Department Overview
The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures offers two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in French and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. The Bachelor of Arts in French concentrates on the study of language and the diverse cultures, literature and history of Francophone countries and regions. The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish explores the diversity of Spanish cultures and includes the study of language, literature, and history of the Spanish-speaking world in the Americas and Spain. Both degrees seek to advance proficiency in all linguistic skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing combined with the development of multicultural awareness through the analysis of literary and non-literary texts. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in service and community-based learning as well as internship and study abroad programs in order to strengthen language proficiency and reinforce the multicultural dimensions of human experience.
Foreign language acquisition and the study of diverse cultures and histories are an important means to developing the capacity to think and act globally in an ever-changing, internationally connected world. Language skills also help make connections that lead to sounder critical thinking and clearer insight into one’s own language. The combination of a foreign language degree with another major or minor is a good choice for students interested in combining advanced knowledge of foreign languages with study of other fields leading to expanded employment opportunities. Proficiency in a foreign language and awareness of different cultures are valuable assets in many majors and careers, including health care, education, international relations, international business and banking, journalism and mass communication, government, justice studies and law.
Student Employment/Tutoring
The Language Department offers opportunities for students to serve as tutors to offer personal assistance to fellow students. These students also assist with Language Department special events and productions.
Internships
Academic internships offer language students the opportunity to engage in experiential education by integrating knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional setting. Language students participating in academic internships work very closely with business and education environments, volunteer for non profits at home and abroad, work as translators and/or interpreters for International health organizations, etc. Find out about academic internship opportunities in languages by contacting the
Academic Internship Program.
Service and Community-Based Learning
In order to strengthen language proficiency and reinforce multicultural experiences, language students are encouraged to interact with target language speakers in the community by participating in service and community-based learning. In cooperation with the Regis College Center for Service Learning, the Language Department offers its students opportunities to engage in direct and/or community-based service learning. Options include, among others, participation in the Community-Based Spanish/English Exhange Program (CB-SEEP) where students visit the home of a Spanish family for two hours once a week during the semester; working with the English as a Second Language B&G Custodial/Regis Partnership Program; volunteering as teachers' helpers in local schools; volunteering in after school programs; etc.
Find out about Service learning opportunities by visiting the
Center for Service Learning.
Study Abroad
The Language Department strongly encourages students to study abroad to build language skills and to immerse in different cultures. Students have a wide variety of options to study abroad. They have a choice of different locations, housing options, and subject areas. Learn how you can begin your experience abroad by visiting the Office of Study Abroad.