Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures

[1] Purposes

• To develop proficient students with a functional control of the four fundamental language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• To increase students’ awareness, critical understanding, empathy, and respect for other cultures.
• To enable students to function effectively in a changing global community.
• To stress the relevance of the study of language, linguistics, culture, and literature to career preparation.
• To develop a lasting appreciation for language, culture, and literature as a means of broadening our understanding of human experience.

[2] Programs

Major programs are offered in Linguistics and in Modern Languages (Mandarin Chinese, French, and Spanish); minor programs are offered in Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Linguistics, Spanish, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). The BA degree requirement for foreign language may be fulfilled in Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish. The curriculum permits maximum authentic practice of everyday language and cultural situations as well as in-depth study of general and specific topics in culture and literature. Students are highly encouraged to study abroad as they complete their language program.

Modern Languages majors (Mandarin Chinese, French, and Spanish) are counseled to combine a second major or a minor in a related area of interest that will enhance their preparation for a professional career. Upon graduation, majors may qualify to teach on the secondary level, to attend graduate school, or to secure employment in any one of a variety of fields requiring proficiency in a second language.

The department also includes the Intensive English Program (IEP). See detailed IEP information here: program link.

[3] Advanced Placement

The Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures participates in the advanced placement program. Courses and the minimum requirements to be met in order to earn credit can be found elsewhere in the bulletin (see the Advanced Placement Program section of this bulletin). In general, students who have an AP score and who are interested in continuing study in the same language at UCA will be able to receive more credit if they also follow the procedures described below for the Department’s Credit by Examination program.

[4] Credit by Examination

Students who have not previously received undergraduate credit in that language at a college or university may receive credit by examination. Such credit is limited to a maximum of 6 hours in a language or 12 hours within the department and is granted for the six credit hours of course work that immediately precedes the course of placement when the following criteria are met:

1. Achievement of a satisfactory score on proficiency examinations administered by the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures.
2. Satisfactory completion, with a minimum grade of B, of the language course at the level of placement recommended by the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures.
3. The student formally requests credit from the Department after completing the first course.

[5] Academic Progression for All Majors and Minors and in the Language Requirement for the BA

Students in any course applied to the major or minor must pass the course with a grade of “C” or better. The student must earn a grade of “C” or better in any course that serves as a prerequisite for a major or minor course before enrolling in the major or minor courses requiring that prerequisite.

[6] Foreign Language Requirement for the Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion of three (3) semester hours of a foreign language at 2000-level or above. Guided-study (i.e., correspondence) courses will not be accepted as transfer credit in fulfillment of the foreign language requirement. Note: Students with prior experience in a language must take the departmental placement test before enrolling in their first course. The French, German, and Spanish placement exams are available at https://uca.edu/wlan/placement. There is no fee to take a placement exam. As an alternative, students sufficiently proficient in a foreign language can request a BA Foreign Language Exemption by completing a form available at https://uca.edu/registrar/forms/.

[7] Honors in Modern Languages and in Linguistics

[Jump to Recognition of Academic Achievement for general information about Honors in the Majors.]

During the senior year, a student majoring in Modern Languages may be invited to participate in the Honors in the Majors program. Minimal requirements for graduation with honors are as follows: (1) achievement of a 3.25 GPA overall and a 3.50 in the major; (2) demonstration of advanced level proficiencies in all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) on a senior exit examination; (3) successful completion of course FREN 4310, SPAN 4310, or CHIN 4300 demonstrated by submission and approval of a research paper on a literary, cultural, or linguistic topic; (4) presentation of an oral defense of the research paper before a committee made up of three members of the faculty of the department.

During the senior year, a student majoring in Linguistics may be invited to participate in the Honors in the Majors program. Minimal requirements for graduation with honors are as follows: (1) achievement of a 3.25 GPA overall and a 3.50 in the major; (2) successful completion of LING 4V90 demonstrated by submission and approval of a research paper on a linguistic topic; (3) presentation of an oral defense of the research paper before a committee made up of three members of the faculty of the department.

[8] Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics (36 hours)

[Back to program-of-study links]

The degree of Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: completion of 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see the lower-division UCA Core requirements) and completion of upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses (see the UCA Core requirements) in this UBulletin; (2) completion of a sophomore-level foreign language course; (3) completion of a a major as described below; (4) 40 upper-division hours; and (5) completion of a minor. All students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in each course applying to the major program.

Linguistics Core courses are used to satisfy the upper-division UCA Core requirement in Effective Communication, Diversity, Critical Inquiry, and Responsible Living. The program has also designated courses (required for certain tracks, available as electives in others) which satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirements. LING 2350, World Languages, satisfies the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Critical Inquiry (Humanities). LING 1310, Language Culture and Society, is a social science elective in the Diversity in World Cultures area.

