Changes are afoot in the department of modern and classical languages. Students interested in majoring in a foreign language will find the department has combined its undergraduate degree programs into one major—Bachelor of Science in Modern Language. The changes, which only affect those entering the program after Summer 2014, reflect a more career-oriented path, moving away from a literature- and culture-based focus, said department head Dr. Jason Jolley.
Students continue to choose language path
Jolley reassures that students will continue to major in one language, be it Spanish, French, German or Chinese (when the classes are available), and for added flexibility, students then choose between a non-comprehensive or comprehensive track.
According to the FAQ page on the department website, each track requires that all BSML majors complete a 39-hour language core, 33 of which in a single language, but they differ in the following ways:
BSML (Comprehensive) – No minor required. Instead, students complete one of the four pre-defined options designed to complement their language study:
- Second Language and Culture
- Translation
- Applied Business
- Teacher Certification
BSML (Non-comprehensive) – Minor required. Students not interested in one of the pre-defined options offered under the Comprehensive degree should choose this program, which requires them to complete a minor or a second major.
Tailor-made degree to fit career goals
Jolley said because there is no longer a list of required courses, students will work closely with advisors to shape their educational experience, fitting their career aspirations with courses offered throughout the department and making transfer credits easier to integrate. Those interested in literature- and cultural-based study can still find courses to accommodate, and students seeking teacher certification in language can tailor a comprehensive track to do so.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all program anymore,” he said. “We still have courses in Spanish American and Peninsular, for example in the Spanish program. We’ve also added translation and business Spanish. Soon we’ll be adding medical Spanish.”
For more information, go to the modern and classical languages website, contact an advisor at MCL@missouristate.edu or 417-836-5122, or visit the MCL office at Siceluff Hall, room 223.