The Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages prepares students for teaching, graduate study in languages and cultures, research, professional work, as well as service in government, nonprofits, or business. Our graduates are particularly valued for their multilingual and cross-cultural knowledge. Majors are encouraged to complete a minor or a second major in another field. Concentrations are offered in Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Spanish. Minors are offered in Arabic, Chinese, Classical Studies, French, German Studies, Italian Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies, Latin, Russian and Spanish.
Double majors in foreign language and another subject should plan a program of study with advisors from both disciplines and follow the steps outlined in AP.5.3.3 Second Bachelor's Degree.
Policies
Students pursuing this degree must complete 30-33 credits within the major, with a minimum GPA of 2.00
For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Concentrations in the Major
In addition to the other college and university requirements for a degree, provided in the tabs below, students pursuing this degree complete a 30-33 credit concentration chosen from the following:
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Concentration in Arabic (ARBC)
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Concentration in Chinese (CHIN)
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Concentration in French (FRN)
- Concentration in Korean (KORE)
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Concentration in Spanish (SPN)
Concentration in Arabic (ARBC)
The concentration in Arabic has an emphasis on developing strong language skills, including literacy and oral communication, along with an in-depth understanding of modern Arabic culture and society. Students concentrating in Arabic are expected to gain fluency in Modern Standard Arabic and a working knowledge of at least one Arabic dialect. Additionally, students will graduate with a strong background in Arab intellectual history, literature, and culture.
Students pursuing the concentration in Arabic must complete a minimum of 30 credits in Arabic at the 300 level and above, each with a minimum grade of C. Only two courses (6 credits) taught in English may be applied to the major. Students are highly encouraged to participate in study abroad.
A minor in Arabic is also offered, which can easily and effectively be combined with majors in other disciplines, such as global affairs, international relations, government, journalism, philosophy, and religion.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| Select eight courses from the following: | 24 | |
| Advanced Arabic | ||
| Reading and Conversation I | ||
| Reading and Conversation II (Mason Core) | ||
| Media Arabic (Spoken and Written) (Mason Core) | ||
| Advanced Arabic Media: Debates Context | ||
| Arabic for the Professions | ||
| Study Abroad - Arab World | ||
| Arabic Dialects | ||
| Translation Methods: Arabic to English | ||
| Survey of Arabic Literature | ||
| Advanced Arabic Grammar | ||
| Topics in Arabic Religious Thought and Texts (Mason Core) | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Major Arab Writers/Stories (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Arabic Cultural Production | ||
| Black and Minority Cultures in Arabic Literature (Mason Core) | ||
| Special Topics in Modern Arabic Studies | ||
ANTH 1 | ||
ARTH 1 | ||
ENGH 1 | ||
GOVT 1 | ||
HIST 1 | ||
PHIL 1 | ||
RELI 1 | ||
SOCI 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
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Requires approval of advisor and the director; relevant courses only.
Concentration in Chinese (CHIN)
The concentration in Chinese prepares students for research and professional work in government and private enterprise, teaching careers at the secondary school level, and graduate study in Chinese. Language majors with the Chinese concentration are encouraged to complete a minor or, if possible, a second major in another field.
Students pursuing the concentration in Chinese must complete a minimum of 30 credits in Chinese at the 300 level and above, each with a minimum grade of C. Students are expected to complete a balanced program that includes courses in language, culture and civilization, and literature. Only two courses (6 credits) taught in English may be applied to the major. Students are highly encouraged to participate in study abroad.