[8.1] Linguistics Core (22 hours)

Required courses (19 hours)

One course from the following (3 hours)

Students then choose from one of the following four tracks for the additional 18 hours

[8.2] Track One: Language

[Back to program-of-study links]

[8.3] Track Two: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

[Back to program-of-study links]

Required courses (15 hours):

[8.4] Track Three: Computer Science

[Back to program-of-study links]

A total of fifteen credit hours is required to complete this track. Most students will actually complete 17–18 credit hours and adjust the general electives taken for the degree accordingly. Note that each of the required and elective courses in this track requires a prerequisite. Check the Computer Science course list in this UBulletin for details.

Required courses (14 hours):

Electives (1 credit hour required):

[8.5] Track Four: General Linguistics

[Back to program-of-study links]

Choose 15 hours from among the following courses:

[9] Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages

[Back to program-of-study links]

The degree of Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages, with a major concentration in Chinese, French, or Spanish, requires successful completion of 120 hours (of which 40 must be upper division), including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) all degree requirements; (3) a major concentration in Chinese, French, or Spanish as outlined below; and (4) a minor as planned with the student’s minor advisor.

LALS 2310, and Chinese, French, German, and Spanish 2320 courses satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Critical Inquiry (Humanities). WLAN 2315 (Humanities) fulfills the Diversity in Creative Works Core requirement, while LALS 2300 and WLAN 2325 satisfy the Diversity in World Cultures requirement as humanities electives. Students may fulfill the upper-division UCA Core requirements in Diversity, Critical Inquiry, Responsible Living, and Effective Communication in minor and major courses in Chinese, French, German, and Spanish. Modern Language students will take CHIN, FREN, or SPAN 4110, Senior Capstone Project, as the required UCA Core capstone.

[9.1] Major in Modern Languages, Concentration in Mandarin Chinese (37 hours)

[Back to program-of-study links]

[9.1.1] Teacher Education Track

The BA curriculum may be combined with preparation for K–12 Foreign Language Education licensure. For further information, contact the Chair of the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures (450-3168), the Chair of the Teaching and Learning (852-2963), or the Office of Candidate Services (450-3131). For information about teacher education Admission, Exit, and Retention Requirements, see the College of Education page in this bulletin.

ESL Endorsement Courses: All teacher candidates with a major in Modern Languages who complete the teacher licensure program at UCA will graduate with ESL endorsement. In addition to WLAN 4315, 4325, and 4330, students must take EDUC 3322 in the College of Education.

This major qualifies for the Teaching and Learning minor.

Linguistics Foundation Course (3 hours). Choose one:

Intermediate Chinese (6 hours):

Required Advanced Language Core (9 hours):

Three hours of culture and civilization (3 hours):

Three hours of literature (3 hours):

Twelve hours of elective credits chosen from among the following:

Required UCA Core Capstone:

Other requirements:

All students must (1) meet proficiency requirements at the end of CHIN 2320 and at the end of the degree program and (2) earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the major program.
Teacher candidates must graduate with a 2.75 GPA overall in major courses.

Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad at one of our exchange partner schools in China.

Teaching and Learning Minor:

Other required courses for Chinese Teacher Education:

Students wishing to pursue a teaching license in this content area must apply to the Office of Candidate Services and meet established criteria for admission to the teacher education program (for admission requirements, click here). The degree requires completion of (1) the UCA Core, (2) the 18-hour minor in Teaching and Learning (click here) or approved substitutions by program coordinator, (3) Major field of study content hours and methods courses, (4) successful completion of Internship I and II, and (5) meet licensure requirements established by the Arkansas Department of Education.

[9.1.2.] Traditional Language and Literature Track

Linguistics Foundation Course (3 hours). Choose one:

Intermediate Chinese (6 hours):

Required Advanced Language Core (9 hours):

Three hours of culture and civilization (3 hours):

Three hours of literature (3 hours):

Twelve hours of elective credits chosen from among the following:

Required UCA Core Capstone:

Other requirements:

All students must (1) meet proficiency requirements at the end of CHIN 2320 and at the end of the degree program and (2) earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the major program.

[9.1.3.] Business Chinese Track

Linguistics Foundation Course (3 hours) Choose one:

Intermediate Chinese (6 hours):

Required Advanced Language Core (9 hours):

Three hours of culture and civilization (3 hours):

Three hours of literature (3 hours):

Required Chinese Business Core (6 hours):

Six hours of elective credits chosen from among the following (6 hours):

Required UCA Core Capstone (1 hour):

Required minor in General Business (24 hours)

Required Business Courses (12 hours):

Business Electives (12 hours)

Choose 12 hours of additional courses in business (must include at least 6 hours of upper-division courses). NB: Students planning to pursue graduate study in business (i.e., MBA) should select MBA prerequisite courses as their elective hours for the General Business minor.

Other requirements:

All students must (1) meet proficiency requirements at the end of CHIN 2320 and at the end of the degree program and (2) earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the major program. Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad at one of our exchange partner schools in China.

[9.2] Major in Modern Languages Concentration in French (37 hours)

[Back to program-of-study links]

[9.2.1] Teacher Education Track

The BA curriculum may be combined with preparation for K–12 Foreign Language Education licensure. For further information, contact the Chair of the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures (450-3168), the Chair of the Teaching and Learning (852-2963), or the Office of Candidate Services (450-3131). For information about teacher education Admission, Exit, and Retention Requirements, see the College of Education page in this bulletin.

ESL Endorsement Courses: All teacher candidates with a major in Modern Languages who complete the teacher licensure program at UCA will graduate with ESL endorsement. In addition to WLAN 4315, 4325, and 4330, students must take EDUC 3322 in the College of Education.

This major qualifies for the Teaching and Learning minor.

Linguistics Foundation Course (3 hours). Choose one:

Intermediate French (6 hours):

Required Advanced Language Core (9 hours):

Three hours of culture and civilization. Choose one:

Three hours of literature. Choose one:

Note: French 3315 may not be taken twice in fulfillment of both the culture and literature area requirements.

Twelve hours of elective credits chosen from among the following:

Required UCA Core Capstone:

Other requirements:

All students must (1) meet proficiency requirements at the end of FREN 2320 and at the end of the degree program and (2) earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the major program.

Teacher candidates must graduate with a 2.75 GPA overall in major courses.

Teaching and Learning Minor:

Other required courses for French Teacher Education:

Students wishing to pursue a teaching license in this content area must apply to the Office of Candidate Services and meet established criteria for admission to the teacher education program (for admission requirements, click here). The degree requires completion of (1) the UCA Core, (2) the 18-hour minor in Teaching and Learning (click here) or approved substitutions by program coordinator, (3) Major field of study content hours and methods courses, (4) successful completion of Internship I and II, and (5) meet licensure requirements established by the Arkansas Department of Education.

[9.2.2.] Traditional Language and Literature Track

Linguistics Foundation Course (3 hours). Choose one:

Intermediate French (6 hours):

Required Advanced Language Core (9 hours):

Three hours of culture and civilization. Choose one:

Three hours of literature. Choose one:

Note: French 3315 may not be taken twice in fulfillment of both the culture and literature area requirements.

Twelve hours of elective credits chosen from among the following:

Required UCA Core Capstone:

Other requirements:

All students must (1) meet proficiency requirements at the end of FREN 2320 and at the end of the degree program and (2) earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the major program.

[9.2.3.] Business French Track

Linguistics Foundation Course (3 hours) Choose one:

Intermediate French (6 hours):

Required Advanced Language Core (9 hours):

Required French Business Core (6 hours):

Three hours of culture and civilization. Choose one:

Three hours of literature. Choose one:

Note: French 3315 may not be taken twice in fulfillment of both the culture and literature area requirements.

Six hours of elective credits chosen from among:

Required UCA Core Capstone:

Required minor in General Business (24 hours)

Required Business Courses (12 hours):

Business Electives (12 hours)

Choose 12 hours of additional courses in business (must include at least 6 hours of upper-division courses).
NB: Students planning to pursue graduate study in business (i.e., MBA) should select MBA prerequisite courses as their elective hours for the General Business minor.

Other requirements:

All students must (1) meet proficiency requirements at the end of FREN 2320 and at the end of the degree program and (2) earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the major program.

Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad at one of our exchange partner schools in Belgium or France.

[9.3] Major in Modern Languages with Concentration in Spanish (37 hours)

[Back to program-of-study links]

[9.3.1.] Teacher Education Track

The BA curriculum may be combined with preparation for K–12 Foreign Language Education licensure. For further information, contact the Chair of the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures (450-3168), the Chair of the Teaching and Learning (852-2963), or the Office of Candidate Services (450-3131). For information about teacher education Admission, Exit, and Retention Requirements, see the College of Education page in this bulletin.

ESL Endorsement Courses: All teacher candidates with a major in Modern Languages who complete the teacher licensure program at UCA will graduate with ESL endorsement. In addition to WLAN 4315, 4325, and 4330, students must take EDUC 3322 in the College of Education.

This major qualifies for the Teaching and Learning minor.

Linguistics Foundation Course (3 hours) Choose one:

Intermediate Spanish (6 hours):

Required Advanced Language Core (9 hours):

Three hours of culture and civilization. Choose one:

Three hours of literature. Choose one:

Note: Spanish 3315 may not be taken twice in fulfillment of both the culture and literature area requirements.

Twelve hours of elective credits chosen from among the following:

Required UCA Core Capstone:

Other requirements:

All students must (1) meet proficiency requirements at the end of SPAN 2320 and at the end of the degree program and (2) earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the major program.

