Modern Foreign Languages Minor

Advisors: https://www.jmu.edu/languages/lang-coordinators.shtml
Phone: (540) 568-6904
Website: https://www.jmu.edu/academics/undergraduate/minors/modern-foreign-languages.shtml

The minor in modern foreign languages is designed for students in any major who wish to expand their critical understanding of the language and culture of a particular country or region. Students gain skills in cross-cultural competence as they explore the language, material and intangible cultures, history, traditions, film, literature, and social practices of non-English-speaking nations. The minor seeks to provide students with the critical and analytical skills necessary to reflect upon and appreciate these cultures and societies and to encourage students to think on a more global level. The minor provides a deeper understanding of cross-cultural perspectives, increases a student’s ability to act as a citizen of the world, and expands the range of professional opportunities open to them. The minor is designed to be flexible and to encourage students to explore interdisciplinary connections in International Affairs, International Business, Anthropology, History, Health Sciences, Justice Studies, and other academic fields.

A minor in a modern foreign language consists of the specified upper-division courses in a specific language.

Arabic

Language Foundations: 9 Credit Hours

Choose three courses from the following list.

ARAB 300. Language for Living Credits: 3.00
ARAB 301. Pop Culture through Language Credits: 3.00
ARAB 307. A History of Islamicate Civilization 600-1600 A.D. Credits: 3.00
ARAB 308. Contemporary Islamicate Civilization Credits: 3.00
ARAB 320. Culture and Communication in Context Credits: 3.00
ARAB 322. Language Landscapes Credits: 3.00

Electives: 9 Credit Hours

Choose three additional courses from the list above or other ARAB, LING, or WLC elective courses related to Arabic language and/or culture (two can be in English).

Total: 18 Credit Hours

Chinese

Language Foundations: 9 Credit Hours

Choose three courses from the following list.

CHIN 300. Language for Living Credits: 3.00
CHIN 301. Pop Culture through Language Credits: 3.00
CHIN 307. Chinese Culture and Civilization Credits: 3.00
CHIN 320. Culture and Communication in Context Credits: 3.00
CHIN 322. Language Landscapes Credits: 3.00

Electives: 9 Credit Hours

Choose three additional courses from the list above or other CHIN, LING, or WLC elective courses related to Chinese language and/or culture (two can be in English).

Total: 18 Credit Hours

French

Language Foundations: 9 Credit Hours

Choose three courses from the following list.

FR 300. Language for Living Credits: 3.00
FR 301. Pop Culture through Language Credits: 3.00
FR 307. History of French Culture and Society Credits: 3.00
FR 308. Contemporary History and Culture in the Francophone World Credits: 3.00
FR 320. Culture and Communication in Context Credits: 3.00
FR 322. Language Landscapes Credits: 3.00

Electives: 9 Credit Hours

Choose three additional courses from the list above or other FR, LING, or WLC elective courses related to French language and/or culture (two can be in English).

Total: 18 Credit Hours

German

Language Foundations: 9 Credit Hours

Choose three courses from the following list.

GER 300. Language for Living Credits: 3.00
GER 301. Pop Culture through Language Credits: 3.00
GER 307. History of German Culture and Society Credits: 3.00
GER 308. Contemporary German Culture and Society Credits: 3.00
GER 320. Culture and Communication in Context Credits: 3.00
GER 322. Language Landscapes Credits: 3.00

Electives: 9 Credit Hours

Choose three additional courses from the list above or other GER, LING, or WLC elective courses related to German language and/or culture (two can be in English).

Total: 18 Credit Hours

Italian

Language Foundations: 9 Credit Hours

Choose three courses from the following list.

ITAL 300. Language for Living Credits: 3.00
ITAL 320. Culture and Communication in Context Credits: 3.00
ITAL 301. Pop Culture through Language Credits: 3.00
ITAL 307. History of Italian Culture and Society Credits: 3.00
ITAL 308. Contemporary Italian History and Culture Credits: 3.00
ITAL 322. Language Landscapes Credits: 3.00

Electives: 9 Credit Hours

Choose three additional courses from the list above or other ITAL, LING, or WLC elective courses related to Italian language and/or culture (two can be in English).

Total: 18 Credit Hours

Russian

Language Foundations: 9 Credit Hours

Choose three courses from the following list.

RUS 300. Language for Living Credits: 3.00
RUS 301. Pop Culture through Language Credits: 3.00
RUS 308. Introduction to Russian Culture Credits: 3.00
RUS 320. Culture and Communication in Context Credits: 3.00
RUS 322. Language Landscapes Credits: 3.00

Electives: 9 Credit Hours

Choose three additional courses from the list above or other RUS, LING, or WLC elective courses related to Russian language and/or culture (two can be in English).

Total: 18 Credit Hours

Spanish

Courses

SPAN 300. Language for Living Credits: 3.00
SPAN 320. Culture and Communication in Context Credits: 3.00
or
SPAN 321. Oral and Written Communication (for Heritage Speakers) Credits: 3.00
SPAN 335. A Journey through Literature Credits: 3.00
Three other 300 or 400-level SPAN courses 9 Credit Hours