Overview
The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is composed of five areas: French, German, Hispanic Studies, Japanese, and linguistics.
This program exposes you to the practical study of language within small class sizes to provide an opportunity to acquire many skills that will serve you well in your future endeavours, including superior communicative competence, cultural awareness, and aesthetic literacy.
At a Glance
Curriculum
At Mount Allison, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures is for students desiring a high competence in two languages plus knowledge of a third one.
As a Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures major, you'll choose:
| Language #1 (33 credits) |
French or Spanish |
| Language #2 (24 credits) |
French, Spanish, or German |
| Language #3 (12 credits) |
French, Spanish, German, or Japanese |
Following introductory courses (or intermediate in the case of French)* in your chosen languages in your first year, you will take more advanced language classes and have options to study French, German, and Spanish literature, film, and culture.
You will also learn the fundamentals of linguistics.
Fourth year offers the chance to pursue independent studies in French, German, and Spanish.
*No prior language knowledge is required for German, Spanish, or Japanese. Some knowledge of French is necessary — there is a required placement test to register for French classes.
Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures is available as:
- BA major (72 credits)
- BA honours (78 credits)
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
SPAN 1101 — Introductory Spanish
This course teaches elements of Spanish grammar and pronunciation through practice and reading of prescribed texts. This is an intensive course designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Spanish.
FREN 2401 — Reading and Writing French I
This course requires that students already have a good command of the fundamental aspects of French in both its spoken and written forms. Its objectives are: to improve expression through the study and practice of appropriate sentence structures, such as sequence of past tenses, pronouns as complements, relative clauses, subordinate constructions requiring the subjunctive; to improve reading and analytical skills by examining and discussing texts that raise important and controversial issues; and to practice oral expression.
JAPA 1001 — Introductory Japanese I
This course introduces basic elements of the Japanese language including the essentials of grammar, pronunciation, and two writing systems: hiragana and katakana. It is intended for students with no prior background in Japanese.
LING 3001 — Fundamentals of Internal Linguistics
This course examines the nature and structure of language, the physiology of speech, word formation, theoretical concepts of sentence generation, and the phonological and historical forces involved in language creation and language change. It is recommended for senior students in language and literary studies, and students interested in language pathology.
GERM 2601 — Modern German Literature and Culture
This course offers a survey of key texts and ideas in modern German fiction from the Enlightenment to the twenty-first century.
Find a full list of courses in modern languages, literatures, and culture in our Academic Calendar — Modern Languages and Literatures.
Careers
Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your Mount Allison degree will stand out.
Mount Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.
With experiential learning and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.
Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.
Popular career paths for Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures graduates include:
- tourism development officer
- immigration officer
- border services officer
- intelligence officer
- interpreter/translator
- language consultant
- linguist
- immigrant/refugee support
- international student advisor
- exchange program co-ordinator
Alumni Spotlight
Laura Marie Wayne ('07)
Bachelor of Arts, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Filmmaker
Testimonials
The professors in the Modern Languages and Literatures department are not only a privilege to work with because of their keen interest and extensive knowledge, but also because they are all passionate about student success and will support you throughout your entire journey studying languages at Mount Allison. I am so grateful for the support that I have received from the department. It is that sense of community that I always attribute most to Mount A.
Extras
Language Lab
The Language Lab, located within the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, provides students studying languages with a dedicated space to practice their language skills in:
- French
- German
- Japanese
- Spanish
Study abroad and exchanges
You are encouraged to take advantage of extracurricular opportunities to enhance your studies, and to participate in international study abroad and exchange programs to gain further exposure to both the language and culture you are studying.
Mount Allison's study abroad and exchange opportunities include France, Germany, Spain, and Japan.
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Admission Requirements
Academic Awards
Mount A is #2 in student awards
Maclean’s ranks Mount Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 Mount Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.