Modern Languages and Literatures - Requirements

Language Core Requirements

Core requirements may be fulfilled by successfully completing two semesters at the intermediate level of any language listed among the offerings of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.

Core mission statement

The study of languages is a key element in working and learning across cultures and geographical boundaries. Language in the Core Curriculum focuses on the acquisition of the skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing, though the emphasis varies according to the chosen language. Students in core language study acquire knowledge about other cultures, literatures, and historical periods. It is expected that students will use the skills and knowledge acquired in language courses in practical and intellectual pursuits.

Through their study of foreign languages, students will:

  • Be able to read a passage of moderate difficulty in their chosen language and be able to communicate with a native speaker
  • Learn grammatical and syntactical rules which will facilitate oral and written expression in the language
  • Become acquainted with the life, customs, and cultural traditions where the language is spoken


Requirements

French Major

French majors elect a minimum of 24 upper-division credits in French (i.e., eight three-credit courses at the 200 and 300 level). Students select their course of study from a variety of offerings including courses on composition and conversation, creative writing, France's culture, francophone culture, literature, film. Students may select one course, taught in English, which counts towards the major, with the approval of their advisor. French majors also have the opportunity to apply for internships that count towards the major. Students are encouraged to study abroad in France or in a francophone country either during the junior year or in the summer. The final course for the French major must be taken at Fairfield University.

All majors are urged to work closely, as soon as possible, with an advisor of their choice to plan a program.

French Minor

Students seeking a minor in French complete 15 credits in the language beyond the intermediate 210 level. Students select their courses in consultation with a departmental advisor.

Special credit notes:

FR 211 with a grade of B+ or better counts towards the minor.

German Major

German majors elect a minimum of 24 upper-division credits in German (i.e., eight three credit courses at the 200 and 300 level). Students select their course of study from a variety of offerings including courses on composition and conversation, German culture, and literature. Students may select one course, taught in English, which counts towards the major, with the approval of their advisor. Students also have the opportunity to apply for internships that count towards the major. German majors also are encouraged to study abroad in Germany with Fairfield's Baden-Wurttemberg exchange program either during the junior year or in the summer. The final course for the German major must be taken at Fairfield University.

German Minor

Students seeking a minor in German complete 15 credits in the language beyond the intermediate (210) level. Students select their courses with a departmental advisor.

Special credit notes:

GM 211 with a grade of B+ or better counts towards the minor and major.

Italian Major

Italian majors elect a minimum of 24 upper-division credits in Italian (i.e., eight three-credit courses at the 200 and 300 level). Students select their course of study from a variety of offerings including courses on composition and conversation, creative writing, contemporary culture and film, the short story, literature of the New World, and Dante (which is offered in translation; majors are encouraged to do their written work in Italian). In addition, students may select one course, taught in English, which counts towards the major. Those courses examine the Italian American experience, Rome in the cultural imagination, and Italian cinema. Italian majors also have the opportunity to apply for internships that count towards the major. Students are encouraged to study abroad at our affiliates in Siracusa, Sicily, or Florence either during the junior year or in the summer. The final course for the Italian major must be taken at Fairfield University.

All majors are urged to work closely, as soon as possible, with an advisor of their choice to plan a program.

Italian Minor

Students seeking a minor in Italian complete 15 credits in the language beyond the intermediate 210 level. Students select their courses in consultation with a departmental advisor.

Special credit notes:

IT 211 with a grade of B+ or better counts towards the minor in Italian.

Spanish Major

A total of 30 credits is required for the Spanish major. Students who wish to major in Spanish must complete ten courses at the 200-300 level.

The required courses for the major are in the following order:

  • SP 221 Composition
  • SP 222 Conversation
  • SP 245 Analysis and Interpretation of Hispanic Literature (prerequisite for all advanced Literature courses. This course may be taken at Fairfield University or abroad.)
  • SP 251 Spanish Civilization and Culture and/or SP 253 Spanish-American Civilization and Culture
  • SP 381 Exit Research Study. Students must take this course during their senior year.
  • Electives to reach 30 credits

Some requirements may be waived with permission of the Chair of the department.

Notes:

  • SP 221 and SP 222 are prerequisites for all subsequent Spanish classes.
  • Native and Heritage speakers are not allowed to take SP 222 (Conversation). They will still need to take 10 classes to reach 30 credits, however.
  • SP 245 is a prerequisite for all advanced literature courses. (This course may be taken at Fairfield University or abroad.)
  • Once all prerequisites have been fulfilled (SP 221, SP 222, SP 245), all other requirements (SP 251, SP 253) and electives can be taken at any time with the exception of SP 381, which must be taken in the spring semester of the senior year.
  • Study Abroad: Students are encouraged to study abroad in a Spanish speaking country. In order to have courses taken abroad count toward the Spanish major or minor two conditions must be met: 1) the courses are taught entirely in Spanish; and 2) the content is related to some aspect of Latin American or Spanish culture, history, politics, or literature.

Spanish Minor

Students who wish to minor in Spanish must complete five courses (15 credits) at the 200-300 level.

The required courses are:

  • SP 221 Composition
  • SP 222 Conversation (Native and Heritage speakers are ineligible and therefore exempt from taking this course.)
  • SP 245 Analysis and Interpretation of Hispanic Literature (prerequisite for all advanced Literature. This course may be taken at Fairfield University or abroad.)
  • SP 251 Spanish Civilization and Culture or SP 253 Spanish-American Civilization and Culture
  • Any elective

Some requirements may be waived with permission of the Chair of the department.

Notes:

  • SP 221 and SP 222 are prerequisites for all subsequent Spanish classes.
  • Native and Heritage speakers are not allowed to take SP 222 (Conversation). They will still need to take five classes to reach 15 credits.
  • Once all prerequisites have been fulfilled (SP 221, SP 222, SP 245), all other requirements (SP 251 or SP 253) and an elective can be taken at any time.
  • Study abroad: Students are encouraged to study abroad in a Spanish speaking country. For courses taken abroad to count toward the Spanish major or minor two conditions must be met: 1) the courses are taught entirely in Spanish; and 2) the content is related to some aspect of Latin American or Spanish culture, history, politics or literature.