North Dakota State University

Modern Languages

French, German, Spanish

The Department of Modern Languages recognizes the vital need for college graduates to be able to speak and write effectively. More and more, employers are requiring and rewarding strong verbal abilities in their hiring and promotion practices. These employers realize the value of foreign language training in developing such competence. Furthermore, the knowledge of a second language can be the key to advancement in one's chosen profession or the critical qualification for a unique position of responsibility. In today's economically and politically interdependent world, knowledge of a foreign language and culture opens up opportunities that were practically nonexistent 30 years ago, such as export manager, international consultant, foreign service officer and agricultural consultant. Foreign language skills will be even more essential for success in the future than they are now. 

French and Spanish majors are offered by the Department of Modern Languages. German is offered through the intermediate level. Through the Tri-College University, NDSU students also may study Japanese and Chinese. 

The emphasis in our classrooms is on developing proficiency in the four communication skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Small classes at the advanced levels of instruction permit highly individualized approaches to language study. 

For the person who seeks the experience of living in a foreign country in addition to gaining linguistic mastery, individual programs can be designed for study abroad. Study abroad is required for French and Spanish majors. A number of direct exchange programs with foreign universities are available. 

The department will place students according to their high school language background, but changes may be made upon recommendation by the instructor. 

Students who complete and earn a grade of B or better for their first two consecutive semesters of foreign language at NDSU may be eligible to receive up to 14 hours of credit for those lower level courses waived through departmental placement. 

Students are encouraged to contact the department for instructions prior to registration. See Language Placement in NDSU’s catalog for more specific information on receiving college credit for language background. 

Several major universities now have a master’s degree in international business, which completes preparation at an advanced level for this career by concentrating on both business and language skills. NDSU provides the essential undergraduate curriculum necessary for entrance into this kind of professional program. 

Many language students who do not yet have definite professional plans may find that their language interest lies within the traditional bachelor’s degree with intent to teach. They may combine the degree with electives in accounting, economics, management and/or marketing, which provides them with the flexibility needed to make later career decisions. 

Our faculty work closely with students to arrange programs that fit their particular career interests and personal goals. We strongly advise students to combine their language curriculum with study in other fields that will improve their competitiveness in the job market. The broad range of fields in which the foreign language student will find career opportunities includes international transportation, communication, foreign trade and banking, science and technology, government and library services. Because of the renewed interest in foreign language studies on the elementary, secondary and college level, the employment outlook for the best-qualified students in the teaching profession is very good. 

Elementary and Intermediate French, German and Spanish

French for the Advanced Student

• Conversation and Composition
• French Literature and Culture:
  • Approaches to Literature
  • French Literature and Culture before 1800
  • French Literature and Culture since 1800
  • The French-Speaking World
  • Women in French Literature
  • Contemporary France
• Introduction to French Linguistics and Pronunciation
• Translation: Practice and Theory
• Studies in Language and Style
• Special Topics in French (e.g., translation)
• Individual Study
  
  

Spanish for the Advanced Student

• Conversation and Composition
• Introduction to Spanish Civilization
• Introduction to Spanish American Civilization
• Approaches to Literature
• Traditions in Spanish Literature
• Traditions in Spanish American Literature
• Contemporary Spanish Literature
• Contemporary Spanish American Literature
• Spanish American Women Writers
• Spanish Women Writers
• Hispanic Cinema
• Cervantes
• Chicano Literature
• Individual Study

A major consists of a minimum of 28 credits beyond the intermediate level. A minimum of one year of a second foreign language at NDSU, or the equivalent, is required. The required capstone experience for the language major consists of a senior thesis. All language majors must study abroad for at least one semester. 

A minor necessitates completion of a minimum of 18 credits beyond the intermediate level. At least nine of these credits must be in advanced language (normally conversation/composition). 

For the major, 15, and for the minor, nine, of the total credits must be taken residentially (i.e., excluding study abroad and Tri-College enrollment). 

Complete Plans of Study for French and Spanish Majors – visit ndsu.edu/bulletin

Modern Languages
NDSU Dept 2345,
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108 - 6050
DEPT PHONE: (701) 231-7887
DEPT EMAIL:ndsu.modernlanguages@ndsu.edu
DEPT WEBSITE: www.ndsu.edu/modernlanguages/

or

Office of Admission
North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept #5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-8643 / Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/

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