Teacher candidates must graduate with a 2.75 GPA overall in major courses.

Teaching and Learning minor

Other required courses for Spanish Teacher Education:

Students wishing to pursue a teaching license in this content area must apply to the Office of Candidate Services and meet established criteria for admission to the teacher education program (for admission requirements, click here). The degree requires completion of (1) the UCA Core, (2) the 18-hour minor in Teaching and Learning (click here) or approved substitutions by program coordinator, (3) Major field of study content hours and methods courses, (4) successful completion of Internship I and II, and (5) meet licensure requirements established by the Arkansas Department of Education.

[9.3.2.] Traditional Language and Literature track

Linguistics Foundation Course (3 hours) Choose one:

Intermediate Spanish (6 hours)

Required Advanced Language Core (6 hours)

Three hours of culture and civilization. Choose one:

Three hours of literature. Choose one:

Note: Spanish 3315 may not be taken twice in fulfillment of both the culture and literature area requirements.

Fifteen hours of elective credits (3 of which must be at the 4000 level) chosen from among the following:

Required UCA Core Capstone:

Other requirements:

All students must (1) meet proficiency requirements at the end of SPAN 2320 and at the end of the degree program and (2) earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the major program.

[9.3.3.] Business Spanish Track

Linguistics Foundation Course (3 hours) Choose one:

Intermediate Spanish (6 hours):

Required Advanced Language Core (6 hours):

Spanish Business Core (6 hours):

Three hours of culture and civilization. Choose one:

Three hours of literature. Choose one:

Note: Spanish 3315 may not be taken twice in fulfillment of both the culture and literature area requirements.

Nine hours of elective credits (3 of which must be at the 4000 level) chosen from among the following:

Required UCA Core Capstone:

Required minor in General Business (24 hours)

Required Business Courses: (12 hours)

Business Electives (12 hours)

Choose 12 hours of additional courses in business (must include at least 6 hours of upper-division courses).
NB: Students planning to pursue graduate study in business (i.e., MBA) should select MBA prerequisite courses as their elective hours for the General Business minor.

Other requirements:

All students must (1) meet proficiency requirements at the end of SPAN 2320 and at the end of the degree program and (2) earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the major program.

[10] Minor Programs

[10.1] Minor in Linguistics (18 hours + sophomore level foreign language course)

[Back to program-of-study links]

All students must earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the minor program.

Required courses (15 hours):

Electives (3 hours):

[10.2] Minor in Mandarin Chinese (18 hours)

[Back to program-of-study links]

A minor in Mandarin Chinese requires the following:

Required Language Core (9 hours):

Three hours of culture/civilization or literature. Choose one:

Six hours of elective credits chosen from among the following:

Other requirements:

All students must (1) meet proficiency requirements at the end of CHIN 2320 to continue in the program and (2) earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the minor.

[10.3] Minor in French (18 hours)

[Back to program-of-study links]

A minor in French requires the following:

Required Language Core (9 hours):

Three hours of culture/civilization or literature. Choose one:

Six hours of elective credits chosen from among:

Other requirements:

All students must (1) meet proficiency requirements at the end of FREN 2320 to continue in the program and (2) earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the minor.

[10.4] Minor in German (18 hours)

[Back to program-of-study links]

A minor in German requires the following:

Required Language Core (9 hours:)

Three hours of culture/civilization or literature. Choose one:

Six hours of elective credits chosen from among the following:

Other requirements:

All students must (a) meet proficiency requirements at the end of GERM 2320 to continue in the program and (2) earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the minor.

[10.5] Minor in Spanish (18 hours)

[Back to program-of-study links]

A minor in Spanish requires the following:

Required Language Core (9 hours)

Three hours of culture/civilization or literature. Choose one:

Six hours of elective credits chosen from among:

Other requirements:

All students must (1) meet proficiency requirements at the end of SPAN 2320 to continue in the program and (2) earn a minimum grade of C in each course applying to the minor.

[10.6] Minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

[Back to program-of-study links]

A minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) requires the following:

All students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in each course applying to the minor program.

Required courses (15 hours)

Electives (6 hours selected from the following)

[11] Proficiency Tests

All language majors and minors will be required to take a general proficiency test in the language before enrolling in upper-division courses. Exit assessment examinations in the language, literature, and culture of the target language are also required for all majors during the senior year. Additional courses will be required for students with deficiencies.

[12] Master’s Degree

See Graduate Bulletin.

[13] Course Links

Courses offered in English (LALS, LING, WLAN)

Follow this link for LALS course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link to LING course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for WLAN course descriptions: course link.

Language-specific courses (CHIN, FREN, GERM, JAPN, SPAN)

Follow this link for CHIN course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for FREN course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for GERM course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for JAPN course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for SPAN course descriptions: course link.