Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
French/Spanish, BA
What Is the Study of French/Spanish?
In keeping with the aim of providing the skills needed to learn about a culture in depth, the department trains in two areas: language structure and literary analysis. Language structure is taught both holistically and analytically. Holistic language learning is facilitated by modern methods and multimedia technology, as well as study abroad opportunities. The department supports the analytical instruction of language skills courses, as well as a significant number of courses in Linguistics. Literary analysis is essential to a student’s understanding of the highest achievements in aesthetic expression of a culture’s values. The department provides instruction in history and culture, as well as literary theory, with an end to enabling the student to gain access to the intellectual life in the culture. The department imparts skills to future foreign language teachers so that they may similarly enable high school students to begin the acquisition of foreign languages.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
The Department of Modern and Classical Languages provides students the skills to learn firsthand about major world societies. The department believes that the best way to understand a culture directly is through its language. The modern languages offered in the department are spoken natively by nearly two billion people. The multifaceted programs of the department provide an opening to the world through language, literature, culture and civilization. It is a meeting place for true diversity.
How to Declare:
Make an appointment with the French and Spanish advisors.
When meeting with an advisor, you should bring:
- An “Official Declaration of Undergraduate Major” form (available at the Department Office)
- An unofficial WWU transcript
- Documentation for courses taken at other colleges or universities
- Documentation for any study-abroad credits earned
Students seeking admission to the French/Spanish major must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of SPAN 203 with a “B” or better (transfer students must meet the same requirement for any course accepted as an equivalent to SPAN 203).
- Complete at least one Spanish course at Western.
- Submit application (available from Spanish advisor or department office).
- Students meeting qualifications but not admitted because of space limitations may reapply.
Coursework
- 45 credits at the 200 level or above in a first language, 45 credits at the 200 level or above in a second language (90 credits total)
- Student must successfully complete the most advanced skills course in both languages (must be taken on campus) as well as at least one course per language in culture, literature, and phonetics; limit of 15 credits at 200 level per language
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- BCOM: FREN 201; SPAN 201
- HUM: FREN 202, 203, 301, 302; SPAN 202, 203, 301, 302
Note: To fulfill the HUM requirement, courses must be from at least two departments.
Sample Careers
- Interpreter
- Foreign Correspondent
- Foreign Service Officer
- FBI Agent
- Educator
- Linguist
- Travel Writer
- All careers involving communication
Department
Contact
Modern and Classical Languages Department Office
MH 223, 360-650-3918
French Advisor
Dr. Edward Ousselin
MH 216A
360-650-2092
Edward.Ousselin@wwu.edu
Spanish Advisor
Shaw Gynan
MH 215A
Shaw.Gynan@wwu.edu