The dual language major is designed for students who want to achieve a working proficiency in two languages other than English. Our language training is integrated with the sociopolitical and cultural understanding fostered in all Principia departments. Proficiency in several languages prepares one for a variety of careers, including teaching, translating and interpreting, international business, and government service. Usually, students enter the program with some proficiency in one language and develop another language while at Principia.
Major Offered
- Dual Language (BA major)
Students may also major in French or Spanish, and we offer a Language Certificate in French and in Spanish, available to majors and non-majors. The certificate recognizes students' proficiency in the language based on the standards of the nationally-recognized ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) test. With global business increasingly being conducted in languages other than English, the certificate provides another way for students to prepare for success in multilingual environments.
Why Study Two Languages at Principia College?
- Our multilingual faculty emphasize all skills pertinent to a learned language but also focus on broad-based intellectual exploration and strong written and verbal communication skills.
- We develop cross-cultural understanding skills transferable to any unfamiliar culture.
- We prepare students to continue their education in some of the top graduate schools in the country.
- Our students have frequent opportunities to prepare and deliver presentations in a learned language.
- We equip our students for global citizenship, preparing them to live and work abroad in service to humanity.
Abroads
Our abroad programs are open to all majors, and students are encouraged to apply for any abroad program that interests them. All abroads involve individual research that students can tailor to their interests. Recent abroad programs to France, Argentina, and Spain have been of particular interest to our students, providing them a cross-cultural experience, an opportunity to improve language proficiency, and a deeper understanding of culture and society.
Note: See the College Catalog for more detailed information about our program and the Dual Language major requirements.
