Modern Languages
The Modern Languages program offers undergraduate degrees with emphasis in secondary language teaching as an option. Students may also complete minors in German, French, or Asian Studies. The Modern Languages undergraduate programs offer students the opportunity to acquire the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing, and to study the culture and literature of the country or countries where the languages are spoken.
Since a high level of proficiency is necessary for most careers in the field of modern languages, our classes are taught primarily in the target language and are performance-oriented. Conversational abilities are stressed at all levels. A number of advanced level skill-building courses are offered to promote the greatest fluency.
In addition to courses required for the majors and minors, Modern Languages offers a variety of courses that satisfy the requirements of UNC's Liberal Arts Core. Beginning and intermediate courses are available in Chinese, Japanese, French, and German, as well as a selection of culture courses taught in English.
Extracurricular programs and activities are offered as an extension of our conventional classroom program. Conversation hours are regularly held at various locations on or near campus, giving students the opportunity to practice their foreign language. There are also several very active student clubs open to all interested parties.
To enhance acquisition of cultural and linguistic skills and to better prepare our students for their lives as global citizens, Modern Languages offers a diverse range of exchange programs in China, Taiwan, Canada, Germany, and France that provide any UNC student, including majors and minors the opportunity to develop their linguistic and cultural expertise in the country of their choice. Summer study abroad opportunities are also offered in French, German, and Chinese.
By applying critical thinking skills at all levels of language learning, foreign language students develop familiarity with contemporary global issues, knowledge of civilization and culture, and a competence for reading and interpreting in their chosen language of study. The study of foreign languages helps students develop functional proficiency in the language, cultural competence, and an understanding of content in other disciplines through the language. Further, this study provides insight into students' own language and culture, and facilitates the use of linguistic and cultural knowledge beyond the classroom. Foreign language majors may further their studies by pursuing a graduate program in their discipline. They may also choose to combine their language studies with a study of education, business, political science, international studies, history, and fine arts, to mention a few Graduates work in careers in international relations, law, education, public policy, social services, health professions, business, publishing, and the arts. Faculty encourage and assist students in arranging foreign study opportunities. Participation in study abroad programs reinforces and strengthens language acquisition, and heightens cultural awareness and appreciation. The program's extracurricular activities encourage cultural consciousness and communication skills while developing leadership, organizational, and promotional abilities. Participation is optional. Activities include regularly scheduled conversation hours, language immersion weekends, Foreign Language Day, and Foreign Language Clubs.
French Liberal Arts Emphasis
The French Liberal Arts Major stresses communicative language learning that recognizes language acquisition as a dynamic process of discovery in which students develop the ability to use the French language for specific communication purposes. This skill-using approach is obtained through content-based instruction at all levels and is complemented by authentic audio visual and textual materials. Optional participation in extracurricular programs and activities which include immersion weekends and conversation circles (Bavardage) further enhance functional proficiency.
German Liberal Arts Emphasis
The German Liberal Arts Major stresses communicative language learning that recognizes language acquisition as a dynamic process of discovery in which students develop the ability to use the German language for specific communication purposes. This skill-using approach is obtained through content based instruction at all levels and is complemented by authentic audio-visual and textual materials. Optional participation in extracurricular programs and activities which include immersion weekends and conversation circles (Stammtisch) further enhance functional proficiency.
French Secondary Teaching Emphasis
German Secondary Teaching Emphasis
Foreign Language B.A. — PTEP
A 2.5 grade point average is required before students may seek approval for full admission to the Secondary Processional Teacher Education Program and to be recommended for teacher licensure.
Student must meet all requirements for the Secondary Professional Teacher Education Program as described in this Catalog, including STEP 363, Clinical Experience (3 credit hours) to be taken concurrently with the Methods courses, FL 341.
In order to obtain approval for a student teaching assignment, a French or German teaching major must have obtained a grade of (3.0) or better in FL 341 and have successfully passed the program oral proficiency exam. (Consult advisor).
Teaching skills are developed through advising and consultation with program faculty, through FL 341 and through the courses in the Secondary Professional Teacher Education Program (PTEP).
In order to be recommended for teacher licensure, a 2.5 grade point average is required at the completion of the program in those courses that count toward the major and that were taken at UNC.
For degree and program requirements, see: