Foreign Languages Major

A. Two-Language Cultural Studies Track

The two-language cultural studies track is designed to provide students with an in-depth comparative view of two cultures in which different languages are spoken. As such, it differs from other related fields (for example, European studies) in that it focuses on the immersion of the student in the culture and language of two different linguistic domains.

In order to promote the student’s clear conception of the focus of the program of study, every major must consult with one faculty member in each domain upon declaring the major. For languages not taught at Scripps, special arrangements must be made with the student advisory committee consisting of one Scripps faculty member and a faculty member in the foreign language. Normally, at least half of the courses for the major must be taken in Claremont.

Requirements for the Major

A Foreign Languages major pursuing the two-language cultural studies track requires a minimum of nine courses plus a senior thesis to be distributed as follows:

Five courses above the 44 level in a primary language taught in Claremont.
Four courses above the 33 level in a secondary language taught in Claremont
A senior thesis with a topic or theme treating both domains in a comparative/contrastive manner as it pertains to countries or areas in which the languages are spoken. The thesis will be written in the student’s primary foreign language.
At least a one-semester stay abroad is required where the primary language is spoken. It is also recommended that students spend one additional semester abroad in a country where the secondary language is spoken. Up to five courses taken abroad through the Study Abroad and Global Education (SAGE) Program may count towards the major.

B. Three-Language Cultural Studies Track

The three-language cultural studies track is designed to provide students well-versed in several languages with an in-depth comparative view of three cultures in which different languages are spoken. As such, it differs from other related fields (for example, European studies) in that it focuses on the immersion of the student in the culture and language of three different linguistic domains.

Requirements for the Major

A Foreign Languages major pursuing the three-language cultural studies track requires a minimum of 10 courses plus a senior thesis to be distributed as follows:

Four courses above the 44 level in a primary foreign language taught in Claremont.
Three courses above the 33 level in a second foreign language taught in Claremont.
Three courses above the 33 level in a third foreign language taught in Claremont.
A senior thesis with a topic or theme treating at least two of the three domains in a comparative/contrastive manner as it pertains to countries or areas in which the languages are spoken. The thesis will be written in the student’s primary foreign language.
A one-semester stay abroad where the primary language is spoken. A semester abroad in a country where one of the secondary languages is spoken. Up to five courses taken abroad through the Study Abroad and Global Education (SAGE) Program may count towards the major.

C. Philology Track

The Philology track is designed to provide students with reading, writing, and speaking skills in a modern language as well as with an understanding of the way in which that language functions. It is conceived, therefore, as a major in applied linguistics and is especially useful as background for students wishing to pursue careers as interpreters, translators, or editors of foreign languages. This major contrasts with other related fields of study in its emphasis on the comparative structure and usage of the language rather than on literature, civilization, or theoretical linguistics. As such, it is normally not recommended to entering students who have not attained a proficiency equivalent to the successful completion of a 33-level course in the language. A student who wishes to major in the Foreign Languages Philology track must consult with a faculty member in both linguistics and the chosen foreign language in order to plan the program before declaring the major. For languages not taught at Scripps, special arrangements must be made with the student advisory committee consisting of one Scripps faculty member and a faculty member in the foreign language. Normally, at least half of the courses for the major must be taken in Claremont.

Requirements for the Major

A Foreign Languages major pursuing the Philology track requires a minimum of nine upper-division courses plus a senior thesis to be distributed as follows:

Five courses above the 44 level in a foreign language taught in Claremont.
Four courses in linguistics above LING010.
A senior thesis dealing with a linguistic problem in the chosen language and written in that language.
At least a one-semester stay abroad where the chosen language is spoken. Up to three courses taken abroad through the Study Abroad and Global Education (SAGE) Program may count towards the major.

Honors Requirements

As early as the first semester of the sophomore year, a student, upon consultation with the foreign language faculty, may choose to become a candidate for the Honors Program in Foreign Languages. The Honors Program includes the normal course requirements as stated above as well as a two-semester thesis followed by a successful thesis defense before the faculty representing the primary and secondary language chosen by the student. There is a GPA requirement of at least 3.67 in the major and senior thesis grade requirement of A- .