Globalization has created the need for fluency in a language other than English. A second language is an asset not just for those planning to live and work abroad, it is a necessity for those who want to deal effectively with an increasingly diverse and multi-cultural population here in the United States.
Canisius offers majors in French, German and Spanish. Instruction is also available in American Sign Language, Arabic, Italian, Polish, and Greek and Latin (through the Classics program). The curriculum is designed to teach the student to speak, understand, read and write, emphasizing communication in a cultural context. Classroom work is enriched with a weekly session in our new state-of-the-art language lab. Faculty members use authentic materials and the Internet to enhance students' understanding of current events and issues related to the language they are studying. They strive to give students a comprehensive grasp of the structure of language, and to instill an understanding and appreciation of the culture, history, literature and diversity of other peoples. In all, the department seeks to provide the student with the skills and intellectual background necessary to communicate effectively with people inside and outside the United States in order to play an active role in today's interdependent world. Modern language majors often complete a second major to expand their career opportunities. Common second majors include international relations, psychology, communication studies and education.
Learning another language is an important key to learning about another culture, and knowing other languages and understanding other cultures can only be an asset professionally, socially and culturally.
Admission to a Modern Language Major
Students planning to major in French, German or Spanish are accepted only after completing the 215-216 series in the respective language of interest. In addition, students must obtain the permission of the department chair to receive official approval of their major. Admission to the language-education and dual-major programs is governed by the same procedures.
Dual majors
Many modern language students add a second major, such as international business, political science, international relations, European studies or education, among others.
Modern Language Curriculum (for Dual Majors):
| Credits | ||||
| 1. | ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101(4 courses) | (12) | ||
| 2. | Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: I, II, IV, V, VI, VII1 (12 courses) |
(36) | ||
| 3. | Major course requirements: (10 courses) | (30) | ||
| FRC/GER/SPA 215-216 Intermediate French/German/Spanish | ||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 323 Topics in Conversation I | ||||
| AND | ||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 299 | ||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 324 Topics in Conversation II | ||||
| AND FRC/GER Culture | ||||
| FRC/GER 299 OR |
||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 331 Substance and Style I | ||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 332 Substance and Style II | ||||
| FRC/GER Major electives (4 courses) | ||||
| 4. | SECOND major and FREE electives: (14 courses) | (42) | ||
| Total | (40 courses) | (120) | ||
Recommended Schedule for Dual Major:
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | |||
| Freshman Year | ||||||
| ENG 101 | 3 | ENG 102 | 3 | |||
| FRC/GER/SPA 215 | 3 | FRC/GER/SPA 216 | 3 | |||
| AS | 3 | RST 101 | 3 | |||
| AS | 3 | AS | 3 | |||
| AS | 3 | AS | 3 | |||
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 | |||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| PHI 101 | 3 | AS | 3 | |||
| FRC/GER/SPA 323 | 4 | FRC/GER/SPA 324 | 4 or 3 | |||
| FRC/GER/SPA 299 Other Major or free elective |
3 | FRC/GER/SPA 299 | ||||
| AS | 3 | AS | 3 | |||
| AS | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| Total | 16 | Total | 15-16 | |||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 331 | 1 | FRC/GER/SPA 332 | 1 | |||
| FRC/GER/SPA elective | 3 | FRC/GER/SPA elective | 3 | |||
| AS | 3 | FRC/GER/SPA AS | 3 | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| 3 | 3 | |||||
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 | |||
| Senior Year | ||||||
| FRC/GER/SPA elective | 3 | FRC/GER/SPA elective | 3 | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 | Other Major or free elective | 3 | |||
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 | |||
| Total | 121-122 |
Dual majors in French, German or Spanish and another department must complete FRC/GER/SPA 215-216, 323-324, 331-332 plus four French, German or Spanish electives. Dual majors in two languages must complete FRC/GER/SPA 215-216, 323-324 and 331-332 in both languages plus four electives in their primary language and two electives in their secondary language. Native speakers of French, German and Spanish may be allowed to replace one or more of the required 300-level courses with a 300- or 400-level major elective, upon consultation with their departmental advisor. Second language proficiency is required ONLY for graduate-track majors, although it is strongly advised for language-education majors.