This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.uta.edu/.

Modern Languages - Undergraduate Programs


The Department of Modern Languages (MODL) offers courses in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.

MODL offers a Bachelor of Arts in French Global Studies, Spanish for Global Competence, Spanish Translation and Interpreting, and a Bachelor of Arts with major in Critical Languages and International Studies (Chinese, German, Korean, and Russian), as well as minors in certificate programs in Translation (French), Translation (Spanish), Interpreting (Spanish), Spanish for the Professions, Spanish for Global Health and Human Services, Spanish Linguistics, and Localization and Translation (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Korean, Russian, and Spanish). At the graduate level, MODL offers a Master of Arts in Modern Languages with concentrations in French or Spanish. The department also offers minors in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Korean, Russian, Spanish for Global Competence, Spanish Translation, Spanish Interpreting, Spanish Linguistics, and Localization and Translation, as well as area studies and other options.

Learning other languages has always formed a critical part of a well-rounded education. In today's global economy, the ability to communicate in languages other than one's own has become an increasingly valuable asset sought after by employers across the public and private sectors. Our substantive programs prepare students for success in an increasingly interconnected world, in fields such as the language services industry—interpreting, localization, and translation; education; research; writing, publishing, and the media; health, legal, and social services; business; government; international relations; the cultural heritage sector—museums, libraries, and archives.

The goal of language study is to develop deep translingual and transcultural competence. In view of these aims, MODL provides a full range of language offerings from beginning to advanced courses in a variety of world languages. In addition to development in the four basic language skills -- speaking, listening, reading, and writing -- a major aim is to gain understanding of the diversity of human culture as represented in several of the world's languages, literatures, and other cultural media.

Ultimately, these aims contribute to the development of well-rounded and well-informed 21st-century global citizens who are not only able to communicate and interact with others locally, nationally, and internationally, but who are also able to reflect on the world and themselves through the lens of other languages and cultures.

Criteria for Admission to a Major in the Department of Modern Languages

In addition to satisfying the entrance requirements for the College of Liberal Arts, prospective majors in the Department of Modern Languages must meet the following criteria:

  • A 3.0 GPA is required in the 1441-2314 Modern Language sequence, or a grade of B on the Modern Language placement test, or approval of the departmental advisor.
  • After admission to the Modern Language major, students must maintain a 2.00 GPA in major classes.

Accelerated Language Program

Students with no previous experience or courses in a modern language may choose to begin by enrolling in one of our Accelerated Programs, i.e. completing Levels I and II (8 credit hours) of a language in one semester, or Levels III and IV (6 credit hours) in one semester.

These classes may not be offered every semester. Check with the Department of Modern Languages for available courses.

Students are cautioned to take these courses prior to their senior year because of the possibility of enrollment limitations.

Language Acquisition Center

The Department of Modern Languages maintains a fully equipped computer lab on the third floor of Trimble Hall, the Language Acquisition Center (LAC). The LAC has an extensive collection of analog and digital media for student use, as well as course-related software and self-study software.

Credit by Examination and Placement Tests

Spanish, French, and German. Students with one year of background in the language they will study are strongly recommended to take an advanced placement examination for placement at the appropriate level. Students wishing to earn credit by examination for any of the first four (1441, 1442, 2313, 2314) levels of French, German, or Spanish must present an official score received on one of two nationally administered examinations recognized by the department:

  1. Advanced Placement Examination (AP) of the College Board, or
  2. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Board.

Chinese. Students wishing to earn credit by examination for any of the first four (1441, 1442, 2313, 2314) levels of Chinese must present an official score received on Advanced Placement Examination (AP) of the College Board.

At UT Arlington the CLEP examinations will be administered by Testing Services of University College on dates to be announced. Native or heritage speakers in the French, German, or Spanish program must take either the AP or CLEP exam, as described above.

American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian. Non-native speakers with previous exposure to these languages who intend to enroll in these courses at UT Arlington may be eligible to take a placement test at the discretion of the department. Native or heritage speakers intending to major or minor in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, or Russian must take the appropriate placement test.

Placement tests for American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, and Russian are administered on site in the Department of Modern Languages and are not offered by Testing Services. For more information, contact the Department of Modern Languages. Testing fees may apply.

