Modern Languages and Cultures Department
Why Study Modern Languages and Cultures at Fisher?
The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures prepares students to participate in today's global society. The international market requires diversity, cultural awareness, and linguistic facility. Many students choose a language major or minor to prepare for work in fields including domestic and international business, government, historical and medical research, computer science, as well as teaching and translation.
We are here to help you:
- Learn another language
- Enhance your career choices in the competitive global market
- Increase your sensitivity to multiculturalism
- Prepare to fulfill the needs of a world-wide community.
Fisher's language program encourages active, personal use of the language in all skill areas. Students benefit from the high level of participation possible in a small-group environment. The program emphasizes critical awareness of cultural variations and issues in world civilizations and global regions. Our students are introduced to cultural and literary analysis and research using primary texts, secondary literature and computerized data resources. A special feature at Fisher is the extensive Foreign Study program which enables juniors or seniors to choose from a variety of countries and career-oriented programs where the language is spoken to enhance their linguistic and cultural learning.
Degree Programs
Major programs are available in French and Spanish. German and Italian are offered only as minors with additional coursework offered in cooperation with the Foreign Language Department of Nazareth College. Our cooperative arrangement with Nazareth College also permits cross-enrollment in the language programs of the two institutions to include study of Chinese, Japanese and Russian.
For those students who have not attained reading proficiency in a foreign language, Literature in Translation courses provide the opportunity to explore non-Anglo-American traditions in cinema, literature, and culture.
Personalized Attention
The department has an excellent record in preparing students for graduate study and/or career placement. We work towards three goals: active language usage, cultural awareness and critical analysis. Through individualized attention to every student, we foster active, personal use of the target language in all courses. We develop students' understanding of cultural development and diversity in areas where languages other than English are spoken. We provide rigorous training in critical analytical skills which transcend North American perspectives.
