Along with a broad-based liberal education in the humanities, the Bachelor of Arts in foreign languages prepares students for careers in which a knowledge of a foreign language, literature, and culture is essential; for graduate study in foreign languages; and for teaching French, German, or Spanish.

The department offers the Bachelor of Arts in foreign languages, with tracks in French, Spanish, and German.

The Department of Foreign Languages also offers courses in foreign literature in English translation and European culture. These courses do not satisfy language requirements or electives.

All VCU students wishing to continue their high school language must take the Foreign Language Placement Test. While credit is not granted by the test, appropriate levels of placement may fulfill certain graduation requirements. Transfer students will receive the credits granted by the institution from which they transfer. Consult specific language requirements for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees.

Foreign language majors interested in teaching early, middle, secondary, or special education can enroll in an Extended Teacher Preparation Program that results in the simultaneous awarding of a bachelor's degree in one of the foreign languages mentioned above and a master's in teaching. For additional information about this program administered jointly by the College of Humanities and Sciences and the School of Education, contact the School of Education' s Office of Academic Affairs.

Language majors are strongly encouraged to take two more years in a second foreign language. The department offers minors in French, German, and Spanish, and courses in Chinese, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, and Russian. The Foreign Language Department also offers courses in the Latin American Studies minor and the Russian Area Studies minor.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Majors or minors in the Foreign Language Department are encouraged to participate in a study-abroad program. These VCU programs for students interested in living and studying abroad during the summer offer students opportunities for short-term immersion in the language, culture, and civilization of the countries they visit. Currently, study-abroad programs through VCU are available to Canada, Guatamala, Spain, and Italy. VCU is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) which offers a junior year abroad at one of 40 universities worldwide.

Minimum Major and Minor Requirements for Transfer Students

Transfer students planning to major in a foreign language must complete a minimum of two 400-level courses within the department. Credit and distribution requirements must be satisfied by all students.

For the minor, course work must include at least two courses at the 300 level or above in the chosen language area.

Minor in French, German, or Spanish

A minor in French, German, or Spanish requires at least 18 credits in the chosen language of study to include 201, 202, or 205 and at least 12 credits at the upper (300-400) level. Students who place above the 200 level must take an additional six credits in the upper-level courses.

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages with a Track in French, German, or Spanish

The degree program requires a minimum of 124 credts, with at least 30 of those credits in upper-level courses in French, German, or Spanish. Along with the general requirements for the B.A. degree, foreign language students in French, German, or Spanish must take these courses from the corresponding track:

301 and 302 Survey of Literature

303 and 304 Advanced Grammar and Writing

306 and 307 Civilization

305 Conversation or 311, Language Through the Media

To complete the major, students select nine hours of course work at the 300 or 400 level, with at least six of those credits at the 400 level.

Transfer students who intend to major in a foreign language must take a minimum of two 400-level courses at VCU in the chosen language area. Both credit and distribution requirements for the major must be satisfied.

Foreign language minors must take at least two 300- or 400-level courses at VCU in the chosen language area.