Advanced Standing Exam Policy 

The Advanced Standing Exam (ASE) is a departmental exam designed to test proficiency in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, or Russian. Non-native speakers with previous exposure to these languages who intend to enroll in language courses at UT Arlington,may be eligible to take the ASE at the discretion of the department. Native or heritage speakers intending to major or minor in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, or Russian must take the ASE.

Each exam will test receptive and productive skills, e.g. listening, reading, writing, and speaking for spoken languages; expressive and receptive skills for American Sign Language. Emphasis is placed on (oral) proficiency; mastery of grammar and sentence structure; and comprehension of cultural topics. There is a required administration fee, to be paid to UTA.

The credits received through the ASE may only be applied to UTA transcripts if the following conditions are met: 1) the examinee enrolls in the next appropriate language class in the sequence at UTA and remains enrolled in the class after Census Day, and 2) the administration fee is paid before the last semester prior to graduation.

To take the ASE, the examinee must contact the appropriate Language Coordinator to set up an appointment to take the exam. The ASE will not be administered to Seniors in their last semester at UTA. Advanced registration for the ASE is required. Students are encouraged to take the exam before the end of their junior year to have time to take the next language class and have their credits posted in time for graduation application reviews. The ASE will grant credit up to intermediate level II (2314).

Study Abroad

Students should give serious consideration to the unique learning experience of studying abroad. Students wishing to study for a summer, a semester, or a year may obtain UT Arlington credit, continue with their financial aid, and receive scholarship aid to attend any UT Arlington-approved program for Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Korean, Russian, or Spanish.

Summer Study: The department offers several opportunities for gaining credit while studying abroad. Regular programs are offered which provide opportunities for summer study in various countries, including China, France, Germany, Mexico, and Russia. All arrangements must be made through the department.

Competence in Computer Use

Students majoring in French, Spanish for Global Competence, Spanish Translation and Interpreting, or Critical Languages and International Studies may demonstrate competency in computer use by:

  • passing CSE 1301 (or equivalent); or
  • passing any 1441, 1442, 2313 or 2314 CHIN, FREN, GERM, KORE, RUSS or SPAN course(s) in residence at UT Arlington; or
  • passing the University computer competency examination; or
  • passing any other course approved by the Undergraduate Assembly for this purpose.

Competence in Oral Presentations

Students majoring in French, Spanish for Global Competence, Spanish Translation and Interpreting, or Critical Languages and International Studies may demonstrate competence in oral presentations by one of the following:

ARABIC CONVERSATION & CULTURE
CHINESE CONVERSATION
PHONOLOGY & PRONUNCIATION
ADVANCED FRENCH CONVERSATION
TOPICS IN GERMAN CULTURE & CONVERSATION
KOREAN CONVERSATION AND CULTURE I
CONVERSATION AND TOPICS IN RUSSIAN CULTURE
ADVANCED SPANISH CONVERSATION
LATIN AMERICAN CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION
FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
VOICE AND DICTION
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION (or equivalent)
  • Or passing any other course approved by the Undergraduate Assembly for this purpose

Critical Cultures Summer Institute

The Critical Cultures Summer Institute (CCSI) highlights a different, less commonly taught cultural area of the globe each summer, providing up to 9 credits of upper-division coursework, along with GLOBAL 2301, the anchor course of UTA's Critical Languages and International Studies (CLIS) major.

GLOBAL 2301 will provide an introduction to global studies and couple with GLOBAL 3301 and GLOBAL 3302 in such areas as language and civilization, film, media, or other subjects of global study. An introductory class in Localization and Translation will also be offered under the aegis of the Summer Institute as GLOBAL 3310. GLOBAL 3301, 3302, and 3310 will fulfill three of the four international studies courses required for the BA in Critical Languages and International Studies. GLOBAL 2301 is also a requirement for the degree. GLOBAL 2301 and GLOBAL 3301 will be offered during Summer Session I, and GLOBAL 3302 and 3310 will be offered during Summer Session II. Students at any level of language study may take these courses.


Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French Global Studies, Spanish for Global Competence, Spanish Translation and Interpreting, and Critical Languages & International Studies

General Core Requirements

Student Success Requirement: UNIV 1101 or UNIV 1131

Major

GLOBAL 2301

1441, 1442, 2313, 2314, or equivalent; plus 27 hours at 3000/4000 level in the major language field, at least nine of which must be at the 4000 level. Of these 27 hours, specific course requirements by language are listed below.

