Department of Languages and Cultural Studies

School: School of Arts and Sciences

A highly valued asset in today’s global workplace, second language study provides students with opportunities and experiences that are not available to individuals who are proficient in only one language. Gaining competency in a second language exposes students to systems of thought and expression different from their own, introducing them to new ideas, customs, habits and values. In so doing, second language study helps fulfill one of the core components of the mission/vision of Merrimack College, which calls for students to develop global awareness through knowledge and experience of diverse cultures. Moreover, in the process of acquiring a second language, students develop the ability and sensitivity to see their own set of cultural norms from an entirely new perspective, thus broadening their view of the world and appreciation of differences. Language study also fosters the understanding of grammar structures in one’s native language, improves oral and written skills, and affords a deeper awareness of the dynamics of communicative exchanges.

The Department of Languages and Cultural Studies offers a variety of courses and programs that help language students at all levels (from absolute beginners to heritage and native speakers) strengthen their linguistic skills, expand their understanding of the world, and connect different disciplines together. Our faculty is trained to provide students with a unique set of cultural opportunities designed to broaden their horizons, enhance their intellectual flexibility, and increase their adaptability in the context of an ever-changing global workplace.

The Department of Languages and Cultural Studies currently offers a major concentration and a minor in Spanish.

Elementary Teachers can double major with a concentration in Spanish combined with an Elementary Education major.

Undergraduate degree programs offered by the Department:

Major(s)

Languages and Cultural Studies, B.A.

Concentration(s)

World Languages and Cultural Studies, Spanish Concentration, B.A.

Minor(s)

Spanish

Department-specific academic policies:

LCS Departmental Academic Policies

Language Placement Test. Students who wish to continue their study of Spanish must take the Merrimack College Language Placement Test before doing so. The test is available via Canvas, and students can only take it once. There is no placement test for students interested in Italian or French classes.
Intro I Courses. Intro I courses in Spanish (SPA 1010) are available to absolute beginners only, i.e. students with no classes in Spanish on their high school transcript. Failure to observe this policy will result in removal from the class.
Native/Heritage Speakers. Native/heritage Spanish speakers are not allowed in language courses ranging from 1010 to 1040 (Intro I through Intermediate II). Such students are encouraged to take the CLEP test (see departmental website for more information regarding transfer credits et al.) and to consult with their language professor about taking a conversation/composition course.
Culture Courses Taught in English. Students majoring with a concentration in Spanish should be aware that only one course taught in English may be counted as fulfilling a requirement in their major concentration.
Study Abroad. Majors will be encouraged to spend one semester or more of foreign study in a country where the target language is spoken.
Residence Requirement. At least half of the major and minor course requirements must be taken at Merrimack College, including at least one upper- level course upon return from a study abroad program.
Major GPA. The GPA for the World Languages and Cultural Studies major will be the average of all courses taken within the department. All World Languages and Cultural Studies Majors must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) to remain in good academic standing within the Department.
Credits. The World Languages Cultural Studies B.A requires a minimum of 124 credits. This includes the credit requirements for the major concentrations.