Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

Professors Emeriti	Joan T. Grimbert; J-M Heimonet; Stefania Lucamante; Mario A. Rojas
Associate Professors	Margaret Ann Kassen, Chair; Daniel García-Donoso; Mario Ortiz; Chelsea Stieber
Clinical Associate Professor	Amanda Sheffer
Clinical Assistant Professors	Cybèle Arnaud; Elena Gutierrez; Kenyse Lyons; Charmaine McMahon; Anastasiya Stoyneva
Clinical Instructors	Valeria Garino; Elizabeth Guthrie; Jennifer Maxwell

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers a Bachelor of Arts major in Spanish for International Service and minors in French and Francophone Studies, German Studies, Italian Studies, and Hispanic Studies. The Department also offers beginning and intermediate-level courses in Modern Standard Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, and Irish (Gaelic), as well as introductory courses in American Sign Language (ASL).

A major in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures provides its graduates with both a specific area of skills and competence and a sense of the relationship between their particular discipline and the large body of knowledge that is the patrimony of liberally educated persons. Majors learn to express themselves clearly and correctly throughout the curriculum, developing and practicing critical thinking and analytical writing. They acquire research and practical work skills, in-depth knowledge of the culture(s) in their target language, and advanced language proficiency. In the final course of the major, the senior seminar, students strengthen their research skills by developing an individual project, writing a research-based paper, and making a public oral presentation of their work. A joint B.A.-M.A. program is available to qualified students in Spanish.

Outcome Goals:

As elaborated in the mission statement of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, a student graduating with a major in Spanish for International Service will be a reflective, compassionate global citizen with an informed sense of moral and intellectual responsibility.

The outcomes for our language and culture major include practical skills, cultural understandings, and the ability to analyze a wide variety of texts both historical and contemporary, thus reflecting a number of the university-wide General Education goals. Graduates will demonstrate:

knowledge of and respect for different cultures and religions.
proficiency in oral and written communication, including argumentative essays, research papers, presentations, and creative and collaborative work employing a variety of media.
facility in critical thinking and reasoned analysis.
an ability to find information effectively using appropriate resources and technologies, critically assess the validity and relevance of that information, and utilize it in ethical and legal ways.

Consult the individual language programs below for further details about the minor in French and Francophone Studies, German Studies, Hispanic Studies, or Italian Studies.

Students taking language courses, and especially students majoring or minoring in one of the programs in the department, are strongly encouraged to add coursework that leads to a Minor or Certificate in one of Catholic University's interdisciplinary programs, such as the Minor in Asian Studies, the Certificate in European Studies, the Minor in Global Migration Studies, the Minor in Irish Studies, the Certificate or Minor in Islamic World Studies, the Certificate or Minor in Latin American and Latino Studies, or the Certificate in Spanish for Healthcare.

For students not majoring in languages, foundational courses in Explorations of Literature, as outlined under the B.A. degree requirements, may be fulfilled by a number of courses offered by the department.

Note: All entering first year students with two years of high school Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, or Spanish who wish to continue in that language are required to take a placement examination. They will not receive any Catholic University credit for courses in that language without placement. The resulting placement will be valid up to one year after the date of the examination. See the Department's Website for more information.

The foreign language requirement for degrees in the School of Arts and Sciences may be fulfilled by satisfactorily completing the intermediate level (103-104) in Modern Standard Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Irish, Italian, or Spanish. In Spanish students may complete the requirement with SPAN 111, for heritage speakers only, or SPAN 113. SPAN 113 (6 credits) is an accelerated intermediate-level equivalent to SPAN 103 - SPAN 104, open by departmental permission only to highly-qualified students. In addition to placement, a prerequisite for continuing enrollment in 102, 103, and 104 is a minimum grade of C- in the previous course in the sequence. For 113, a B- or better is required.

Depending on background or placement, elementary-level language courses may be required to reach the intermediate level. Elementary language courses are numbered 101 and 102; the four-credit French or SPAN 112 is an accelerated elementary-level equivalent to SPAN 101 - SPAN 102, open by placement to students with some previous experience with the language. Elementary language courses 101, 102, and 112 count as free electives only.