Electives

Sufficient number of hours to complete the total hours required for a degree.

Total

120 hours, at least 36 of which must be 3000/4000 level.

Bachelor of Arts in French Global Studies

BEGINNING FRENCH I
BEGINNING FRENCH II
INTERMEDIATE FRENCH I
INTERMEDIATE FRENCH II
or equivalent; plus 27 hours at 3000/4000 level in French, at least nine of which must be at the 4000 level. Of these 27 hours, specific course requirements by language are listed below:

All French majors must take FREN 3312 , FREN 3304 and either FREN 3300 or FREN 3303

  • For Native or Heritage speakers: An appropriate substitute for FREN 3304 and either FREN 3300 or  FREN 3303 will be selected in consultation with an advisor.

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish for Global Competence

BEGINNING SPANISH I
BEGINNING SPANISH II
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH II
OR
INTERM SPAN HERITAGE SPEAKERS
or equivalent; plus 27 hours at 3000/4000 level in Spanish, at least nine of which must be at the 4000 level. Of these 27 hours, specific course requirements by language are listed below:

All Spanish majors must take SPAN 3315 and SPAN 3316

  • For Non-heritage speakers: SPAN 3314
  • For Native or Heritage speakers: SPAN 3305. Native or heritage speakers of a language may not enroll in courses below 3000, with the exception of SPAN 2315.

Bachelor of Arts in Critical Languages and International Studies

GLOBAL 2301 as well as 15 advanced hours in the chosen language and 12 hours in international studies from the 3 categories: International Issues (Business, Ethics, and Sustainability), Humanities (Culture, History, and Literature), Socio-Cultural Perspectives (Social, Political, and Cultural Studies). See advisor for a complete listing of relevant courses.

All students who wish to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Critical Languages and International Studies must complete the following coursework in language and allied fields:

Select one of the following languages:
Chinese
BEGINNING CHINESE I
BEGINNING CHINESE II
INTERMEDIATE CHINESE I
INTERMEDIATE CHINESE II
German
BEGINNING GERMAN I
BEGINNING GERMAN II
INTERMEDIATE GERMAN I
INTERMEDIATE GERMAN II
Korean
BEGINNING KOREAN I
BEGINNING KOREAN II
INTERMEDIATE KOREAN I
INTERMEDIATE KOREAN II
Russian
BEGINNING RUSSIAN I
BEGINNING RUSSIAN II
INTERMEDIATE RUSSIAN I
INTERMEDIATE RUSSIAN II

Students in German can choose between two different tracks:

Track A (Global):

Course Requirements:

  • Five 3000 or 4000 level courses in German including GERM 3313 and GERM 3316
  • Four 3000 or 4000 level courses in International Studies (see above)

Track B (Professional Track):

Course Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Translation and Interpreting

All Spanish Translation and Interpreting majors must take:
BEGINNING SPANISH I
BEGINNING SPANISH II
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH II
OR
INTERM SPAN HERITAGE SPEAKERS
For Non-Heritage Speakers
ADVANCED SPANISH GRAMMAR
For Heritage Speakers
ADVANCED SPANISH FOR HERITAGE SPEAKERS
For All Students
SPANISH COMPOSITION
SPAN 3316SPANISH LANGUAGE STUDY3
INTRODUCTION TO TRANSLATION
SPAN 3341INTRODUCTION TO INTERPRETING3
BUSINESS AND LEGAL TRANSLATION
TRANSLATION IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS
SPAN 4343INTERPRETING IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS3
SPAN 4344INTERPRETING IN LEGAL SETTINGS3
SPAN 3316SPANISH LANGUAGE STUDY3

Non-Heritage Speakers are strongly recommended to take SPAN 3303 before enrolling in SPAN 3341

Options

The following options may be selected, but courses listed under options do not substitute for courses specified by number in the basic degree plan above.

