The implementation of learning communities has implications on class size. Currently, department heads control class size insofar as it can be controlled. Upper level classes generally will be smaller. The foreign language requirement has historically been within the humanities. Departments that have never required foreign language of their majors do so to keep from losing students.
Foreign language has a home in the humanities and comparative cultures.
If the foreign language departments want a larger role, they need to offer something different from the basic courses that include culture at the expense of attaining a reasonable competency in the language in a reasonable number of semesters. General education is an inadequate tool for teaching foreign language, as too many credit hours of courses are needed to become functional in a new language. Other opportunities are needed on a campus to make functional language use happen. Allowing upper level courses to waive some general education requirements was discussed. If an upper level course that is a major requirement waives a general education requirement, the student's general education program in essence is shortened by three hours.