A minor in Chinese is also offered, which can easily and effectively be combined with majors in other disciplines, such as global affairs, international relations, government, journalism, philosophy, and religion.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| Select eight courses from the following: | 24 | |
| Reading Skills Development | ||
| Advanced Grammar and Syntax | ||
| Chinese for the Business World | ||
| Introduction to Classical Chinese (Mason Core) | ||
| Readings in Chinese Poetry and Poetics (Mason Core) | ||
| Readings in Chinese Fiction after Mao | ||
| Chinese Popular Culture (Mason Core) | ||
| Translation Theories and Practice | ||
| Fourth-Year Chinese I (Mason Core) | ||
| Fourth-Year Chinese II | ||
| China on Stage: Introduction to Chinese Theatrical Dramas in the 20th Century | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select two courses from the following: 1 | 6 | |
| Survey of Chinese Literature (Mason Core) | ||
| Modern Chinese Literature in Translation (Mason Core) | ||
| Contemporary Chinese Film | ||
| Major Chinese Writers (Mason Core) | ||
| Asian American Women Writers (Mason Core) | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Representation in China | ||
| Chinese Pedagogical Grammar Teaching Methodology | ||
| Special Topics in Chinese Studies | ||
| Internship in Chinese Studies | ||
| Arts of China (Mason Core) | ||
| Geography of China (Mason Core) | ||
| History of Traditional China | ||
| Modern China (Mason Core) | ||
| Post-1949 China (Mason Core) | ||
| Chinese Philosophies and Religious Traditions | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
Relevant courses offered by other departments may be allowed with Chinese program director's approval.
Concentration in French (FRN)
Students pursuing the concentration in French must complete a minimum of 33 credits in French at the 300 level and above, each with a minimum grade of C. No more than two courses (6 credits) conducted in English may be used to fulfill requirements for the concentration. These may be chosen from FREN 325 Major French Writers (Topic Varies) (Mason Core) or FREN 329 Problems of Western Civilization in French Literature (Mason Core) or a FRLN or non-MCL course at the 300- or 400- level with approval. Students are expected to complete a balanced program that includes courses in language, culture and civilization, and literature.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Language Course | ||
| FREN 309 | Reading and Writing Skills Development (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Literature and Civilization | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| The Making of Modern France | ||
| Francophone Identities | ||
| Introduction to French Linguistics | ||
| Multilingualism, Identity, and Power (Mason Core) (counts toward 2 courses taught in English) | ||
| FREN at the 300-level or Above | ||
| Select four courses in FREN at the 300-level or above | 12 | |
| FREN at the 400-level or above | ||
| Select four courses in FREN at the 400-level or above | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Concentration in Korean (KORE)
The major in Korean prepares students to perform professional work in the field of translation, international relations, local and federal government, transnational enterprise, cultural industry and teaching careers in Korea or at local public schools and to pursue graduate studies in Korean or Korean studies. The concentration in Korean has an emphasis on developing solid Korean language proficiency skills, technical translation skills, and in-depth understanding of both South and North Korean society and culture.
Students majoring in Korean need to complete a minimum of 30 credits in Korean at the 300 level and above, each with a minimum grade of C. Students are expected to take well-balanced courses including language, culture, literature and translation. Only two courses (6 credits) taught in English are applied to the major requirements. Students are strongly recommended to participate in study abroad.
The major in Korean can ideally be combined with majors or minors in other disciplines, such as global affairs, international relations, government, journalism, conflict analysis and resolution, philosophy, religion, and education.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| Select eight courses from the following. Some courses may be repeated for credit. | 24 | |
| Advanced Korean Language and Culture | ||
| Business Korean | ||
| Korean Proficiency through Visual Culture | ||
| Special Topics in Advanced Korean Reading | ||
| Special Topics in Advanced Korean Speaking | ||
| Transformation of Language and Culture in North and South Korea | ||
| Advanced Korean Writing (Mason Core) | ||
| Special Topics in Korean Linguistics | ||
| Special Topics in Translation of Korean | ||
| Korean Cultural Studies | ||
| Capstone in Korean Studies | ||
| Internship in Korean Studies | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select two courses taught in English on Korean subject matter from the following: | 6 | |
| Korean Culture and Society | ||
| Traditional Korean Literature in Translation | ||
| Modern Korean Literature in Translation (Mason Core) | ||
| Korean Popular Culture in a Global World | ||
| Major North and South Korean Writers | ||
| Korean History before 1876 | ||
| Modern Korean History | ||
| Introduction to Korean Linguistics | ||
| Korean Diasporas in a Global World | ||
| Politics of East Asia | ||
| Political Economy of East Asia | ||
| Buddhism (Mason Core) | ||
| Daoism | ||
| Korean Philosophy and Religions | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Concentration in Spanish (SPN)
With more than 400 million people speaking Spanish worldwide - nearly 40 million in the US - and the growing influence of Hispanic cultures around the globe, knowledge of Spanish and the Spanish-speaking world has never been more important. The Spanish courses and degree programs provide students with the opportunity for language development and interdisciplinary study of the cultures, film, history, linguistics and literature of the 20 Spanish-speaking countries, including the United States. Students can also receive Spanish credit through participation in study-abroad programs.