Fast Track Program in Modern Languages

The Fast Track Program allows outstanding undergraduate students in French or Spanish at UT Arlington to take up to three graduate seminars in Spanish or French that will earn credit toward both the Bachelor's degree and the Master's degree in Modern Languages. It is designed to encourage high standards of performance, to facilitate the transition from undergraduate to graduate study, and to reduce time needed to complete the MA . Interested undergraduate students should apply for the Fast Track Program when they are within 30 hours of completing the Bachelor's degree. To qualify, students must have completed at least 30 hours at UTA with a GPA of 3.0 in all courses and 3.25 in the last 30 hours. Before entering the Fast Track, students must also have completed the four required core courses in the French or Spanish major with a GPA of at least 3.50. Additionally, they must have already completed at least two additional 3000-4000 level courses in either French or Spanish, excluding International Business and/or translation courses, with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Students who successfully complete the Fast Track Program will be admitted automatically to the Graduate School to continue their graduate work in the Modern Languages MA Program once the Bachelor's degree is awarded. They will not be required to take the GRE, complete an additional application for admission to the Graduate School, supply letters of recommendation, or pay an application fee. An undergraduate student completing the maximum of nine graduate hours would be admitted to the Modern Languages MA Program with only five additional courses and a thesis remaining to complete the requirements for the thesis option.

To remain in the Fast Track Program, students must receive no grade lower than a B in any graduate seminars taken as an undergraduate, selected with the advice and approval of the Modern Languages Graduate Advisor. Undergraduate students who do not maintain grades of B or A in the graduate courses taken will be unable to continue in the Fast Track Program but, if the courses are completed passing, will still receive credit toward their undergraduate degree requirements. Students originally denied entry into the Fast Track Program, discontinued after provisional admission, subsequently dropped or opting out are still welcome to apply to the Modern Languages MA Program in the usual way and will be considered without prejudice.

For an application form or to obtain more details about this program, contact the Modern Languages Graduate Advisor.

BBA in International Business/Modern Language

In cooperation with the Department of Modern Languages, the School of Business Administration offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with dual concentrations in international business and a modern language. The BBA in International Business offers concentrations in Chinese, French, German, Korean, Russian, or Spanish. In addition to 26 hours in a modern language with an additional six hours of modern language electives highly recommended, students in this program get a solid foundation in business courses, including accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, and information systems. Students are encouraged to include six hours of degree specific language electives.


Requirements for a Minor in Arabic, Chinese, German, Korean, and Russian

A minor consists of 19 semester hours (excluding 1441 Language Level I), at least nine of which must be 3000/4000 level including six credit hours taught in the target language.

Requirements for a Minor in French Global Studies, Spanish for Global Competence, Spanish Translation, and Spanish Interpreting

A minor consists of 19 semester hours (excluding 1441 Language Level I),  at least nine of which must be 3000/4000 level.

  • For a minor in Spanish Translation students need to take the 3 following courses:

SPAN 3340, SPAN 4341, and SPAN 4342

  • For a minor in Spanish Interpreting students need to take the 3 following courses:

SPAN 3341,  SPAN 4343, and SPAN 4344

  • The following courses do not count towards the Minor in French Global Studies:

  FREN 3320, FREN 3321, FREN 3345, and FREN 3346

Minor in Spanish for Global Health and Human Services

Students interested in receiving theoretical and practical training in Spanish for Global Health and Human Services are eligible to apply to the Department of Modern Languages for this 18-hour minor, which will prepare them to work with Spanish-speaking clients and in Spanish-language contexts. 

The Minor in Spanish for Global Health and Human Services will provide students with the skills, both linguistic and cross-cultural, that will enable them to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients, understand the differences between the U.S. and Hispanic healthcare systems and beliefs, and comprehend and produce written and oral texts in Spanish in the fields of healthcare and human services.

Required courses:

1. Spanish language and culture courses (9 credits)

a. Choose one:

SPAN 2300

SPAN 2310

SPAN 3312

SPAN 3316

b. Choose one:

SPAN 2314

SPAN 2315

c. Choose one:

SPAN 3305

SPAN 3314

2. Specialized courses in Spanish (6 credits)

a. Required:

SPAN 3308

b. Choose one:

SPAN 4312

SPAN 4336

SPAN 4342

SPAN 4343

3. Interdisciplinary course (3 credits)

Students must complete one (1) three-hour interdisciplinary course in the fields of Anthropology, Communication, Disability Studies, Kinesiology, Medical Humanities, Nursing, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, or Social Work, etc. See advisor for a complete listing of relevant courses.

