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Chair Search Information for the Newly Forming Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Foreign Language Placement and Credit Information
Click here for information about placement into language classes and about receiving credit for foreign language study experience.
Foreign Language Study at NKU
The study of languages other than our native languages helps us to understand and appreciate our neighbors In the world. Today as travel becomes easier, countries are more and more dependent on one another. Knowledge of international languages and cultures is more important than ever before. In addition, the United States itself is a multilingual society; for example, it is not only one of the largest English speaking countries in the world, but one of the largest Spanish speaking countries as well. Just as Americans originate from all parts of the globe, they have always spoken dozens of different languages. Thus, the study of a second or third language has long been a part of American cultural history. Research shows that studying a second language study provides insight into our own language, increases our vocabulary, and results in higher scores on the verbal components of tests such as the SAT or the ACT. Knowing more than one language can be important to your career: the vocal music major will need to sing in German, Italian, and French; the science major will want to scan the titles of Russian journals to find articles that may have application to his or her field; the anthropology major as well as those in the fields of social work, medicine, law, business, and journalism may need Spanish on the job in the United States; the journalism major will often need French or Japanese to cover a story with the help of an interpreter in the Middle East or Asia. Although many accept the myth that the world has clearly moved toward accepting English as the common language, those who conduct business abroad know well that most deals are made away from the office, often over a meal or in a social setting when both partners feel they are understood by one other. Being able to converse intelligently in another language about food, family, education, or politics is an excellent way to prove one's comprehension of other cultures. Language study is now being recognized in Europe as a full-fledged part of the curriculum of many disciplines including engineering, business, law, and medicine. Language courses teach about foreign cultures and mentalities. They provide for the mobility needed in a global economy. Furthermore, language skills open doors to a wide variety of occupations. Language students often obtain jobs in business and education, but may also find employment in the following:
- Social Work
- Customs
- Tourist Industry
- International law
- International journalism/communication
- Foreign Service
- Writers/scholars/researchers/scientists
- Translators
- Interpreters
- Librarians
Languages Offered at NKU
- Majors and Minors in French, German, and Spanish
- Courses in Arabic, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Latin, and Russian
For detailed information about major requirements in French and Spanish, visit our Foreign Language Majors handbook.
Advantages of Language Study at NKU
- Highly qualified and caring faculty
- Small classes
- Individual advising
- Modern Language Lab
- Strong preparation for graduate school
- An enriching liberal arts education
- Classes in Business French, Business German, and Business Spanish
- Opportunities for student involvement: French, Spanish, German, and Japanese conversation hours, Phi Sigma Iota, Le Club FrançŤais
