Handbook for Majors & Minors in French, German
and Spanish — 2007
I. Goals and Objectives of a Major in French or Spanish:
Our goal is to provide you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practice in the main language so that you can function in most situations in that language. This includes a familiarity with the culture(s) in which the language is used, and the critical skills necessary to continue the learning process and assimilation of the language after graduation. We strive to offer a variety of classes to meet these goals, from basic, intermediate, and advanced language classes, to culture and civilization courses, conversation and composition classes, and literature courses that deal with the major periods, genres, and literary figures of the language.
In addition, it is our goal that you also reach a level of familiarity with an adjunct language, by progressing through the basic and intermediate classes, and being able to read, write, listen, and respond at an advanced level.
II. Requirements for the Major and Minor:
Major: 24 hours minimum at the 300- and/or 400-level
30 hours absolute minimum total.
3 hours in the adjunct language (one class, 200-499)—*This requirement is waived if you also have a major in another department
Minor: 21 hours after the 100 course
If you start at 200 or higher, you may use a course taught in English (Common Curriculum, History, Sociology, etc.) that deals with the area in which your Minor language is spoken to satisfy 1 or more of these classes. We prefer for you to do the work in the language whenever possible, but sometimes there are scheduling conflicts, and this option may solve that problem.
You might also be interested in a minor in Latin American Studies ( see Dr. Salmón).
III. Advising:
Your advisor is normally assigned according to your main language. The advisor is there to help you with academic program advising, career objectives, graduate school and professional school questions, study abroad opportunities, and general preparation for the future. You may also, of course, discuss these things with other professors in our department.
To prepare for a meeting with your advisor, please look over the schedule of classes and try to come up with a list of those you would like to take. If you have other questions besides those concerning next semester’s schedule, it is probably better to make a separate appointment with the advisor for a later date.
Here is the list of advisors:
- French & Honors Program— Dr. Mabe
- German— Dr. Dewell
- Spanish Majors— Dr. Doll
- Spanish Minors— Dr. Doll
- Latin American Studies— Dr. Salmón
IDEAL COURSE ORDER
Although you will not, in all cases, be able to follow this course order, due to departmental scheduling restrictions, here is the preferred order for your coursework in your major language:
- 100
- 101
- 200
- 201
- 300 and/or 301--These are the conversation and composition classes. Take both if you can, in either order.
- Culture and Civilization courses--FRENA320, FREN A321, GERM A320, GERM A321, SPAN A315, SPAN A350, SPAN A351
- Introductory literature class--FREN A315, SPAN A305
- Survey of literature classes--FREN A330, FREN A331, GERM A312, GERM A313, SPAN A310, SPAN A311, SPAN A340, SPAN A341
- After an introductory course and at least 1 survey class (or two surveys), if possible, you may take the more specialized courses that take a deeper look at a specific topic--FREN A351, FREN A352, FREN 353, FREN A354, FREN A355, FREN A360, GERM A353, GERM A354, GERM A355, GERM A356, SPAN A400-level classes
When in doubt, see your advisor and/or the course instructor!
IV. MFLL Organizations:
The French Honor Society, Pi Delta Phi—Open to majors, minors, or other students at the advanced level who meet the national requirements. Contact Dr. Mabe.
The German Honor Society—Open to majors, minors, or other students at the advanced level who meet the national requirements. Contact Dr. Dewell.
The Spanish Honor Society, Sigma Delta Pi—Open to majors, minors, or other students at the advanced level who meet the national requirements. Contact Dr. Doll.
V. Study Abroad Opportunities:
French
- CODOFIL programs to Belgium or Canada for the summer.
- Paris Summer Study Program (in conjunction with the English Department)
Spanish
- Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.
- Loyola Summer Program in Spain—4 weeks study of Spanish language and culture in Ávila, Spain, during the month of July.
German
- Loyola has an exchange relationship with Dortmund University, and several other options for study in Germany and Austria are available through ISEP.
All languages
- You can study abroad through other universities for transfer credit. We have abundant material explaining many programs in the Center for International Education, as well as student peer advisors to help you. You will find tips on searching scholarships, travel advice, and other helpful information there. Some exchange agreements now exist between Loyola and other universities/programs to grant direct credit and lower expense (you pay Loyola tuition and retain your regular scholarships). To receive credit for non-Loyola programs, you need to have the program and courses approved by the department, the Dean, and the Center for International Education prior to your departure.
- Please note that for a major in the language, you must meet the residency requirements. If you study abroad, the residency is a minimum of 9 hours on this campus for a major, and 3 hours for the minor.
VI. Helpful tips for survival:
Language is doing. You need to practice and interact with others. So, ATTEND CLASS!
We have an MFLL Listserve for all majors, minors, and faculty. To subscribe yourself, send an email from the address you really use and check regularly as follows:
Practice outside of class whenever and however you can. Get involved in the International Student Association-- you can meet the international students, trade conversation time with native speakers, or join in on some of their activities.
You need to officially declare your major, double major, or minor. If you have not already done so, check in with the DeanŐs office for the appropriate form. You can also change majors online, through LORA.
CMLC offers Internships for class credit. In French and in Spanish, we have some that are already established, and if you have an idea for a new one, we are open to suggestions. An Internship should be 120 hours of work in an office or business where you are able to do meaningful work in the language. Ideally, it will combine your language skills with your plans for the future, allowing you to apply in a practical setting what you have learned in class. One example is the Hispanic Apostolate, where student interns in Spanish have worked with translating documents or tutoring adults learning English; this is appropriate for students interested in going on to Law school, doing social work, or other similar careers. Another regular internship is for student interns in French at the French Consulate. Other interns have worked at local schools, teaching or helping teachers in the language.
CMLC has Work-Study positions available for tutoring in the Ross Foreign Language Center. The work there also includes copying tapes and other tasks. If you are interested in working in the lab, contact Dr. Kornovich. There are also Work-Study positions available working in the CMLC Administrative Office. See Ms. Avia Alonzo for details (Bobet 312).
You should buy a good dictionary if you do not already have one. There are several from which to choose, so look it over to see how many words are defined, if they give examples after the definitions, and if they indicate special usage (i.e., which country or region uses the word, slang, etc.). Consider also buying a dictionary in the language, which gives the definitions rather than a translation.
If you have a question, ASK US!
CMLC Office—Bobet 312
8:30-4:45 M-F
865-3844