Minor in Spanish Linguistics

Requirements for a Minor in Spanish Linguistics:

The Minor in Spanish Linguistics includes foundational courses that provide students with a solid background in the core areas of Spanish linguistics, as well as elective options at the 4000 level that allow students to tailor their program of study to meet their interests and academic and professional goals. Students will learn about modern linguistic theory and the application of those theories to teaching, research, translation and interpreting, as well as other professions in the healthcare, business, and government sectors.  The minor consists of 18 semester hours.  

For a minor in Spanish Linguistics students need to take the following courses:  

Prerequisite courses: SPAN 2313, and SPAN 2314 or SPAN 2315. Upper-division courses: SPAN 3305 or SPAN 3314, SPAN 3316, and any two of the following: SPAN 4316, SPAN 4330, SPAN 4332 or SPAN 4339.

Minor in Mexican Culture

The Minor in Mexican Culture includes foundational courses that provide students with a solid background in the core areas of Mexican culture, as well as elective options at the 4000 level that allow students to tailor their program of study to meet their interests and academic and professional goals. Students will learn about some of the most important characteristics of Mexican culture (literature, comics, film, food, art, music, popular culture, literary journalism, feminism, Colonial documents and texts, the study and conservation of endangered Mexican indigenous languages, etc.), and the relations between cultural production and the society, and the application of that knowledge to teaching, research, translation and interpreting, as well as other professions in the healthcare, business, and government sectors. The minor consists of 18 semester hours.  

For a Minor in Mexican Culture students need to take the following courses:  

The Mexican Culture Certificate program will consist of the following courses for a total of 18 semester credit hours: Required courses: SPAN 2313, and SPAN 2314 or SPAN 2315Prescribed Elective Courses: Any 2 of the following courses: SPAN 3304, SPAN 3317, SPAN 3318, and SPAN 4318Elective Courses: Any 2 of the following courses: SPAN 3312, SPAN 3313, SPAN 4313, SPAN 4315, SPAN 4332, and SPAN 4334.

Minor in Localization and Translation with options in Arabic, Chinese, French German, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Dual-Language 

Students pursuing the minor in localization and translation study the processes of localization and develop specialized skills in translation for future employment in the language services industry. Localization adapts language, texts, products, software and websites to the locale for which they are intended. By using specialized computer-assisted translation workflow software and simulating a collaborative work environment, students become conversant with the tools and procedures required for twenty-first century localization and translation work. Extensive practice in translating a variety of oral and written documents in the target language provides the skills to work in business, non-profit, and academic contexts. Three required translation and localization courses and two upper-level elective courses comprise the minorIt is strongly recommended that students take ARAB 3310, CHIN 3310, FREN 3320, GERM 3310, KORE 3310, RUSS 3310, or SPAN 3310 prior to taking ARAB 3345, CHIN 3345, FREN 3345, GERM 3345, KORE 3345, RUSS 3345, or SPAN 3345.   

The minor consists of the following courses, including ARAB, CHIN, FREN, GERM, KORE, RUSS 2314, SPAN 2314 (or SPAN 2315 for heritage speakers) which must be completed with the grade of B or better. 

     

      Arabic Option (18 hours)

  • ARAB 2314                                                    
  • ARAB 3310                              
  • ARAB 3311                       
  • ARAB 3345                        
  • ARAB 3XXX or 4XXX               Upper-level Elective
  • ARAB 3XXX or 4XXX               Upper-level Elective

Chinese Option (18 hours)

  • CHIN 2314                              
  • CHIN 3310                            
  • CHIN 3311                              
  • CHIN 3345                            
  • CHIN 3XXX or 4XXX                Upper-level Elective
  • CHIN 3XXX or 4XXX                Upper-level Elective

French Option (18 hours)

  • FREN 2314                            
  • FREN 3320*                             
  • FREN 3321*                        
  • FREN 3345*                          
  • FREN 3XXX or 4XXX               Upper-level Elective
  • FREN 3XXX or 4XXX               Upper-level Elective

*These courses cannot be applied toward the minor in French

German Option (18 hours)

  • GERM 2314                            
  • GERM 3310 or GERM 4334    
  • GERM 3311 or GERM 4335    
  • GERM 3345                             
  • GERM 3XXX or 4XXX              Upper-level Elective
  • GERM 3XXX or 4XXX              Upper-level Elective