Students pursuing the concentration in Spanish must complete a minimum of 33 credits in Spanish courses at the 300-level and above, each with a minimum grade of C. Two courses taught in English (6 credits) may be applied toward the concentration, only one of which may be taught outside the department. FRLN topics courses and outside elective courses taught in English require pre-approval by the Spanish program coordinator.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses (Select one of the following options) | 6 | |
| Option 1 | ||
| Spanish in Context I | ||
| Spanish in Context II | ||
| Option 2 | ||
| Intensive Spanish in Context | ||
| Option 3 | ||
| Spanish in Context for Heritage Speakers | ||
| Additional Required Courses | ||
| SPAN 370 | Spanish Writing and Stylistics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SPAN 385 | Introduction to Spanish Linguistics | 3 |
| SPAN 390 | Introduction to Hispanic Literary Analysis | 3 |
| Spanish at the 400 Level | ||
| Select four courses in Spanish at the 400 level | 12 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Latin American Culture (Mason Core) | ||
| Major Hispanic Writers (Mason Core) | ||
| Special Topics in Spanish and Latin American Literature | ||
| Multilingualism, Identity, and Power (Mason Core) | ||
FRLN topics courses with pre-approval of Spanish Program Coordinator | ||
Other relevant elective courses taught in English with pre-approval of Spanish Program Coordinator 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 33 | |
- 1
Prefixes for elective courses (with pre-approval) include ANTH, ARTH, ENGH, GGS, GOVT, HIST, RELI, and SOCI.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in foreign language may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing ARAB 331 Reading and Conversation II (Mason Core), CHIN 480 Fourth-Year Chinese I (Mason Core), FREN 309 Reading and Writing Skills Development (Mason Core), KORE 370 Advanced Korean Writing (Mason Core), or SPAN 370 Spanish Writing and Stylistics (Mason Core).
Upper Level Requirement
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.
Additional Electives
Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.
College Level Requirements for the BA Degree
In addition to the Mason Core program, students pursuing a BA degree must complete the coursework below. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill a college level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements (Mason Core requirements or requirements for the major).
Philosophy or Religious Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
PHIL 1 | ||
- 1
Note that the following courses may not be used to fulfill this requirement:
- PHIL 323 Classical Western Political Theory
- PHIL 324 Modern Western Political Theory
- PHIL 327 Contemporary Western Political Theory
- PHIL 393 Humanities College to Career
- PHIL 460 Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Additionally, PHIL 253, RELI 235, RELI 333, and RELI 339 cannot be used to fulfill both the philosophy/religious studies requirement and the Mason Core literature requirement.
Social and Behavioral Sciences
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits of social and behavioral sciences from the following (additional to the Mason Core social and behavioral sciences requirement) 1 | 3 | |
| ANTH | ||
| CRIM | ||
| ECON | ||
| GOVT | ||
| HIST 2 | ||
| LING | ||
| PSYC | ||
| SOCI | ||
| Or choose from the following GGS courses: | ||
| Major World Regions (Mason Core) | ||
| Human Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Geoinformation Technologies | ||
| Political Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| Population Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Economic Geography | ||
| Urban Geography | ||
| Geography of the United States | ||
| Geography of Latin America | ||
| Geography of Europe | ||
| Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | ||
| Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia | ||
| Urban Planning | ||
| Geography of Virginia | ||
- 1
The two courses used to fulfill the combined college and Mason Core requirements must be from different disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences.
