The World Languages Program is designed to develop a student’s ability to understand, speak, read and write a targeted language. Students majoring in a language will gain understanding and tolerance of other cultures, as well as learn to function and converse in their chosen language. Mount Mary offers small, interactive language classes, which provide an environment conducive to world language learning. The World Languages Program takes a communicative approach to teaching where instructors often use role-playing to place students in real life situations where they must not only know the language but also understand the cultural variables that can impede successful intercultural communication.

Mount Mary College focuses on active student learning. To aid in the study of language, the Fourier Language Lab, which is housed in the Haggerty Library, is equipped with CD players, a Pentium computer with CD-ROM capabilities and an extensive audio library.

Academic Offerings : Students can choose from a variety of programs. The best way to determine which program fits your future goals is to review the degree requirements and curriculum sheet. Click on the links to display a PDF document containing detailed information.

Majors:

• French
• French Teaching
• Spanish
• Spanish Teaching
• ESL/Bilingual Education Spanish

Minors:

• French
• French Teaching (Early Childhood/Elementary/Middle/Secondary)
• Spanish
• Spanish Teaching (Early Childhood/Elementary/Middle/Secondary)
• ESL/Bilingual (Early Childhood/Elementary/Middle/Secondary)

Post-baccalaureate Certification:

• French
• French Teaching
• Spanish
• Spanish Teaching

French or Spanish Certificates for the Professional: A certificate in French or Spanish for Professionals is available to both Mount Mary undergraduate students, as well as working professionals who would like to add some language and cultural study to their current work skills and knowledge. The certificates consist of 15 credits in course work in language (grammar review, speaking and writing, vocabulary for specific professions) and cultural knowledge for working with the various French or Spanish-speaking peoples of the world. The specific professions covered are French for any type of business field, and Spanish for business, medical or social service personnel.

World language is a very practical second major, especially for those students whose professions will lead them to working in culturally diverse settings and that might require the knowledge of a second language.