Foreign languages
Description
Foreign language is a generic term for a study relating to the mastery of one or more languages other than English or to the study of a culture through examining the literature
of that culture in its vernacular. Nearly every college offering a baccalaureate program
provides a major field in foreign language study. The most commonly offered languages
include French, Spanish, Italian, Latin and German; other languages may be offered as
special major options or as dual majors allied to one of the four mentioned above. Additional languages offered may include Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese,
and Hebrew.
Plan of study
The plan of study emphasizes the spoken word, with intensive language labs, the literature of the language, from ancient times to the present, and the history and culture of the
country and its people. Some may include study abroad or an independent study option.
A careful review of college catalogs is mandatory for this major; colleges vary widely in
the strength of their foreign language programs and students seeking careers that demand
superior language ability must compare programs diligently.
Expect to take
Introductory, intermediate, and advanced language courses with lab, history, literature,
and culture of the subject country; seminars; study abroad.
Suggested high school subjects
Advanced English, advanced social studies, advanced foreign language (more than one
recommended), computer literacy.
General interest areas
Speaking, writing, translating, teaching, interpreting.
Some career possibilities
College professor
Lecturer
Diplomat
Military officer
Editor
Publications translator
Foreign service officer
Researcher
International business
Secondary school teacher
International trade specialist
Textbook author/editor
Interpreter/translator
Tour guide
Lawyer
Some related majors
Anthropology
History
Classics
International relations
Comparative literature
Linguistics
English
Secondary education
English literature
Directory Data is copyrighted material which is reproduced in this publication by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Alloy Education.
Copyright 2009 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.
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