Department/Program:
Modern Languages
Language Concentrations**
French, German, Japanese, Spanish
**Other language concentrations as approved by the Department Chair.
The Department of Modern Languages at Nebraska Wesleyan University prepares students to engage in a diverse and changing world through the study of languages, literatures and cultures. Recognizing that the study of language is central to the experience of a liberal arts education, the Department of Modern Languages serves the entire student body through the Archway Curriculum and its Major and Minor programs. At every level, students develop skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing, equipping them to communicate with global competence.
Modern Language Studies at NWU:
The study of language and cultures is central to the humanities and vital to students as they prepare for professional careers in a globally interconnected society. The Department of Modern Languages offers a broad curriculum with courses in language, culture and literature, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration with departments and programs across the university and through study abroad opportunities.
The Modern Language Studies Major and Modern Language Literacy Minor encourage students to delve deeply into language and cultural study. Beginning with a focus on literacy by developing skills to read, write, and communicate effectively in the language of concentration, our majors and minors study in disciplines that are complementary to language learning, such as History, Linguistics, Political Science, Communication Studies, and Anthropology, as well as studying multiple languages. By approaching language and cultural studies through an interdisciplinary lens, our goal is to cultivate educated speakers of foreign languages with translingual and transcultural competence.
Placement Testing: Students with prior language study may qualify for placement at advanced levels through testing results and/or other criteria that the department determines relevant. Native speakers and heritage speakers should consult with the Department Chair regarding appropriate placement in Modern Language courses.
Retroactive Credit: Students who begin their college language study at NWU beyond Stage 3 (2010) of a language, either as a result of testing or upon consultation with the Chair, and who complete a course at that level with a grade of "B" or better, may earn up to 8 hours of retroactive credit for Stage 3 (2010) and Stage 4 (2020). Students who have previously taken a beginning level of a college language (Stage 1 and/or Stage 2) are not eligible for this retroactive credit. In no case may one complete a major with fewer than 12 credit hours in language study earned in residence within the department or complete a minor with fewer than 4 credit hours in language study earned in residence within the department.