School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs

Phone: 843.953.5770

David Cohen, Dean

Shawn Morrison, Associate Dean

At the College of Charleston, competence in a foreign language is considered fundamental to a liberal arts education and a means to attaining the global perspective required of 21st-century graduates. The language program at the College is one of the most comprehensive in the southeastern U.S., with in-depth majors in classical and modern languages, overseas study programs, specialized programs for future language professionals, and offerings in several less commonly taught languages. Depending on their level of ability in a foreign language upon admittance to the College, students may be required to take as many as four semesters of language study. When students graduate with majors or minors from the School, they will have had direct experience with diverse societies, regions, and cultures. They will be able to communicate competently and confidently in at least one foreign language, be knowledgeable about world affairs, and have holistic understanding of one or several cultures.

Mission Statement

The School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs prepares students to become knowledgeable, engaged citizens in an increasingly interconnected global society. The mission of the school requires students to critically examine themselves and their place in the world.

Literature in Translation:

The College offers courses which, in English translation, provide access to the literature of other languages. They can be applied to the general education requirement in humanities, but not in foreign language. Typically, several such courses are scheduled each semester, covering significant authors and literary works from Western Europe, Russia, China, Japan, Latin America and the Arabic world. They are listed in this catalog under the original languages in which the works were written. Consult the Schedule of Courses under each language for courses offered in any given semester. Types of literature in translation courses include the following:

Literature in Translation: Gallery of World Literatures

Study of selected works from a number of literatures that offer different perspectives on the world and humankind.

Literature in Translation: A Foreign Literature

Study of selected works, representing major literary periods and genres, which illuminate another language and culture or era of a shared human condition (e.g. LTFR 250 Francophone Literature in Translation).

Literature in Translation: A Foreign Author

Study of selected works by an author whose influence is felt in the world at large (e.g. LTRS 350 Dostoyevsky).

Literature in Translation: Comparative Literature

A study of selected works by major authors representing different cultures with emphasis on common themes as viewed from the perspectives of these writers.

Teacher Education Program:

After declaration of a major in Classics, French, German, or Spanish, students interested in teacher certification in foreign language must meet with the director of certification and clinical practice, School of Education, Health, and Human Performance, 843.953.5613. Students should apply for acceptance into this program no later than the second semester of their sophomore year.

Candidates in all languages must meet with Dr. Shawn Morrison, 404 J.C. Long Building, morrisonsh@cofc.edu, for additional information as soon as possible. Requirements include admission to and successful completion of the approved Teacher Education Program, passing score on PRAXIS II World Language Content Exam, passing score on the Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching exam, and, for majors in French, German, and Spanish, passing an oral proficiency interview with a rating of "Advanced Low."

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts:

Classics

French and Francophone Studies

German

International Studies

Jewish Studies

Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Spanish

Minors:

Classics

French and Francophone Studies