Modern Languages Department

The Modern Languages Department strives to offer students a path to proficiency as described in the leading organization for language instruction, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). See the following document for more information:

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Guidelines (2012) (Acrobat Icon 218 KB)

The following description was taken from the Academic Catalog for 2011-12. The current Catalog is online at:

http://catalog.msudenver.edu/content.php?catoid=8&navoid=329

The Modern Languages Department offers a major program in modern languages with concentrations in French, German, and Spanish; minor programs in French, German, and Spanish; and teacher education programs in a variety of combinations. Courses in other foreign languages and in occupational or professional fields are offered in order to meet student and community needs. In addition, the department administers several study abroad programs, as well as certificate programs in basic French, German, Spanish studies, and Spanish translations.

Students are placed in courses at levels appropriate to their ability as indicated by the BYU placement exam. The above may not be applicable if students have had no professional instruction in their chosen foreign language within the past two years. Students can also take a test if they feel that they have insufficient preparation for the required level or are not sure of that level. Elementary courses do not apply toward the major or minor requirements.

Registration for courses is in accordance with previous preparation. Consequently, students should register for foreign language courses as follows:

  • No previous study, or less than one year in high school - 1010
  • Students with one year in high school who feel their background is weak - 1010
  • One semester in college - 1020
  • One year in college - 2110 and/or 2310 for German and Spanish and 2010 for French
  • Two years in high school - 2110 and/or 2310 for German and Spanish and 2010 for French, or 1020, if needed
  • Three years in high school or one and one-half years in college - 2120 and/or 2320 for German and Spanish and 2020 for French; or 2110 and/or 2310 for German and Spanish and 2010 for French, if needed
  • Four years in high school or two years in college - 3000-level courses, or 2120 and/or 2320 for German and Spanish and 2020 for French, if needed.

The above regulations may not be applicable if students have had no professional instruction in their chosen foreign language within the past two years. Students can also test if they feel that they have insufficient preparation for the required level or are not sure of that level. Elementary courses do not apply toward the major or minor requirements.

Students seeking secondary credentials in French, German, or Spanish must satisfy the teacher education program of MSU Denver in addition to all of the major requirements. They must also demonstrate sufficient mastery of the target language or languages through an appropriate proficiency exam.

Modern Languages degree programs and certificates


• Modern Languages, B.A Option I
• Modern Languages, B.A Option II
• French Minor
• French Basic Competency Certificate
• German Minor
• German Basic Competency Certificate
• German Translation Program Certificate
• Spanish Minor
• Spanish Basic Competency Certificate
• Spanish Translation Program Certificate

 

Teacher Licensure - See also the Licensure Page!


Students nearing completion of the degree may be following the old degree requirements.
If you have any further questions, please contact a faculty Advisor!