World Languages and Cultures

A large percentage of University of Scranton foreign language and international language/business majors have found employment in areas directly related to their majors. Others are pursuing graduate studies in Uruguay, South America and Belgium, as well as at Montclair State University, Dickinson School of Law, New York University, St. Joseph's University, Rutgers University, and George Washington University.

Knowledge of world languages is essential in today's global society. Through the study of world languages, you'll gain access to the cultures of foreign nations, develop a greater appreciation for cultural diversity and acquire a deeper understanding of our common humanity. Employment opportunities for students who speak and understand a language other than English in areas such as banking, journalism, international business, law, sales, marketing and management are excellent.

Planning for College

The University of Scranton encourages a strong college preparatory program in high school with a minimum of four years of English, three years of mathematics, social science and science, and at least two years of a foreign language with additional units taken in acceptable academic areas. In addition to taking as many foreign language classes as you can in high school, you should also consider courses in international politics and world history.

World Languages at The University of Scranton

You have a number of options when it comes to world languages at The University of Scranton. First, you may choose to major directly in French, German or Spanish. You'll learn to read, write, speak and comprehend one or more world languages and to acquire knowledge of the literary tradition by reading representative foreign authors. You'll also gain insight into the culture and civilization of foreign peoples as reflected in their literature. You can also expand your knowledge of world languages by taking courses in Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Russian.

Second, you may opt to major in international language/business, a professionally-oriented program whose purpose is to make language study a more career-structured discipline by providing you with the opportunity to acquire a liberal education while, at the same time, taking courses specially relevant to the business enterprise. The course work required in this concentration opens you to the challenges of a business environment by emphasizing the use of analytical tools in managerial decision-making. All foreign language and international language/business majors are strongly encouraged to spend a semester or year in a country where the language they study is spoken.

Third, you may choose to major in classical languages, which gives you a solid foundation in Latin and Greek and a further appreciation of the liberal aspects of classical studies. If you elect to major in the classics, you are encouraged to study abroad at Loyola University's Rome Center of Liberal Arts in your junior year, an extremely popular program which will enhance your educational experience.

Outcomes

A large percentage of University of Scranton foreign language and international language/business majors have found employment in areas directly related to their majors. These include:

• international correspondent for Advanced Medical Systems in Hamden, CT
• account executive for Raymond Weil Importer in New York City
• executive for logistics and management for Dickinson Constant Company in northern France
• financial specialist for Putnam Investments in Boston, MA
• research assistant for Monitor Company in Cambridge, MA

Others are pursuing graduate studies in Uruguay, South America and Belgium, as well as at Montclair State University, Dickinson School of Law, New York University, St. Joseph's University, Rutgers University, and George Washington University.

Finding Out More

For more information about world languages at The University of Scranton, please contact Dr. Linda Ledford-Miller, Department Chair, at (570) 941-4014. Her e-mail address is ledfordl1@scranton.edu.