:: Frequently Asked Questions ::
We want to train students to become multilingual and multicultural (i.e., English, Spanish and a third language.) Students develop mid to advanced linguistic skills in two languages and simultaneously, expand their knowlege and awareness of international issues and cultural understanding.
- Is this the right major for me?
If you are a highly motivated, above average, very curious individual, who likes to take on challenges, and who is very interested in being able to communicate with a great deal of the world on their own terms, then this is the major for you. MLL majors are among the brightest students in the CSU. Because of the nature of language and culture study, MLL majors are unique in their ability to process difficult amounts of information and organize, evaluate and synthesize this information into a coherent whole.
- What languages can I study?
All MLL majors study two different languages in parallel tracks: a primary and a secondary language requires 64 units of study and the secondary language 28 units of study. At present, the primary language in the major is Spanish. Students have a choice of either French or German as their secondary language. Apart, students may also study beginning Italian or Japanese as part of their elective coursework.
- Why two languages?
The MLL major is unique to the entire CSU and UC systems. It was developed specifically for highly motivated language learners, who could deal with learning and understanding more than one language. It attempts to help those students who are interested in communicating with others in more than English or Spanish.
- What kinds of jobs can I get with the MLL major?
Students graduating with a B.A. in Modern Languages prepare themselves for such professions as education, international business, translation and/or interpretation, communications, government service, and foreign affairs. Students are also prepared to tackle advanced studies in graduate school in Spanish Language, literature or culture, film and electronic media studies, comparative literature, culture studies, law, MFA in creative writing, librarianship, Latino (a), Latin American and/or European studies, Pacific Rim studies, playwriting, single-subject K-12 credential, agribusiness, and international business and marketing.
- What are some of the advantages of the MLL Major?
Because we are a small program, students receive individualized attention from tenured and senior faculty from the very start. Unlike other large language programs where the lower level classes may be taught by graduate students, language classes at Cal Poly are taught by people amply qualified through advanced work to teach language, literature, theory and culture in all languages.
- Can I take advantage of study abroad programs? If I go abroad, will all the units count?
The MLL department fully supports and strongly encourages all MLL majors to take advantage of the many opportunities that students have to travel and study abroad. The department currently supports summer programs to Mexico, in Cuernavaca, and to Spain, in Valladolid. It also co-sponsors a quarter exchange program in Mexico with ITESM University in Cuernavaca, Morelos. Students in MLL can also take full advantage of other programs, such as the USAC single term or full year program and the CSU International Programs, Majors in MLL have studies in France, Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico, Chile, Germany and Japan.
For those progams sponsored by MLL, Cal Poly, or the CSU, full credit is given. For other programs, there may be restrictions on what credits will transfer. We require that you see your advisor.
Pages that contain links to PDF documents must include this text and a link to the Adobe Reader download site.
Go to Adobe's Download site to get the latest PDF Reader.
|