- 2
HIST 100 and HIST 125 may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
Foreign Language
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language, fulfilled by: 1 | ||
Or achieving a satisfactory score on an approved proficiency test | ||
Or completing the following ASL three course sequence: | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) I | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) II | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) III | ||
- 1
Students who are already proficient in a second language may be eligible for a waiver of this requirement. Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.
Non-Western Culture
Select 3 credits of an approved course in the study of a non-Western culture (additional to the Mason Core requirement in global understanding)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits (additional to Mason Core Global Understanding requirement) 1 | ||
| ANTH 114 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 300 | Civilizations | 3 |
| ANTH 302 | Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 307 | Ancient Mesoamerica (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 308 | Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 309 | Peoples and Cultures of India (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 313 | Myth, Magic, and Mind (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 314 | Zombies | 3 |
| ANTH 317 | East Asian Cultures | 3 |
| ANTH 330 | Peoples and Cultures of Selected Regions: Non-Western | 3 |
| ANTH 332 | Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Globalization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 381 | Medical Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 396 | Issues in Anthropology: Social Sciences (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARAB 360 | Topics in Arabic Cultural Production | 3 |
| ARAB 365 | Black and Minority Cultures in Arabic Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARAB 420 | Survey of Arabic Literature | 3 |
| ARAB 440 | Topics in Arabic Religious Thought and Texts (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 203 | Survey of Asian Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 204 | Survey of Latin American Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 206 | Survey of African Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 317 | The Black Pharaohs: Art and Archaeology of Ancient Nubia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 318 | Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt | 3 |
| ARTH 319 | Art and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 320 | Art of the Islamic World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 382 | Arts of India (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 383 | Arts of Southeast Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 384 | Arts of China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 385 | Arts of Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 482 | RS: Advanced Studies in Asian Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 318 | Introduction to Classical Chinese (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 320 | Contemporary Chinese Film | 3 |
| CHIN 325 | Major Chinese Writers (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 470 | Special Topics in Chinese Studies | 3 |
| DANC 118 | Global Dance Perspectives I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 361 | Economic Development of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 362 | African Economic Development (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FREN 454 | Topics in Caribbean Francophone Literature and Culture | 3 |
| GGS 101 | Major World Regions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 316 | Geography of Latin America | 3 |
| GGS 317 | Geography of China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 325 | Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | 3 |
| GGS 399 | Select Topics in GGS | 3 |
| GOVT 332 | Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | 3 |
| GOVT 333 | Politics of East Asia | 3 |
| GOVT 338 | Politics of Eurasia | 3 |
| GOVT 340 | Central Asian Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 341 | Chinese Foreign Policy | 3 |
| GOVT 345 | Islam and Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 433 | Political Economy of East Asia | 3 |
| HIST 251 | Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 252 | Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 261 | Survey of African History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 262 | Survey of African History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 271 | Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 272 | Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 281 | Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 282 | Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 326 | Stalinism | 3 |
| HIST 327 | The Soviet Union and Russia Since World War II | 3 |
| HIST 328 | Rise of Russia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 329 | Modern Russia and the Soviet Union (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 353 | History of Traditional China | 3 |
| HIST 354 | Modern China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 356 | Modern Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 357 | Postwar Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 358 | Post-1949 China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 360 | History of South Africa (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 364 | Revolution in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 365 | Conquest and Colonization in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 366 | Comparative Slavery | 3 |
| HIST 377 | The Vietnam War (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 384 | Global History of Christianity (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 387 | Topics in Global History (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
| HIST 461 | Arab-Israeli Conflict | 3 |
| HIST 462 | Women in Islamic Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 465 | The Middle East in the 20th Century | 3 |
| JAPA 310 | Japanese Culture in a Global World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| JAPA 340 | Topics in Japanese Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| JAPA 380 | Japan in Motion | 3 |