Foreign Language Requirement

The foreign language requirement for degrees in the School of Arts and Sciences may be fulfilled by satisfactorily completing the intermediate level (103-104) in Modern Standard Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Irish, Italian, or Spanish. In Spanish students may complete the requirement with SPAN 111, for heritage speakers only, or SPAN 113. SPAN 113 (6 credits) is an accelerated intermediate-level equivalent to 103-104, open by departmental permission only to highly-qualified students. In addition to placement, a prerequisite for continuing enrollment in 102, 103, and 104 is a minimum grade of C- in the previous course in the sequence. For 113, a B- or better is required.

Depending on background or placement, elementary-level language courses may be required to reach the intermediate level. Elementary language courses are numbered 101 and 102; the four-credit FREN 122 or SPAN 112 is an accelerated elementary-level equivalent to 101-102, open by placement to students with some previous experience with the language. Elementary language courses 101, 102, and 112 count as free electives only.

Major Programs

The Department requires that majors spend at least a semester in a country in which the language is spoken in order to increase their language proficiency and to immerse themselves in the culture. All credits earned abroad are eligible for transfer if the student is enrolled in Catholic University-affiliated programs. Students pursuing a minor in one of the programs offered in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and students interested in completing one of the interdisciplinary programs are strongly encouraged to study abroad.

Under special circumstances students may petition for the study abroad requirement to be waived. In these cases the department will consider summer abroad programs, approved cultural immersion experiences, or internships instead.

Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Studies

The requirements for the major can be found at Hispanic Studies - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

The Major in Hispanic Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Spanish-speaking world. It is designed to provide students with a solid background in the cultural and literary history of the Hispanic world. Students combine language, culture, and practical skills courses in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures with a practical immersion experience in a Spanish-speaking country. Students are encouraged to supplement their studies with courses dealing with the Spanish-speaking world in areas such as Anthropology, Art, Drama, History, Media and Communication Studies, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, and Theology and Religious Studies.

Education Abroad

Hispanic Studies Majors are required to spend a semester studying abroad in a Spanish speaking country. All credits earned abroad are eligible for transfer if the student is enrolled in affiliated programs. SPAN 300, SPAN 489, and at least one 400-level content research seminar must be taken at Catholic University. Under special circumstances students may petition that the study abroad requirement be waived. In these cases the department will consider summer abroad programs, approved cultural immersion experiences, or internships instead.

Free Electives and Liberal Arts Courses

Hispanic Studies Majors are strongly advised to complete the course work for either the Certificate in European Studies or the Certificate in Latin American and Latino Studies. Students are also strongly encouraged to add minors or a second major in related disciplines, such as Art, Drama, History, International Business, Media and Communication Studies, Philosophy, or Politics.

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish for International Service

The requirements for the major can be found at Spanish for International Service - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

The Major in Spanish for International Service (SIS) is a pre-professional career-oriented program designed to prepare students for service in government or private agencies and business in Spanish-language related fields. In addition to providing a solid background in the cultural history of Latin America, Spain, and the Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States, the major emphasizes the development of practical skills to prepare students for careers in international service.

Education Abroad

Spanish for International Service Majors are required to spend a semester studying abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. All credits earned abroad are eligible for transfer if the student is enrolled in affiliated programs. SPAN 300, SPAN 302, and SPAN 489 must be taken at Catholic University. Under special circumstances students may petition that the study abroad requirement be waived. In these cases the department will consider summer abroad programs, approved cultural immersion experiences, or internships instead.

Free Electives and Liberal Arts Courses

SIS Majors are strongly advised to complete the course work for either the Certificate in European Studies or the Certificate in Latin American and Latino Studies. Students are also strongly encouraged to add minors or a second major in related disciplines, such as Art, Drama, History, International Business, Media and Communication Studies, Philosophy, or Politics.

Bachelor of Arts in French and Francophone Studies

Admission to the French and Francophone Studies major is currently suspended (French and Francophone Studies - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)). Students who have already declared the major will be able to complete the program.

The Major in French and Francophone Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the French-speaking world. It is designed to provide students with a solid background in the cultural history of France and the Francophone countries. Students combine language, culture, and practical skills courses in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures with a practical immersion experience in a French-speaking country. Students are encouraged to supplement their studies with courses dealing with the Francophone world in areas such as Anthropology, Art, Drama, History, Media and Communication Studies, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, and Sociology.

