Modern and Classical Languages Department
Goals
Through its courses in language, literature and civilization, the department of modern and classical languages seeks to develop in all interested students an awareness and appreciation of both Western and non-Western cultures as well as the ability to communicate effectively in the language of their choice. The degree of proficiency sought and the skills to be attained are dependent on the career goals of the individual student. Individualized instruction, plus the opportunity to study abroad, permit qualified students to attain a degree of proficiency while preparing for careers in education, the humanities, science, government, law, business, nursing, interpretation/translation, tourism, hotel and restaurant administration or social welfare.
Programs
The department of modern and classical languages offers four programs leading to the bachelor of arts: French and Spanish in the College of Arts and Sciences; French and Spanish in the College of Education. Students wishing to qualify for a provisional teaching certificate in French or Spanish register in the College of Education. The department offers courses, but not degree programs, in Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Latin, Japanese, Greek and American Sign Language.
Language Placement
All students who wish to enroll in a course in Spanish or French must first complete the language proficiency placement test, which is available online at our department website, www.niagara.edu/fl. Students who have had no previous study of language, and students who wish to study a language other than Spanish or French do not need to take the placement test, and may enroll directly into the 101 level.
Majors
Those students planning to enter professions requiring a high level of fluency may concentrate in one of three areas: language, literature, or language and literature. Such students are urged to spend a semester abroad.
Majors in French or Spanish can be combined either with a minor in another language or in another discipline such as:
- political science;
- business;
- social welfare;
- criminal justice;
- travel, hotel and restaurant administration;
- philosophy;
- history or
- religious studies.
The number of advised electives within the French and Spanish majors permits combining language proficiency with virtually any other discipline. A double major is also possible.
Study-Abroad Program
Niagara University offers students the opportunity to select a one-semester study-abroad program. Qualified students, under the guidance of the study abroad adviser and academic advisors, select the program or course work which best responds to his/her desires and needs. This service is provided for both majors and nonmajors. For further information, refer to page 234.
The NU programs abroad offer a wide choice of courses which are selected according to the students’ interests, preparation and the results of their placement tests.
Most study abroad programs offer language courses at all levels. Students do not need extensive study of language before going abroad. Any student who is interested in spending a summer or a semester abroad should consult the chairperson of the department of modern and classical languages to find the most suitable program.
NU Córdoba, Argentina
www.uccor.edu.ar
Argentina’s second largest city and the region’s early capital, Córdoba is a bustling educational and commercial center set at the foothills of the Sierra Chica mountain range in northern Argentina. Founded as a Jesuit city by Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera in 1573, Córdoba today is recognized as a center for arts and learning in Argentina with its many universities, theaters, and museums.
Córdoba has developed a well deserved reputation as an exciting but relaxed atmosphere for intellectual pursuits. Home to some 130,000 students from across the country, the city of Córdoba is known popularly in Argentina as “La Docta”, from doctorate, because of its rich academic past. The university’s 5,000 students enjoy the convenience of modern classrooms and living space, sports fields and other facilities in an easily accessible campus. The campus is dotted with shady trees and green fields. Its location gives you easy access to shopping, nightlife and public transportation.
NU Mar del Plata, Argentina
Argentina is a diverse country with plenty to see and do. With 47 km of coasts with cliffs, ravines, sand dunes, and beaches, students can find fun or peace and quiet.
The daily life of the international student at FASTA University is centered around three spheres:
- becoming a part of the host family or student group;
- cultivating a social life in Argentina; and
- activity participating in university classes.
NU in Angers, France
There are six levels of courses emphasizing language, conversation, and translation. The students may also choose among courses in business, literature, art history, civilization, political science, history, economics, geography, philosophy, theology and tourism.
They attend courses arranged for foreign students taught by French faculty of the Université Catholique de l’Ouest. Upon completion of the program, the students have the option of taking the examinations for the Diploma of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and the Alliance Française.
NU in Lille, France
https://www.univ-catholille.fr/etudiant-international
The European Summer Program at the Université Catholique de Lille offers courses in French language, intercultural communications, art history, architecture, political science, European economics, literature, film, and science.
Courses are taught in French and in English by the faculty of the Université Catholique de Lille. As a supplement to classroom instruction, the program includes excursions to museums and to places of historic interest in France and Belgium.
NU Alicante, Spain
Alicante, the jewel of the Costa Blanca beaches stretched along the Mediterranean, is a harbor city that is both rich in history and pleasantly relaxed. The city’s long promenades and endless white beaches have long been guarded by the Castle of Santa Barbara on top of the Benacantil Mountain. The culture, architecture, language and people have all been shaped by the traders and conquerors — Phoenicians, Greeks, Roman and Arabs — who left their imprint on this axis of trading routes over the centuries.
The kilometers of beaches, the civil and architectural legacy of the historic quarter, and the varied cuisine of the area are the main reasons Alicante is a major tourist destination for Spaniards. The city is also alive at night and during traditional regional holiday periods, like the Moorish and Christian festivities and the papier-mâché bonfires on the Night of San Juan in late June.
NU in Seville, Spain
Organized for foreign students and supervised by a Seville-based director, the program offers courses in language, literature, history, civilization, art history, social structure, economics, political science, and Spanish dance.
The students may also take courses at the University of Seville or carry out independent investigation projects under the supervision of the faculty of the Center for Cross-Cultural Studies.
NU in Santiago de Chile
The Universidad de Santo Tomas is among the best universities in Santiago de Chile, the capital of the country. NU students can go to Chile during the spring semester or during the summer. A great variety of classes are available in all majors. Students from NU studying in Chile will have an adviser to supervise their needs in academic matters, particularly in the improvement of their skills in the Spanish language. At the end of their semester in Chile, NU students will also be able to visit the University’s affiliate campus in Argentina for a tour of Mar del Plata and the surrounding area.
NU in Monterrey, Mexico
The Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) was founded by a group of Mexican business-people whose goal was to train highly qualified professionals in fields critical to Mexico’s economic development. In addition to programs in the Spanish language, ITESM offers courses in commerce, communications, information technology, science, economics, hotel and tourism, international relations, political science, and literature.
Additional language study abroad opportunities are available through the following programs:
Courses
Please note: All courses above the 300-level are taught exclusively in the target language.