The modern languages program at Franklin College is designed to help students develop an awareness of other cultures and languages, an appreciation of the importance of intercultural communication and understanding, and a competence in a foreign language. If you study languages at Franklin College, you will work with experienced faculty members who are native or near-native speakers and highly qualified, dedicated teachers. Classes are small and our professors provide you with personal, individualized attention in and out of the classroom. The department offers majors, minors, as well as teaching majors and minors in both French and Spanish.

A communicative approach is taken in all departmental offerings. Beginner and intermediate- level courses focus on the acquisition of elementary and intermediate language skills in a cultural context. Advanced course offerings in French include: Career French, Advanced Writing and Grammar, Francophone-Canadian Literature, and Masterpieces of French Literature. Advanced course offerings in Spanish include: Spanish in the Work Place (career exploration in Spanish), Advanced Conversation, Composition, and Grammar, Hispanic Civilization, Masterpieces in Spanish-American and Spanish Literature, and Chicano-Riqueños.

Click here to learn about the professors

Departmental Highlights

Students of French or Spanish frequently accompany faculty members to plays, art exhibits, films, cultural festivals or dinners at ethnic restaurants. Many professors invite students to their homes for an end-of-semester celebration.

The Modern Languages Club is a student-sponsored group active in campus activities. The club organizes many cultural outings throughout the year. Previous activities have included a dinner at an Afghan restaurant, a Lorca play in Indianapolis, a workshop on Franco-American dance and music, salsa dance lessons, and movie night.

Majors in French or Spanish who have excelled in their studies may be eligible to participate in Alpha Mu Gamma International Language Honor Society.

Language with Other Disciplines

A major in a foreign language complements many other programs offered at Franklin College and enhances a liberal arts education. The department offers teaching majors and minors in French and Spanish and language majors often add a second major or a minor in Journalism, Business, Sociology, Biology, English, or Political Science.

Career Opportunities

The challenges of today’s world require individuals educated within a multi-lingual and multi-cultural perspective.

The department of modern languages is dedicated to meeting those challenges by offering programs that open career opportunities in fields such as journalism, international business, medicine, law, Foreign Service, tourism, and teaching. Opportunities abound for graduates able to contribute and lead in today’s global village.

The World is Your Classroom

The department of modern languages strongly encourages its students to spend time in a country where their language of study is spoken to further enhance the classroom experience.

Two types of study abroad possibilities are offered to Franklin College students: semester programs and winter term travel courses. Semester programs include, but are not limited to:

• The Universidad Internacional – The Center for Bilingual Multi-cultural Studies (Cuernavaca, Mexico)
• Université Laval (Quebec, Canada)
• Brethren Colleges Abroad (Ecuador, France, Japan, Mexico, Spain)

Internships

Internships can be arranged on an individual basis. Franklin’s winter term provides an excellent opportunity for students to begin utilizing their foreign language skills outside the classroom. Faculty members assist students in finding a placement in their area of interest, for instance: helping with French or Spanish clubs at elementary or middle schools; participating in outreach programs and assisting with public services to the Hispanic community; working with professionals in local international businesses. Internships allow students to gain valuable experience and make contacts in their field of study while earning college credit.
Past internships include:

• Esperanza Ministries
• Cincinnati Magazine
• Edinburgh/Trafalgar Health Clinic
• Bedford Regional Medical Center
• Wheeler Mission
• AmeriCorps