Minors in Modern Languages

24.0 quarter credits of language study above the 103 level.

Minors in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish are offered. All beginner and intermediate courses are oral-intensive, with additional hours required in the Language Laboratory. Advanced courses focus on writing skills and do not always require lab work. Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Russian include individual oral examinations at the end of each term.

In Western languages, enrollments are limited to 15 to 18 students in the first three years of study; fourth-year courses use a seminar format, with a usual enrollment of four to eight students. Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian are  taught in a tutorial or "self-instructional" format, with enrollments limited to three to six students. Examinations in these languages are primarily oral and are administered by external examiners appointed by the University. All instructors in Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, and Korean, most instructors in Western languages are native speakers.

Language study is open to all students in the University, and validation of minimal language competence is required for co-operative education placement abroad in countries where English is not the national language. Study for two consecutive terms at or above 201 is the minimum requirement for the BA degree, but additional language course work is required by most departments offering this degree.

Students are placed in language courses in accordance with language placement testing administered during freshman orientation and at the beginning of the fall term. Students who do not take advantage of this option must comply with the department's enrollment guidelines.

Course Descriptions

• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Greek
• Hebrew
• Italian
• Japanese
  
• Korean
  
• Russian
• Spanish

Certification of Proficiency

Drexel offers an advanced-level Certification of Proficiency for students who have successfully completed 24 credits of coursework and passed the series of written Proficiency examinations and an extensive FSI/ACTFL oral examination with at least an FSI "2" or ACTFL "Advanced" rating. Certification is listed on the student transcript. The different Proficiency exams can be taken once the student has satisfactorily passed the Achievement Test. They are also the prerequisite before starting a minor thesis.

Western languages

• 24 credits of language study above the 103 level
• Certification of Proficiency
• Minor thesis in the target language (1.0-4.0 credits possible)
• Oral defense of the minor thesis

 Non-western languages

• 24 credits of language study above the 103 level
• Minor thesis in the target language (1.0-4.0 credits possible)
• Oral defense of the minor thesis

Additional Information

For more information about all language minors, contact the Program Director:
Dr. Simone Schlichting-Artur
215.895.2443
schlichs@drexel.edu