Foreign Languages

There are so many reasons to study a foreign language!

  • Expanding global perspective and increasing understanding of other cultures
  • Enriching travel experiences while at Marymount and in the future
  • Connecting with more people in our own community
  • Strengthening communication skills
  • Becoming more confident about living in an unfamiliar environment and taking risks
  • Increasing flexibility and ability to solve problems
  • Improving focus and cognitive ability to shift between tasks
  • Gaining an advantage in the job market. Employers increasingly want applicants who speak other languages.

It’s never too late! The adult brain still has an amazing ability to learn languages.

Marymount offers minors in French and Spanish. Foreign language courses in French, German, and Spanish are also offered as electives. The introductory-level courses satisfy the Global Perspective component of the University Requirements. (See Global Perspectives section under University Requirements.)

The study of foreign language is an excellent means for understanding other people and cultures, as well as a valuable asset for a growing number of careers in business, industry, and government service. Language courses at Marymount are culturally-based, interactive, and fun! They allow students to build on prior language study – or start a new language – in a way that enriches them as global citizens and is valued by future employers.

Marymount students wishing to continue language study or to study additional languages may do so through Marymount’s membership in The Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area and in synchronous online language courses offered by the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC). Information on scheduling and registering for courses offered by consortium and VFIC members is available from the Marymount Registrar’s Office. See Students Enrolling at Consortium Institutions section for further information concerning Washington consortium and VFIC guidelines.

Normal course scheduling:

Fall

Spring

FR 101: Introductory French I

FR 201: Intermediate French I

FR 305: Topics in French Literature

SP 101: Introductory Spanish I

SP 201: Intermediate Spanish I

SP 303: Spanish Civilization and Culture or 305: Topics in Spanish and Latin American Literature

FR 102: Introductory French II

FR 202: Intermediate French II

FR 303: Contemporary French Civilization

SP 102: Introductory Spanish II

SP 202: Intermediate Spanish II

SP 301: Communicating in Spanish or 303: Spanish Civilization and Culture

Generally, one year of high school language studies is equivalent to one semester of college study. An entering student who has taken 3 years of high school Spanish is usually ready for SP 202; students who are uncertain of their speaking or writing skills are certainly welcome to take a lower level as a review. A student who has completed 4 years of high school study is probably ready for a 300-level class, especially with a score of:

AP

5 on French/Spanish Language

4-5 on French/Spanish Literature

IB

6 or above on French B or Spanish B

CLEP

62 or above on 12 credits in College French or College Spanish

 

If a student is familiar with a language from non-academic contexts, then either 200- or 300-level courses may be appropriate depending on the level of fluency and experience with writing. Please contact the Department of Literature and Languages with any questions.