Korean Option (18 hours)

  • KORE 2314                             
  • KORE 3310                             
  • KORE 3311                         
  • KORE 3345                            
  • KORE 3XXX or 4XXX              Upper-level Elective
  • KORE 3XXX or 4XXX              Upper-level Elective

Russian Option (18 hours)

  • RUSS 2314                           
  • RUSS 3310 or RUSS 4334    
  • RUSS 3311 or RUSS 4335     
  • RUSS 3345                           
  • RUSS  3XXX or 4XXX              Upper-level Elective
  • RUSS  3XXX or 4XXX              Upper-level Elective

Spanish Option (18 hours)

  • SPAN 2314 or SPAN 2315   
  • SPAN 3310                            
  • SPAN 3321                             
  • SPAN 3345                             
  • SPAN 3XXX or 4XXX               Upper-level Elective
  • SPAN 3XXX or 4XXX               Upper-level Elective

Minor in Localization and Translation with a Dual Language Option (24 hours)

The minor with the dual language option consists of two localization/translation courses and two upper-level language courses in each language, as follows:

One Localization and Translation I Course in Language 1: (3 hours)

One Localization and Translation II Course in Language 1: (3 hours)

One Introduction to Computer-Assisted Translation Course in Language 2: (3 hours)

One Localization and Translation II Course in Language 2: (3 hours)

Four Additional Upper-Level Courses (Two in Each Language) Are Also Required.  (12 hours)

  • Students may select from:

  • Arabic (two 3000 or 4000 level courses)
  • Chinese (two 3000 or 4000 level courses)
  • French (two 3000 or 4000 level courses)
  • German (two 3000 or 4000 level courses)
  • Korean (two 3000 or 4000 level courses)
  • Russian (two 3000 or 4000 level courses)
  • Spanish (two 3000 or 4000 level courses)

Minor in Modern Language Teaching

The Minor in Modern Language Teaching provides foundational academic and professional preparation for students interested in teaching modern languages, as well as a framework for students wishing to pursue alternative certification after graduation. The program includes language and culture courses at the intermediate and advanced levels, as well as foreign language pedagogy courses. These are complemented by an internship component that provides hands-on training to pre-service teacher candidates.

Required courses:

1. Prerequisite Course (3 credits)

Choose one of the following:

ARAB 2314

CHIN 2314

FREN 2314

GERM 2314

KORE 2314

RUSS 2314

SPAN 2314 or SPAN 2315

2. Upper-division language and culture courses (6 credits):

Choose two of the following (in the same language prefix):

ARAB 3303 or ARAB 3304; ARAB 3305; ARAB 3312

CHIN 3303; CHIN 3304; CHIN 3305

FREN 3303; FREN 3304; FREN 3305; FREN 3312

GERM 3312; GERM 3313; GERM 3316; GERM 3318

KORE 3303; KORE 3304; KORE 3305

RUSS 3304; RUSS 3333

SPAN 3303; SPAN 3305 or SPAN 3314; SPAN 3311 or SPAN 3312; SPAN 3315

3. Pedagogy, Methods, or Second Language Acquisition (3 credits):

Choose one of the following:
MODL 4305
MODL 4340
MODL 4339, FREN 4339, GERM 4339, or SPAN 4339

4. EDUC 2302 (3 credits)

5. Internship (3 credits):

Choose one of the following:

ARAB 4393
CHIN 4393
FREN 4393
GERM 4393
KORE 4393
MODL 4393
RUSS 4393
SPAN 4393


Certificate in Spanish Translation

Students interested in receiving theoretical and practical training in Spanish-English and English-Spanish translation are eligible to apply to the Department of Modern Languages for this 15-hour certificate program in translation and translation theory. Topics to be covered by coursework in the Certificate Program include medical, business, technical, scientific, legal, and literary translation. To be admitted to the program, students must demonstrate writing proficiency in both Spanish and English. Students should also have completed SPAN 3305 or SPAN 3314, and SPAN 3315, or have consent of the department. Once in the program, students begin by taking SPAN 3340. After completing this class with a grade of B or better, students must take SPAN 4341 and SPAN 4342.SPAN 3340, 4341 and 4342 cannot be applied toward the B.A. in Spanish for Global Competence. To receive the certificate, students are also required to pass an Exit Examination in translation. In order to be eligible to take the Exit Examination, students must pass SPAN 4341 and 4342 with a grade of C or better. The Exit Examination in translation may only be taken once.

