n an increasingly interdependent world, the study of languages and cultures, including the heritage languages and cultures of immigrants to the United States, is a fundamental part of every student's education. Knowledge of at least one foreign language and familiarity with different societies equip university graduates for more intelligent choices as citizens of today's world, and enhance their effectiveness in a range of career fields, including law, journalism, business, education, health care, banking, social work, management, international administration, and many others in the public and private sectors. The study of linguistics and human communication provides perspectives and tools of analysis useful in every human endeavor.


The Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics offers an innovative, multidisciplinary program with a triple focus: language, literature, and society. Courses are offered in Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean, linguistics, Russian, Spanish, and Wolof, as well as a range of culture and general education courses under the designation MLL (Modern Languages and Linguistics). MLL courses are taught in English and include offerings on such topics as general language, linguistics, world literature, and international film.

Majors in modern languages and linguistics share a common interdisciplinary core of courses (MLL 190, 230, and 301), which provides a grounding in essential issues of human communication and social context. There are four options for the major:

1. One-language option in French, German, Russian, or Spanish
2. Two-language option
3. Language and cultural studies
4. Applied linguistics

The department also offers a minor in modern languages and linguistics and a certificate of achievement in French, German, Russian, and Spanish, as well as a Certificate of Advanced Studty in Intercultural Communication. Additionally, the program in modern languages combines exceptionally well with major programs in many other departments, where knowledge of another language and culture is often a valuable asset.

The courses listed as MLL provide offerings of general interest to both the major and nonmajor. These courses present a wide and primarily international perspective on aspects of language, literature, and culture.
Career and Academic Paths
MLL graduates have successfully pursued careers in law, medicine, education, social work, government and international business. Within the Accelerated B.A./M.A. Program offered by the department, qualified students completing an undergraduate major in modern languages and linguistics may, during their junior or senior year, apply for admission to the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Intercultural Communication. If accepted, they can apply nine credits of approved B.A. course work to their M.A. degree. Such students may be able to complete both degrees in five years. Those interested should contact the INCC Graduate Program Director. A description of the M.A. in Intercultural Communications may be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Qualified undergraduates may enroll in graduate courses offered by the department. Courses frequently taken by undergraduates include:

MLL 601 Language, Discourse, Society
MLL 602 The Ethnography of Communication
MLL 603 The Political Economy of Culture

For a complete list of courses and their descriptions, please consult the Graduate Catalog.

Teacher Certification

There are many openings for teachers of modern languages in public and private schools. Students intending to major in a language and seek elementary or early-childhood certification or seek secondary certification in their major language should consult with the MLL liaison to the Department of Education as early as possible for a description of the certification requirements and the procedures for admittance into the program.
Academic Advising
The Modern Languages and Linguistics Department organizes annual information meetings on the major, internships and study abroad. Students with an interest in majoring in modern languages and linguistics should contact the departmental office at 410-455-2109. Majors are assigned to a faculty advisor in one of their areas of focus, but they are free to select a different advisor at any time and are encouraged to do so if their interests and career goals change. Transfer students should meet as quickly as possible with the coordinator in the area in which their main interests lie (French, German, linguistics, Russian, Spanish) to plan an efficient program of study.
Major Program
All majors who pursue the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Modern Languages and Linguistics take a common core of courses, as follows:

MLL 190 The World of Language I
MLL 230 World Language Communities
MLL 301 Textual Analysis: Words, Images, Music

Although not required, MLL 191 The World of Language II is highly recommended.