Education Abroad

French and Francophone Studies Majors are required to spend a semester studying abroad in a French-speaking country. All credits earned abroad are eligible for transfer if the student is enrolled in affiliated programs. FREN 300 and FREN 489 must be taken at Catholic University. Under special circumstances students may petition that the study abroad requirement be waived. In these cases the department will consider summer abroad programs, approved cultural immersion experiences, or internships instead.

Free Electives and Liberal Arts Courses

French and Francophone Studies Majors are strongly advised to complete the course work for the Certificate in European Studies. Students are also strongly encouraged to add minors or a second major in related disciplines, such as Art, Drama, History, International Business, Media and Communication Studies, Philosophy, or Politics.

Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies

Admission to the Italian Studies major is currently suspended (Italian Studies - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)). Students who have already declared the major will be able to complete the program.

This program is designed for students who have a strong interest in Italian culture. The courses in the major give students a wide knowledge of Italian literary and cultural phenomena. The program ranges from introductory surveys through period and genre offerings to seminars treating individual major authors. Italian Studies majors are required to take at least two courses in areas such as fine arts, politics, and history that may help prepare them for successful careers in politics, law, international business, medicine, education, or the arts. Students are required to complete intermediate Italian II (ITAL 104), two advanced language and culture courses (ITAL 203, ITAL 204), the two senior research seminars (488, 489), and 7 electives. Two of these elective courses must be offered by a program other than Italian Studies. At least four (2 plus ITAL 488 and ITAL 489) of the elective courses must be taught in Italian. Students should consult with the Italian advisor before selecting courses in order to determine their individual program of study.

Students enrolled in the Major in Italian Studies are required to study abroad, either in Catholic University's Rome program or in another education abroad program in Italy.

Education Abroad

Italian Studies Majors are required to spend a semester studying abroad in Italy. Students choosing to study in Catholic University’s Rome program are strongly advised to add a second semester in a Catholic University-affiliated program in Italy. All credits earned abroad are eligible for transfer if the student is enrolled in affiliated programs. ITAL 489 must be taken at Catholic University. Under special circumstances students may petition that the study abroad requirement be waived. In these cases the department will consider summer abroad programs, approved cultural immersion experiences, or internships instead.

Free Electives and Liberal Arts Courses

Italian Studies Majors are strongly advised to complete the course work for the Certificate in European Studies. Students are also strongly encouraged to add minors or a second major in related disciplines, such as Art, Drama, History, International Business, Media and Communication Studies, Philosophy, or Politics.

Minor Programs

Minor in French

The requirements for the minor can be found at French - Minor

N.B. Native speakers of French (francophones) may not enroll in any 200-level course in French. Upper-level literature and culture courses as well as 200-level courses in English are open to qualified native speakers with permission from the instructor.

Minor in German Studies

The requirements for the minor can be found at German Studies - Minor

No more than 2 courses taught in English count toward the minor. In consultation with the academic advisor, study abroad courses may be counted toward the minor.

Minor in Italian Studies

The requirements for the minor can be found at Italian Studies - Minor

Students should consult the advisor in Italian concerning combinations of courses. Study abroad courses may also be approved by the advisor.

Minor in Hispanic Studies

The requirements for the minor can be found at Hispanic Studies - Minor

Note: If students place out of any of the language courses, they must take elective courses to fulfill the credits.

No more than two courses in English can count for the minor, with pre-approval of the advisor. Students should consult the advisor in Spanish concerning combinations of courses.

Heritage speakers planning a minor in Spanish should consult with the advisor in Spanish to arrange a sequence of courses adapted to their needs.

Certificate Program

Certificate in Spanish for Health Care

The requirements for the certificate can be found at Spanish for Health Care - Certificate

Program Director: Jennifer Maxwell, Clinical Instructor (maxwellj@cua.edu)

This program is designed for students to gain competence in medical Spanish and cultural awareness to better serve the health needs of the Hispanic community. Following the prerequisite of one semester of Beginning Spanish (or the equivalent), a total of 5 courses are required for the certificate. Depending on placement as determined by the program director, students may begin with SPAN 107, Spanish for Health Care I, SPAN 108 Spanish for Health Care II or SPAN 207 Advanced Spanish for Health Care I. The CUA language requirement is fulfilled by completing SPAN 207. The remainder of the courses for the certificate (5 total) are selected with the director’s approval from the approved list.