Certificate in Spanish Interpreting

Students interested in receiving theoretical and practical training in Spanish-English and English-Spanish interpreting are eligible to apply to the Department of Modern Languages for this 15-hour certificate program in interpreting. Topics to be covered by coursework in the Certificate Program include interpreting in school, legal and medical settings. To enter the program, students must demonstrate oral proficiency in both Spanish and English. Students should also have completed SPAN 3305 or SPAN 3314.Taking  SPAN 3303 (Advanced Spanish Conversation for Non-heritage speakers) before SPAN 3341 is highly recommended for Non-heritage speakers. Once in the program, students begin by taking SPAN 3341 (Introduction to Interpreting). After completing this class with a grade of B or better, students must take SPAN 4343 (Interpreting in Medical Settings) and SPAN 4344 (Interpreting in Legal Settings).SPAN 3341, 4343 and 4344 cannot be applied toward the B.A. in Spanish to Global Competence. To receive the certificate, students are also required to pass an Exit Examination in interpreting. In order to be eligible to take the Exit Examination, students must pass SPAN 4343 and 4344 with a grade of C or better. The Exit Examination in interpreting may only be taken once.

Certificate in Spanish for the Professions

Students interested in receiving theoretical and practical training in Spanish for the Professions are eligible to apply to the Department of Modern Languages for this 15-hour certificate program, which will prepare them to work with Spanish-speaking individuals and in Spanish-language contexts. Topics to be covered by coursework in the Certificate Program include Spanish for law enforcement, social services, education, medical professions, business,  communications; Hispanic culture; and intercultural competence.

Required courses:

  • SPAN 3309 Spanish for the Professions
  • SPAN 3314 Advanced Spanish Grammar or SPAN 3305 Advanced Spanish for Heritage Speakers
  • SPAN 3315 Composition Through Literature
  • Two (2) 4000-level courses from the following:
  • SPAN 4312 Intercultural Competence for Global Communication
  • SPAN 4334 Contemporary Hispanic Culture
  • SPAN 4335 Business Spanish
  • SPAN 4336 Topics in Spanish for the Professions

Certificate in Spanish for Global Health and Human Services

Students interested in receiving theoretical and practical training in Spanish for Global Health and Human Services are eligible to apply to the Department of Modern Languages for this 15-hour certificate program, which will prepare them to work with Spanish-speaking clients and in Spanish-language contexts. 

The Certificate in Spanish for Global Health and Human Services will provide students with the skills, both linguistic and cross-cultural, that will enable them to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients, understand the differences between the U.S. and Hispanic healthcare systems and beliefs, and comprehend and produce written and oral texts in Spanish in the fields of healthcare and human services.

Required courses:

1. Spanish language courses (6 credits)

a. Choose one:

SPAN 2314

SPAN 2315

b. Choose one:

SPAN 3305

SPAN 3314

2. Specialized courses in Spanish (6 credits)

a. Required: 

SPAN 3308

b. Choose one:

SPAN 3309

SPAN 4312

SPAN 4336

SPAN 4342

SPAN 4343

3. Interdisciplinary course (3 credits)

Students must complete one (1) three-hour interdisciplinary course in the fields of Anthropology, Communication, Disability Studies, Kinesiology, Medical Humanities, Nursing, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, or Social Work, etc. See advisor for a complete listing of relevant courses.

Certificate in Spanish Linguistics

Requirements for a Certificate in Spanish Linguistics

The Spanish Linguistics Certificate program will consist of the following courses for a total of 15 semester credit hours: Prerequisite courses: SPAN 2313, and SPAN 2314 or SPAN 2315. Upper-division courses: SPAN 3305 or SPAN 3314, SPAN 3316 and any one of the following Spanish Linguistics courses at the 4000 level: SPAN 4316, SPAN 4330, SPAN 4332 or SPAN 4339.