| KORE 300 | Korean Culture and Society | 3 |
| KORE 320 | Korean Popular Culture in a Global World | 3 |
| KORE 385 | Introduction to Korean Linguistics | 3 |
| MUSI 103 | Musics of the World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 211 | Introduction to Religions of the "West" (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 212 | Introduction to Religions of Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 312 | Islam (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 313 | Hinduism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 314 | Chinese Philosophies and Religious Traditions | 3 |
| RELI 315 | Buddhism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 317 | Daoism | 3 |
| RELI 318 | Korean Philosophy and Religions | 3 |
| RELI 338 | Qur'an and Hadith | 3 |
| RELI 342 | Comparative Study of Mysticism | 3 |
| RELI 344 | Muhammad: Life and Legacy | 3 |
| RELI 358 | Islamic Thought (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 367 | Islamic Law, Society, and Ethics | 3 |
| RELI 368 | Islam, Democracy, and Human Rights (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 384 | Global History of Christianity (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 490 | Comparative Study of Religions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 353 | Russian Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 354 | Contemporary Post-Soviet Life (Mason Core) | 3 |
| WMST 407 | Transnational Sexualities | 3 |
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A course used to fulfill the Mason Core global understanding requirement may not be simultaneously used to satisfy this college-level requirement. A course used to fulfill this requirement may be used simultaneously to fulfill any other requirements (Mason Core requirements, college-level requirements, or requirements for the major). Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information.
- VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
- VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (lower-level) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Just Societies (optional) 1 | ||
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Mason Apex 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Courses marked with the Just Societies flag are available for students starting in Fall 2024. Students admitted prior to the Fall of 2025 are not required to take courses with a Just Societies flag but may wish to do so to increase their knowledge and skills in this important area. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely wiht their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.
- 2
Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.
- 3
Minimum 3 credits required.
Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages Sample Plan of Study
A sample four year graduation plan and degree planning worksheet can be found at https://academicaffairs.chss.gmu.edu/undergraduate-students/advising/advising-sheets. The plan is a recommended sequencing of courses based on prerequisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor each semester and with their PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.
Program Outcomes
Arabic
- Analyze and write at an advanced level of Arabic grammar
- Create formal essays consisting of introductory clear thesis, supportive paragraphs and conclusion on a wide range of topics including social, political, cultural, literary and religious subject matter
- Writings reflect written proficiency to communicate with native speakers throughout the Middle East in Modern Standard Arabic and familiarity with core syntactical, morphological, and diaglossic aspects of writing in formal Arabic
Chinese
- Oral Skills
Achieve a Level 2+ (Intermediate High) in speaking on the proficiency scale developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Graduates are expected to demonstrate an ability to negotiate face-to face interactions as well as other formal and informal speaking contexts in linguistically, socially, and culturally appropriate ways. - Reading Skills
Achieve an ACTFL Level 2+ (Intermediate High) level in Chinese. Graduates are expected to be able to read authentic materials in Chinese for informative purpose. - Writing Skills
Graduates are be expected to be able to write simple narration and description in Chinese language about given topics and events. - General Knowledge of Chinese Culture
Graduates are expected to be able to demonstrate a generalist's knowledge of the political, social, and cultural history of China from the earliest times to the present and its application to the reading or analysis of an historical, social, or cultural figure, event, phenomenon, movement. - Critical Thinking
Graduates are expected to be able to analyze and discuss the ideas, values, images of people from various Chinese communities; be able to analyze and discuss various aspects of Chinese civilization, including classical and modern Chinese literature, language, and culture.
French
-
Communicating in writing
Students will communicate effectively in writing for a variety of specific purposes and for multiple audiences. Writing genres include but are not limited to (self-) portraits, descriptions, letters, creative fiction, academic papers and ethnographies. This attention to effective writing is transferable to courses in other disciplines. -
Comprehension and critical analysis
Students will be able to comprehend and critically analyze a range of texts, materials and cultural practices produced in the language of study towards the goal of writing an original research paper in the target language. -
Cultural Awareness
Students will gain significant knowledge on the multiple histories and cultures of the target language and be able to critically reflect upon the construction of identity in these cultures. -
Communicating orally
Students will demonstrate effective oral communication in the target language. Oral genres include but are not limited to presentations, performances, and informed conversations in the target language. -
Translingual and transcultural competence (“TLTC”)
Students will demonstrate self-awareness as language-speakers and learners in relation to speakers and histories of the target language.
