The Program

The Modern Language curriculum seeks to develop the ability to understand, speak, read and write a foreign language; to help students better understand the structure of language; and to expose them to the cultural patterns of other people.  We seek to educate students to become more effective participants in the global community of the twenty-first century by promoting linguistic competence and fostering awareness of other languages and cultures.  In the Jesuit tradition, the Modern Language curriculum has both humanistic and practical dimensions. The program offers an in-depth program of study for majors in French and Spanish with an emphasis on language structure, global literature and international cultures; a Romance Language major which combines the study of French and Spanish in order to enhance practical language skills for specific career purposes; a three semester core sequence in French, German and Spanish that lays the groundwork for fluency and fulfills the curriculum requirements; a minor program to assist all students in using the foreign language in business, professions, graduate school or travel; a learning experiences and educational resources to enable students to understand world cultures and language communities.

Opportunities

The curriculum allows students to continue their studies in graduate school or to pursue a myriad of possible careers, including positions in international business, law, teaching, foreign service, government, journalism, and teaching.  Recognizing the demands placed upon graduates in today’s world, the faculty recommends that majors develop expertise in a specialty in addition to Modern Languages. This can be accomplished in one of several ways: a double major, a minor in another academic discipline, or an interdisciplinary major.  Some majors that complement a Modern Languages major include, but are not limited to: International Business, International Studies, History, Political Science, Political and Economic Philosophy, Professional Writing, English, Marketing, Respiratory Therapy and Teacher Preparation.

Facilities & Faculty

The Wheeling Jesuit University-Heinz Modern Language Lab is a new multimedia teaching/learning center equipped with 27 student workstations, a teacher’s console with a built in database, a video file server, a VCR, and digital cameras.  With access to courseware in digitized audio and video files, students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish, French, German, and other world languages.  Teacher-to-student, teacher-to-group, and student-to-student communication is available via headset and/or the computer keyboard.  In addition to serving as a tool for faculty research, the Center serves as a resource for foreign language teacher preparation candidates.  The professors are experienced teachers and scholars, and have excellent reputations in our region and nation. Their record of accomplishments and personal dedication to their students is outstanding at Wheeling Jesuit, and they are deeply committed to the Jesuit tradition of education.  Faculty members set aside time before and after classes to make themselves available to meet their students' needs, which is a proven formula for success.  For more information on Modern Languages & Cultures, contact Dr. James R. Ashton, Chair of the Department at ashtonjr@wju.edu.  To arrange a visit, call 1-800-624-6992 or e-mail admiss@wju.edu or visit Wheeling Jesuit online at www.wju.edu