Modern Language Studies
Majors are available in modern language studies with specializations in Chinese, French, German and Italian. Minors are also available in Chinese, French, German and Italian. Language study through the fourth semester is available in Arabic and Japanese.
Placement
Students with academic or life experience in a foreign language are urged to enroll at a level appropriate to their skills. In order to encourage students to enroll in a first course appropriate to their ability, TCU offers the following incentive-based placement policy:
Students whose first language class at TCU is beyond the first semester level may earn additional language credit (if credit has not already been awarded for transfer, CLEP or AP work) as follows:
- If the first foreign language class is at the second semester level and a grade of “B-” or higher is earned, as a reward for superior work, three semester hours credit will also be awarded for the first-semester course.
- If the first foreign language class is at the third semester level and a grade of “B-” or higher is earned, as a reward for superior work, six semester hours credit will also be awarded for the first and second semester courses.
- If the first foreign language class is at the fourth semester level and a grade of “B-” or higher is earned, as a reward for superior work, nine semester hours credit will also be awarded for the first, second and third semester courses.
- If the first foreign language class is beyond the fourth semester level (numbered 30000 or above) and a grade of “B-” or higher is earned, as a reward for superior work, nine semester hours credit will also be awarded for the second, third and fourth semester courses.
If the student takes a foreign language class at a level beyond the first one and earns a “C” or “D,” no additional credit will be awarded, but the student will be deemed to have satisfied the foreign language requirement of the University Core Requirements consistent with the level of the course passed. For example, if a student's first foreign language class at TCU is at the fourth semester level (20063), and the student earns a “C” as the final grade, the student will not receive additional credit, but will have satisfied the foreign language requirement at the sophomore level.
To determine proper placement level, students should consult with an adviser in the Department of Modern Language Studies and take the computerized CAPE examination, available through the department.
Additional credit may also be earned by means of exams administered by the College Board (AP or CLEP). Consult the TCU Credit by Exam booklet, available through the Office of Admission, for details. Note: Students entering the program at a certain level may not receive credit for coursework taken below that level.
Lower division courses taught in the target language are not open to heritage and native speakers. For upper-level courses, see individual course listings for specific limitations.
Resident Study Abroad
The Department of Modern Language Studies strongly supports study abroad. Department members lead summer study programs to France, Germany, Italy and Japan. Semester-long study abroad programs are available through TCU Global. For additional information, consult the department chair and the foreign study adviser. A maximum of nine credit hours transferred from study abroad programs may be counted towards the required language courses within the Modern Language Studies major or towards any departmental minor. Students may, however, apply additional study abroad credits to the required interdisciplinary course within the major.