Student Profile
Rachael
McDonald
Kingston, Jamaica
Major: Modern and Classical Language
Minor: Psychology
“Each professor brings his or her touch of culture and language.”
Like many liberal arts college students, Rachael McDonald came to Allegheny
to explore her options. Although she originally intended to become a
doctor, her plans soon changed.
During her first year, Rachael took an introductory Spanish class. Later,
as part of an independent study sponsored by the language department,
Rachael taught Spanish to area third grade children. As a result, she
fell in love with both the language and the department.
Learn more about Rachael here.
Department of Modern and Classical Languages
Foreign language study is widely recognized as both a practical and intellectually stimulating way for students to broaden their knowledge of the world around us, as well as to build a strong foundation of skills in oral and written communication. By exploring other cultures through literature and other media, and by engaging with speakers of other languages, Allegheny students are able to prepare themselves for careers in the increasing global marketplace or for advanced studies in literature or language.
Department faculty teach courses at all levels, from beginning language through advanced literature seminars and independent study. Courses are regularly offered in three major European languages, Chinese, and Latin. Other languages are available through the Center for Language and Culture (see below).
For more information on specific programs, see their web pages: Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Classical Studies.
Majoring and minoring in language
Departmental majors are offered in French, German, and Spanish. A separate International studies major comprises coordinated work in modern languages, political science, economics, and history.
To major in a language, a student must complete 42 semester hours of study beyond the beginning level, including Junior Seminar and a Senior Project. Double majors are encouraged, for example in French and psychology, German and chemistry, or Spanish and political science.
Departmental minors are offered in Chinese, French, German and Spanish, and interdisciplinary minors are offered in French Studies, German Studies, Latin American Studies, Classical Studies, Chinese studies and Asian studies.
Minors in language require 20 credit hours of work, including at least eight credit hours at the 300 level or above.
Non-major language programs
First-year and second-year courses in Chinese and in Latin are offered every year, and may be studied at more advanced levels via independent study arranged through the department. Advanced Chinese can also be studied at Capital Normal University, which is an Allegheny exchange program in China.
In 2006-07 Italian, Arabic, and American Sign Language will be offered through the Center for Language and Culture. Contact the Modern Languages department for more information about these courses.