Students may select one of four options for the major:

I. One Language Option (Total credits: 38-42)

French Interconnections with the World (42 credits)

  • 9 credits: MLL 190, 230, 301
  • 6 credits: FREN 301, 302
  • 12 credits of foundation courses: FREN 310, 320, 330, 340
  • 3 credits of experiential learning: FREN 399
  • 6 credits elective FREN courses, at the 300 or 400 level
  • 6 credits elective FREN courses at the 400 level
German (40 credits)
  • 9 credits: MLL 190, 230, 301
  • 13 credits: GERM 202, 301, 302, 303
  • 6 credits: GERM 311, 312
  • 6 credits: GERM 401, 481. (Note: 400 level courses routinely require a term paper or equivalent written assignment)
  • 6 credits of elective GERM courses at the 300 or 400 level
Russian (38 credits)
  • 9 credits: MLL 190, 230, 301
  • 12 credits: RUSS 301, 302, 401, 402
  • 2 credits from RUSS 303, 304, 403
  • 9 credits from MLL 270, 271, RUSS 310, 311
  • 3 credits of elective RUSS courses at the 300 or 400 level
  • 3 credits: RUSS 350 Complementary Russian Reading (Note: it is recommended that the student take RUSS 350 in conjunction with a 300- or 400-level course taught in English.)
Spanish (39 credits)
  • 9 credits: MLL 190, 230, 301
  • 18 credits: SPAN 301, 302, 307, 308, 311, 312
  • 6 credits: SPAN 401, 421 (NOTE: 400-level courses routinely require a term paper or equivalent written assignment)
  • 6 credits of elective SPAN courses at the 300 or 400 level
    At least 27 credits must be taken in courses taught in Spanish.
II. Two-Language Option (Total credits: 39-42)
French Interconnections with the World (42 credits)
  • 9 credits: MLL 190, 230, 301
  • 6 credits: FREN 301, 302
  • 12 credits of Foundation Courses: FREN 310, 320, 330, 340
  • 3 credits of elective FREN at the 400 level
  • 12 credits in a second language (above 202)—departmental certificate of achievement level—taught in the target language.
German (40 credits)
  • 9 credits: MLL 190, 230, 301
  • 13 credits: GERM 202, 301, 302, 303
  • 6 credits of GERM at the 300 and 400 level, with at least three credits at the 400 level and with at least one course in literature and one course in civilization
  • 12 credits in a second language (above 202)—departmental certificate of achievement level—taught in the target language.
    Note: 16 credits must be taken in courses taught in German.
Russian (41 credits)
  • 9 credits: MLL 190, 230, 301
  • 9 credits from RUSS 301, 302, 401, 402
  • 2 credits from RUSS 303, 304, 403
  • 9 credits from MLL 270, 271, or any 300 or 400-level RUSS course (one of which must be RUSS 350)
  • 12 credits in a second language (above 202)—departmental certificate of achievement level—taught in the target language.
Spanish (39 credits)
  • 9 credits: MLL 190, 230, 301
  • 9 credits: SPAN 301, 302, 401
  • 3 credits: SPAN 311 or 312
  • 6 credits of SPAN on the 300- or 400-level, to be chosen in consultation with the student's advisor. At least one course must be at the 400 level.
  • 12 credits in a second language (above 202)—departmental certificate of achievement level—taught in the target language.
    Note: 16 credits must be taken in courses taught in Spanish.
III. Language and Cultural Studies (Total credits: 39)
  • 12 credits MLL 190, 191, 230, 301
  • 12 upper-level courses in one modern language other than English (e.g., FREN, GERM, RUSS, SPAN).
  • 15 elective credits minimum—nine or more at the 300 or 400 level—in MLL, LING and/or modern language courses as part of a major program designed in consultation with a departmental advisor. Up to two appropriate courses from other disciplines may be applied to the major with written approval of the student's advisor.
IV. Applied Linguistics (Total credits: 39)
  • 9 credits MLL 190, 230, 301
    Although not required, MLL 191 is highly recommended.
  • 21 credits: LING 210, 290, 310, 320, 360, 410, 450 or 490
  • 9 credits of other LING courses, three of which must be on the 400 level. One cognate course in another discipline (e.g., PHIL 445, PSYC 316, ENGL 407, ENGL 490) and up to two language-specific linguistics courses (e.g., FREN/GERM/SPAN/RUSS 331, 332, 438) may be used as substitutes for an equivalent number of the required LING courses with the approval of a designated LING major advisor.
Study Abroad

The experience of living and studying abroad is an extremely important asset for all language students. Students should discuss study abroad options with their advisor early in their studies. In general, financial aid may be applied to study abroad programs, and credits earned in the target language through study abroad may be transferred to UMBC. Students interested in co-ops and internships abroad are encouraged to consult the Shriver Center.

