The integration of multimedia in the first year language curriculum, for example, provides for a common immersion experience. Students of all modern languages undertake the shared tasks of oral work coupled with listening comprehension and reading in the context of culture. This linguistic and cultural fluency also reinforces the common goal of all modern languages of facilitating study abroad. Many students of modern languages have also demonstrated an abiding interest in International Studies. The International Studies major requires students to study at least three years of a modern language and strongly encourages students to incorporate a significant study abroad experience into their curricula.
Students are prepared for a variety of academic, business, and professional careers.
Special attention is given to the central importance of modern language study in this age of global awareness and economic interdependence. Thus, students who wish to pursue traditional language teaching careers at the high school and university levels will find continued encouragement to become language majors. As we become increasingly international in outlook and are faced with the need to intensify our efforts to communicate and interact with other cultures, language majors find themselves in a strong position to make significant contributions in a variety of fields. Majors are advised to pursue language courses until their proficiency assures successful work in the literary field. They are expected to acquire a general knowledge of the literature and civilization of the chosen language.