Certificate in Mexican Culture

The Certificate in Mexican Culture includes foundational courses that provide students with a solid background in the core areas of Mexican culture, as well as elective options at the 4000 level that allow students to tailor their program of study to meet their interests and academic and professional goals. Students will learn about some of the most important characteristics of Mexican culture (literature, comics, film, food, art, music, popular culture, literary journalism, feminism, Colonial documents and texts, the study and conservation of endangered Mexican indigenous languages, etc.), and the relations between cultural production and the society, and the application of that knowledge to teaching, research, translation and interpreting, as well as other professions in the healthcare, business, and government sectors. The certificate consists of 15 semester hours.  

Requirements for a Certificate in Mexican Culture

The Mexican Culture Certificate program will consist of the following courses for a total of 15 semester credit hours: Required courses: SPAN 2313, and SPAN 2314 or SPAN 2315Prescribed Elective Courses: Any 2 of the following courses: SPAN 3304, SPAN 3317, SPAN 3318, and SPAN 4318Elective Courses: Any 1 of the following courses: SPAN 3312, SPAN 3313, SPAN 4313, SPAN 4315, SPAN 4332, and SPAN 4334.

Certificate in French Translation

The 15-credit hour Certificate in French Translation meets the increasing demands of local, national, and international organizations for professionals who can address the challenges of modern multicultural societies. The program is designed for students that have an interest in pursuing careers in translation, localization, business, marketing, human resources, health care, law, and linguistics. The certificate gives students conceptual tools and hands-on practice for written translation. The 15-credit hour undergraduate Certificate in French Translation will include: FREN 3320FREN 4314FREN 4335FREN 4341, and FREN 4342. Relevant special topics courses can be substituted with the approval of the advisor in consultation with the Section Head of French. A Certificate in French Translation would be awarded upon successful completion of the program and demonstration of excellence by successfully presenting a Portfolio.

Certificate in Localization and Translation with options in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Dual-Language

 In this five-course certificate program students study the processes of localization and develop specialized skills in translation for future employment in the language services industry. Localization adapts language, texts, products, software and websites to the locale for which they are intended. By using specialized computer-assisted translation workflow software and simulating a collaborative work environment, students become conversant with the tools and procedures required for twenty-first century localization and translation work. Extensive practice in translating a variety of oral and written documents in the target language provides the skills to work in business, non-profit, and academic situations.  

 In order to enter the program, students must receive a grade of B in ARAB 2314, CHIN 2314, FREN 2314, GERM 2314, KORE 2314, RUSS 2314, or SPAN 2314/SPAN 2315. Students wishing to pursue the dual language option must receive a grade of B in level 2314/2315 for both the selected languages.   

Three required translation and localization courses (ARAB/CHIN/GERM/KORE//RUSS 3310, 3311, FREN 3320, 3321, SPAN 3310, 3321 and ARAB/CHIN/FREN/GERM/KORE/RUSS/SPAN 3345) and two culture courses comprise the certificate.ARAB 3310, CHIN 3310, FREN 3320, GERM 3310, KORE 3310, RUSS 3310, and SPAN 3310 are strongly recommended before taking ARAB 3345, CHIN 3345, FREN 3345, GERM 3345, KORE 3345, RUSS 3345, or SPAN 3345

  • Students in Arabic

o ARAB 3310, ARAB 3311, and ARAB 3345
o Two ARAB 3000 or 4000- level courses

  •  Students in Chinese  

o CHIN 3310, CHIN 3311, and CHIN 3345 
o Two CHIN 3000 or 4000- level courses

  • Students in French

o FREN 3320, FREN 3321, and FREN 3345 
o Two FREN 3000 or 4000- level courses

  •  Students in German 

o GERM 3310 or GERM 4334, GERM 3311 or GERM 4335, and GERM 3345
o Two GERM 3000 or 4000- level courses

  • Students in Korean 

o KORE 3310 or KORE 4334, KORE 3311 or KORE 4335, and KORE 3345
o Two KORE 3000 or 4000- level courses

  • Students in Russian 

o RUSS 3310 or RUSS 4334, RUSS 3311 or RUSS 4335, and RUSS 3345
o Two RUSS 3000 or 4000- level courses

  • Students in Spanish 

o SPAN 3310, SPAN 3321 and SPAN 3345
o Two SPAN 3000 or 4000- level courses

Certificate in Localization and Translation Dual Language Option

Students seeking the certificate in localization and translation with a dual language option must take nine courses according to the following plan: