Modern Languages
The Modern Languages programs at Rockford University are committed to the principle of proficiency as its orientation on teaching and learning a language. That means we teach our courses in the target language, and we encourage students to study overseas for a semester or a year. We provide a variety of out-of-class opportunities for students to practice using language in a range of contexts such as language coffee hours or practice with a native speaker in person or online. Graduates of our language programs reach a level of proficiency in the language that allows them to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations on practical, social and professional topics.
Our students also learn more than how to communicate effectively in another language. They also develop the cultural competence and global perspectives that allow them to engage with diverse groups of people and succeed in an interconnected world, regardless of their chosen profession. This kind of growing and liberating experience is in the best tradition of the liberal arts.
The Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in French, Spanish and Romance Languages.
Students with prior experience in French, German and Spanish must take the placement exam before continuing their studies. This ensures that students are placed in the proper class level.
Career Opportunities
In addition to preparing students for teaching or graduate school, the B.A. degree in French provides a valuable tool for many careers in the fields of publishing and editing, travel and tourism, business and banking, library work, etc. It is an excellent second area of specialization that combines with other University disciplines such as history, mathematics, economics, business administration, art, etc.
The B.A. program in Spanish, in addition to preparing students for teaching or graduate school, gives students a useful and valuable tool for a large number of careers, especially for those in which contact with Spanish-speaking peoples is likely, such as in education, public and social services, health services, law, recreation programs, the tourist industry, business and banking, government, library work, publishing, etc. As a result, it is an excellent second area of specialization that combines well with many other disciplines; a growing number of students have chosen to major both in Spanish and another area (i.e., history, sociology, business administration, child development, political science, etc.).
Note: 101- and 102-level courses are prerequisites for all modern language programs and do not count directly toward major or minor credit.
Secondary Education Licensure (Grades K – 12)
Students interested in becoming licensed to teach a foreign language at the K-12 level must complete all of the major degree requirements for that language, Education 323, a minor in K-12education, and additional General Education requirements for state licensure. For further information, see the Education department section of the catalog.
Note: Students must complete a total of 32 hours in the language they wish to be licensed in to be awarded a secondary teaching license in Illinois. Licensure to teach German is only available for graduate students.