Korean
- Accomplish the proficiency level in Korean equivalent to the “Advanced Low” on the oral proficiency interview (OPI) or “Level 5” on the test of proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) by the end of the program
- Develop the interpretive communication skills to comprehend the gist of the authentic written, spoken, and audiovisual texts in the target language
- Develop the interpersonal communication skills to interact and negotiate meaning in speech or in writing effectively in the target language
- Develop the presentational communication skills to give a formal presentation to the audience in deferential speech style or to write a term paper in plain speech style in the target language
- Demonstrate the intercultural competence to identify and interpret the cultural products, practices, and perspectives, which supports effective interaction in a variety of cultural contexts in the target language
- Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and evaluate the essential Korean culture codes in relation to the traditional and modern values, beliefs, and practices of the Korean people
- Apply and integrate their linguistic and cultural knowledge to collaborate on a real-word project as a team to accomplish a common goal
- Apply and reflect on their linguistic and cultural knowledge through field research, study abroad, or internship experiences
- Integrate their learning and make connections within the discipline and across disciplines to conduct and present their research on a variety of topics relating to Korean studies
Spanish
- Comprehension and Critical Analysis
Students will be able to comprehend and critically analyze a range of texts, materials and cultural practices produced in the language of study towards the goal of writing an original research paper in the target language using at least one secondary source. This learning goal correlates with the following university learning goals: written communication, critical thinking, global understanding, synthesis, and Western civilization. - Writing Skills in the Discipline
Students will be able to write for a variety of specific purposes in the target language for multiple audiences. Writing genres include but are not limited to (self) portraits, descriptions, letters, creative fiction, academic papers and ethnographies. This learning goal is associated with the university learning goal of written communication. - Cultural Awareness
Students will gain deep knowledge of the multiple histories and cultures of the target language and be able to critically reflect upon the construction of identity in these cultures. This learning goal is associated with the following university learning goals: critical thinking, global understanding, synthesis, and Western civilization. - Critical Language Awareness
Students will be able to understand social, political and ideological aspects of language, linguistic variation and discourse. - Critical Digital Skills for Multilingual Communication
Students will demonstrate the ability to incorporate new technologies in the study of Spanish language linguistics, literature, and cultural studies, and apply their knowledge in order to effectively communicate in Spanish with their peers, their professors, and local and global communities.
The accelerated master's programs below specify the BA in foreign languages with a Spanish concentration as a feeder degree for their programs. It is important to note, however, that many accelerated master's programs are available for any bachelor's degree at Mason. See the full list of degrees with accelerated programs at George Mason.
Foreign Languages, BA (Chinese Concentration)/Foreign Languages, Accelerated MA (Chinese Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Chinese and an MA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Chinese in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits.
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific prerequisites.
Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MA program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.00
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits)
500-level CHIN courses
Advanced standing courses may substitute for some or all (up to 12 credits) of the 400-level requirements in the BA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Chinese.
Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Foreign Languages, BA (Spanish Concentration)/Foreign Languages, Accelerated MA (Spanish Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish and an MA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits.
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MA program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.00
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits)
500-level SPAN courses
500-level FRLN courses
Advanced standing courses may substitute for some or all (up to 12 credits) of the 400-level requirements in the BA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish.
Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
500-level SPAN courses
500-level FRLN courses
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Foreign Languages, BA (Spanish Concentration)/Foreign Languages, Accelerated MA (Spanish/Bilingual-Multicultural Education Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish and an MA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish/Bilingual Multicultural Education in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits.
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MA program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.00
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits)
500-level SPAN courses
500-level FRLN courses
Advanced standing courses may substitute for some or all (up to 12 credits) of the 400-level requirements in the BA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish.
Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
500-level SPAN courses
500-level FRLN courses
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.