Students preparing for work in the modern language field should strive toward language competence and, in addition, should build a background in a variety of subjects, particularly those relating to the cultural heritage of the foreign country whose language they are studying. Language instruction is offered in French, German, Italian or Spanish. A major may be earned in French or Spanish, or a double major in these two languages. Other individually designed programs of combination majors are encouraged. See the chairperson for assistance.

Majors, minors and modern language concentration students are encouraged to travel, if at all possible, to a foreign country (France, Spain, or a country in Latin America) for one or two semesters of study abroad in their junior year. This foreign travel and study at such schools as the University of Salamanca in Spain, or the Institut de Touraine in France, has proven enormously enriching for students who have participated in these overseas programs. Equally enriching have been the international study programs in Mexico and in the French-speaking province of Quebec. International Education programs are not restricted to language majors. They are available to any SUNY Fredonia student in virtually every department who wishes to pursue their studies at foreign institutions of distinction. The department sponsors the French Club and the Spanish Club, and has affiliation with two national honor societies: Pi Delta Phi in French and Sigma Delta Pi in Spanish.

The Robert Rie Foreign Language Scholarships are awarded each year to a number of upper level undergraduate modern language majors who demonstrate outstanding academic ability, commitment to the field of study, and are recommended by the language faculty to the chairperson of the department. Application information may be obtained from the department.

Requirements for Transfer Credit
For a major, a limit of 12 transfer credits may be counted toward those required, i.e., a minimum of 24 credit hours must be taken in the department at SUNY Fredonia.
For a minor, a limit of 9 transfer credits may be counted toward the 18 required, i.e.; a minimum of 9 credit hours must be taken in the department at SUNY Fredonia

Notes:

1. Ordinarily one year of high school preparation in foreign language serves as the equivalent of one semester of college language. At the discretion of the language instructor, students may be placed in a more or less advanced section of a language course than their high school credits would indicate, dependent upon the intensity of their preparation.
   
2. Unless otherwise specified, all courses are conducted principally in the appropriate foreign language.
   
3. The department encourages students to participate in overseas programs in France, Germany, Spain, and other countries. Plans therefore should be initiated before the junior year, when students normally take advantage of this opportunity.