36 hours)
The Modern Language Studies major is comprised of four elements: Language Concentration, Study Abroad/Modern Language Studies Core Courses, Modern Language Studies Electives, and Capstone Courses
Important Update
Classes beyond stage 2 in French, German, and Japanese will no longer be offered after the 2027-28 academic year. Students wishing to declare these concentrations should speak with the Associate Dean of the College of Public and Global Affairs.
| 1. Language Concentrations - Select One | 28 hours |
|---|---|
| French | |
28 hours of MFREN at the 2000, 3000 and 4000 level. Of the 28 credits required, a minimum of 4 credits of MFREN must be from the 3000/4000 level; a minimum of 4 credits must be from 4000 level. | |
| German | |
| 28 hours of MGRMN at the 3000 and 4000 level. Of the 28 credits required, a minimum of 4 credits of MGRMN must be from the 3000/4000 level; a minimum of 4 credits of MGRMN must be from 4000 level. | |
| Spanish | |
28 hours of MSPAN at the 3000 and 4000 level. Of the 28 credits required, a minimum of 4 credits of MSPAN must be from the 3000/4000 level; a minimum of 4 credits of MSPAN must be from 4000 level. | |
| Other Language | |
| Select courses in another language, as approved by the Department Chair. |
| 2. Modern Language Studies Electives | 4 hours |
|---|---|
|
| 3. Modern Language Study Abroad and Capstone Courses | 4 hours |
|---|---|
For all language concentrations, students must complete a study abroad experience (or similar immersive experience approved in advance by the Department of Modern Languages) in the Language of Concentration of an approved host country and program. Students are highly encouraged to complete a semester-long study abroad program. For information on the many available exchange programs and financial aid and scholarship options, students should talk with the Director of Global Engagement and visit the library of study abroad resources. Following the study abroad experience, students must also complete: | |
| View description for course MLANG 3030 Processing the International Experience | 1 hour |
| View description for course MLANG 4990 Senior Project | 2 hours |
| View description for course MLANG 4980 Senior Capstone | 1 hour |
| Additional Considerations |
|---|
- Majors preparing to teach a modern language should consult the Education Department.
**A Modern Language Studies major customarily earns a B.A. degree. However, if a student has a first major that is associated with a different baccalaureate degree, the Modern Language Studies major may serve as a second major for the degree associated with the first major (B.S., B.FA., B.M., B.S.N.).