Modern Languages

Department Chair - Amy Sellin
Professors - Lourdes M. Carrasco
Assistant Professors - Kathleen Aguilar and Amy Sellin
Visiting Instructors - Ellen Hartsfield

The Department of Modern Languages offers its students thorough training in French, German, and Spanish and also offers courses in Japanese, Latin, and Navajo. Our programs enable students to interact and communicate effectively with native speakers globally, to master learning as inquiry, to realize critical thinking as problem solving, and to be active contributors in their communities and in the world. Our programs offer students the opportunity to achieve high competence in written and spoken French, German, and Spanish; to understand language-specific literatures, histories, and cultures; and to apply this literary, historical, and cultural knowledge in the study of other disciplines.

Students in Modern Languages at Fort Lewis College have a variety of study options. To meet the demands for greater linguistic competency in our increasingly global world, the Department offers the Dual Language major option for Spanish and French or Spanish and German. A number of our students also complete a Student-Constructed Major in French, which usually includes a semester studying abroad in France. (See guidelines for the Student Constructed Majors , or speak to a Modern Languages faculty member for more information.) Also, as a means of preparing our students for professions in Spanish, the Department offers a variety of other major options. Together with the traditional Spanish major, we have interdisciplinary options in Latino Studies, Latin American Studies, and Spanish for Secondary Teachers. In addition, the Spanish Certificate Program offers a comprehensive plan of study to provide students the tools to communicate effectively in Spanish in the business world or in health and social services.

A final important facet of language studies is study abroad. Fort Lewis College students have a wealth of study abroad options available to them. The International Programs Office offers various programs during the academic year, and the Department offers Innovative Month programs during the summer, organized by Modern Languages faculty.

Note: Language auxiliary requirements for other departments may be met with transferred American Sign Language courses. Contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

Guidelines for Granting Credit for Foreign Language Competence

Fort Lewis College has three methods of granting credit for foreign language competence. One method is based upon the transfer of college credits from a regionally accredited college or university. The second method is by examination. A student may pass subject examinations of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB). Also, a student may challenge a foreign language course for credit through the Credit by Examination procedure, provided the challenged course is not more than one step below the student’s present level. Except for transfer credits, credit will be granted for competence in a foreign language only for courses taught at Fort Lewis College.

Further information concerning foreign language competence is available through the Department of Modern Languages.

Professional Certificate in Spanish

A professional certificate in Spanish is available. Please see the certificate coordinator, Kathleen Aguilar, or visit the Modern Languages website for more information:
http://www.fortlewis.edu/departmental_webpages/modern_language/default.asp.

Study Abroad

Several programs in many parts of the world are available to students. For more information contact the International Programs Office or a faculty member of the Department of Modern Languages.