Spanish:

UMBC in Mexico
UMBC cooperates with other University System of Maryland (USM) campuses in two study abroad programs in Mexico.

UMBC in Mexico City
Each fall, a group of advanced (SPAN 201 and above) undergraduate students study at the main campus of the Center for the Instruction of Foreign Students of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), one of Latin America's oldest, largest and most prestigious universities. Courses are offered in intensive Spanish language and Mexican and Latin-American studies. Courses also may be taken in other UNAM departments. Students earn an average of 15 credits per semester. Students placing at the proper level may complete 15 of the 18 credits required for the Spanish minor through this program. The program is extremely cost-effective, and financial aid is available. Highly Recommended.

Maryland in Taxco, Mexico
A six-week, six-credit intensive Spanish language program at all levels offered every summer at the Taxco campus of the Center for the Instruction of Foreign Students of the National Autonomous University in Mexico. This program is especially appropriate for students at the 200 level of Spanish. Students completing level two or higher in Taxco will have fulfilled two of the three courses in the Language and Culture designation of the UMBC General Education Program (GEP) Requirements.

French, German, and Russian:

Students are encouraged to spend a semester or at least a summer working abroad or studying in an approved university program in a country where the language is spoken. Although UMBC does not sponsor any specific programs in these languages, MLL faculty will advise students on their choice of program and assist them in course selection and credit transfer. Information about programs in French, German, and Russian is available in the International Multimedia Center (ACIV 219). in the Office of International Education (AD 222), as well as from MLL faculty members.

Credits toward any language major may be earned through study abroad. All courses submitted by a student in fulfillment of the requirement for the major must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Students must earn a grade of "C" in order to continue in the next course in a basic language sequence (French, German, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese 101-202).
Minor Program
A minor in modern languages and linguistics (MLL) allows students to develop proficiency in a foreign language, to learn about the nature of language, and to become familiar with the societies in which different languages are spoken. A minor in MLL will assist students in the development of communication skills and in understanding the complexities of an increasingly interdependent, multilingual and multicultural world. It will enrich students' learning experience and enhance their career potential.

The MLL language minor requires a total of 18 credits:
  • 3 credits: one MLL core course (MLL 190, 191, 230, 301)
    All the rest of the required courses must be chosen from one language area:
  • FREN/GERM/RUSS/SPAN 301
  • FREN/GERM/RUSS/SPAN 302
  • 9 credits in electives in FREN/GERM/RUSS/SPAN at the 300 or 400 level.

The MLL applied linguistics minor requires a total of 21 credits:

  • 3 credits: MLL 190
  • 12 credits: LING 210, 290, 310, 320
  • 6 credits chosen from other LING courses at the 300 or 400 level.
    A cognate course in another discipline (e.g., PHIL 445, PSYC 316, ENGL 490) or a language-specific linguistics course (e.g., FREN/ GERM/SPAN/RUSS 331, 332, 438) may substitute for one of the LING courses with the approval of a designated LING major advisor.

The Minor in Chinese Language and Culture requires 18 credits:

  • 3 credits: one MLL core course (MLL 190, 191, 230 or 301)
  • 6 credits: CHIN 301, CHIN 302
  • 9 credits in CHIN or MLL (CHIN) electives:
    • CHIN 309 (Business Chinese)
    • CHIN 319 (Chinese Translation)
    • CHIN 300 (Independent Study)
    • MLL 328 (Traditional Chinese Fiction and Drama)

Students may petition the MLL department to have relevant courses from other disciplines be counted for the minor in Chinese Language and Culture.

