Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

We offer courses in the leading languages of the world today: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

Language learning is part of Fairfield University's core requirements, and because foreign languages are fundamental to a comprehensive education, we strongly recommend that you continue with your language studies.

The Language Core Requirement consists of two semesters at the intermediate level of any language listed among the offerings of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures OR four semesters when study begins at the elementary language level.

Why is foreign language study vital to your education?

• Foreign languages lie at the very heart of a liberal arts education and should always be considered regardless of your area of concentration.
• Language study fosters understanding and respect for the perspectives, practices and accomplishments of other cultures.
• Language study on campus and abroad is enjoyable and intellectually transforming. It prepares you for rewarding social and professional involvements in our increasingly global world.
• Foreign Languages and Literatures are critical to the programs in International Studies, Asian Studies, Italian Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Russian and East European Studies, and Women's Studies.
• Proficiency in a foreign language will enhance your studies and complement most disciplines, including International Studies and International Business, Finance, Marketing, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Music, Art History, Theatre, New Media, Communication, etc.

The Department offers majors and minors in French, German, Italian and Spanish. You are also strongly encouraged to study abroad as such an experience will positively influence your personal, professional and academic life.

Other benefits of our program:

• Activities beyond the classroom (films, language tables, guest lecturers)
• Internship opportunities in your language of study
• Fulbright Awards Mentoring
• Alpha Mu Gamma Foreign Language Honor Society
• Expanding programs in Arabic and Chinese
• Hebrew: contact the Program in Judaic Studies at (203) 254-4000 ext. 2065, 2066 or send an e-mail to Dr. Ellen Umansky, Director, at eumansky@mail.fairfield.edu

Majors: Majors select a single language in which to concentrate. They will elect a minimum of 24 upper-division credits in the language of concentration (30 credits are required for Spanish majors), i.e., eight (ten for Spanish), three-credit courses at the 200 and 300 level. These courses will typically include: four courses in literature, one in composition, one in conversation, and one in culture, which can be waived in favor of summer study abroad or Junior Year Abroad (both of which the Department encourages): the final course(s) may be selected from any of the above areas. The study of a second or third language is encouraged. All majors are urged to work closely, as soon as possible, with an advisor of their choice to plan a program.

Minors: A minor in Modern Languages and Literatures is 15 credits in a single language beyond the intermediate (210-211) level, at the selection of the student and in consultation with a departmental advisor.