For all three tracks, courses are to be selected with the approval of a designated minor advisor.

All courses submitted by a student in fulfillment of the requirement for the minor must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.

Note: Minor through study abroad. Students at the appropriate level may complete up to 15 credits of a minor in modern languages and linguistics through a semester of study abroad.
Honors Program
The Honors Program of the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics provides a small group of majors with additional intellectual experiences, both individually and as a group. The central components of the program are an honors seminar taught in English and the development and writing of an honors project, an experience that provides exceptional preparation for the work world or graduate school. Students who complete the program will graduate with departmental honors. Information is available in the department office or at this link.
Certificate Program

Certificate in Intercultural Communication (Total credits: 18-19)
This certificate program is intended for students who do not plan to major or minor in modern languages and linguistics but who wish to combine the study of intercultural communication with advanced study in one modern foreign language.

The advanced language study plus the instruction in issues of communication across cultures will help such students acquire useful knowledge and skills in their chosen careers and in their lives as citizens.

Requirements:

  • 3 credits: MLL 305 Introduction to Intercultural Communication
  • 3 credits MLL 306 Intercultural Communication: Community Issues in Maryland/D.C.
  • 4 credits: CHIN/FREN/GERM/HEBR/RUSS/SPAN 202 (A more advanced student may substitute a three-credit higher-level language course.)
  • 3 credits: CHIN/FREN/GERM/HEBR/RUSS/SPAN 301
  • 6 credits of elective courses from language, MLL or related disciplines, to be chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor. At least 3 of the 6 elective credits will come from outside the student's primary language of study.
Certificate of Achievement
A student who does not intend to major in modern languages and linguistics but who completes 301-302 in French, German, Russian, or Spanish and two other courses in the same language at the 300 or 400 level with a grade of "B" or higher will receive a departmental certificate of achievement in that language.
Evening Option
A wide range of basic language courses is offered in the evenings. Other courses required for the major are often available in late-afternoon or evening time slots, but the entire major cannot be completed in the late afternoon and evening hours at this time.
Special Opportunities

Intercultural Living Exchange
The Intercultural Living Exchange is a living and learning community of UMBC. Students residing in the intercultural suites interact with international student resident mentors (native speakers of each cluster language: Chinese, French, German, Korean, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish), who organize ILE cultural and social activities for their language clusters as well as for the UMBC community. These activities include intercultural receptions, participation in UMBC's International Week, intercultural presentations and workshops, language chat hours, study abroad presentations, international film festivals, field trips, culinary projects, intercultural holiday celebrations, lunches with faculty, and excursions to concerts, plays and exhibits. Residence in the ILE provides excellent preparation for study abroad, as well as continuity for those who have previously gained language proficiency in a study abroad experience.
Internships
In collaboration with the Shriver Center, the department provides majors in modern languages and linguistics full information and support for internships. Internships and community service projects are available for activities ranging from teaching language to children to working with foreign travelers for VISA International. In addition, internships abroad have, in recent years, become a significant way of combining study abroad with work experience. Students interested in earning MLL credit for internships should consult with the department's internship coordinator.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for majors to participate in study abroad programs. In addition, the German area offers the Knapple and Plogman scholarships for students in the German track. Applications are due each April; awards are announced in May. Music students who also study German may apply for the Elterman scholarship through the music department.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
The faculty encourages and supports undergraduate participation in faculty research. Advanced Spanish students may join in a research project based in a Spanish-speaking area of Baltimore.

Student Organizations
The department has an active council of majors and several language clubs, often organized by native speakers. The German area offers membership in Delta Phi Alpha, the National German Honors Society. All students have the opportunity of participating in the Russian Chorus; contact the Russian area for more information.