Department of Foreign Languages & International Studies

Mission

The mission of the Department of Foreign Languages and International Studies at Harding University is to equip language learners for service in both local and global communities through the development of intercultural competence and effective communication in one or more world languages. Our faculty, students, and alumni honor God through their service in missions, education, diplomacy, graduate-level study and research, work with non-profit organizations, careers in the humanities, communications, business, health sciences, and more.

Undergraduate Program Options

Students may pursue a Bachelor of Arts in French or Spanish, or they may prefer to double major by adding Applied French or Applied Spanish to the degree they are pursuing. Teacher licensure is available, and the French and Spanish licensure programs have received national recognition as outstanding teacher-education programs by the American Council of the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), a recognition that places them in the top tier of programs across the United States. Two interdisciplinary programs are offered: Foreign Language and Missions in conjunction with the College of Bible and Ministry, and International Studies, which combines study of foreign language and political science with courses in an individualized career concentration. In addition to these options, undergraduate students may take up to 6 hours of graduate-level courses in Translation (financial aid restrictions may apply).

Study Abroad

The department provides the following opportunities for foreign language study abroad:

1. The French FACE program provides an opportunity for upper level French students to be immersed in the culture and language of French-speaking Europe. Six hours of credit may be earned in FR 3250  and FR 4130 .
2. The Harding University in Latin America program (HULA), in cooperation with International Programs, offers a semester of Spanish in Arequipa, Peru.
3. The Harding University in Florence program (HUF), in cooperation with International Programs, offers a semester of Italian in Florence, Italy.

Overseas Missions

The department provides the following opportunities for foreign mission work:

1. Department faculty and students conduct campaigns in French-speaking Europe following the FACE program, providing an opportunity for students to encourage Christians and practice their French.
2. The department partners with Latin American Missions in a summer program involving students in four to five weeks of evangelistic campaigns in Peru or another Latin American country.
3. A three-week mission trip to Ecuador or another Latin American country is offered in partnership with Global Outreach in the Center for World Missions.

Transfer/Concurrent Credit

The Foreign Language program at Harding complies with nationally recognized guidelines for content of course offerings at the 1000- and 2000-levels. Due to the wide variety of language programs across the nation, prior to the granting of equivalency for Harding courses, transfer credit for 1000- and 2000-level courses must be verified by completion of one skills course at the next level of study with a grade of C or higher. Students with inadequate skills may be asked to repeat coursework in order to achieve adequate proficiency levels in order to continue in the program.

Placement

Placement of students with foreign language background varies according to the level of language proficiency. Students with three to four years of high school study or a state Seal of Biliteracy award are encouraged to enroll in the intermediate-level and seek validation credit for elementary-level courses (see below) Students with exceptional foreign language skills may be approved by the department chair for enrollment in advanced courses.

Validation Credit

Validation credit for previous language study may be obtained upon written request as follows: Students with three or more years of high school foreign language study or the equivalent, upon completion of the Harding University intermediate course of the same language with a grade of A or B in both semesters first time enrolled, may receive 8 hours of credit for the elementary course. Students who enter into language courses above the intermediate-level may apply to receive validation credit for lower-level courses only upon completion of one advanced grammar course and one readings course, with a grade of A or B in both semesters first time enrolled.

Global Seal of Biliteracy

The department provides credentialing in a variety of languages in conjunction with the Global Seal of Biliteracy. Certificates and digital badges may be earned at three levels of proficiency by taking credentialing tests in writing and speaking. An application fee is required in order to cover testing and processing costs. Applicants do not have to be enrolled in courses within the department, but advanced-level proficiency is often hard to achieve without formal study, just as in native languages. Prospective applicants should inquire through the department’s main office or by emailing forlang@harding.edu.

Graduate Credit

The prerequisite for admission to any graduate-level French or Spanish course in the Department of Foreign Languages and International Studies includes the completion of a minimum of 15 semester hours of advanced work (3000-level and above) in the given language and consent of the department chair before entrance to the program. Native speakers whose undergraduate program does not include advanced work in the language may seek admission by passing the departmental senior exit exam with a 75% in each area. Some individual graduate-level courses may require specific additional prerequisites as noted. Failure to meet these prerequisites may result in the need to take remedial work at the undergraduate-level before entry to the program. Students enrolled in dual-listed courses, e.g., 3000/5000 will be required to perform at a higher level than their undergraduate classmates.

Graduate Certificate in Translation

The department also offers an 18-hour certificate in translation at the graduate level, including courses in specific translation topics, including ethics, translation theory, and areas of specialization. It is designed to help students learn and practice skills necessary for translation in the workplace, as a freelance operator, or in service to the community. This program does not include a certification exam, but it is the first step towards a translation career, further specialization, or higher education in translation. It is designed for students who already have proficiency in another language and want to use their language gifts to help others. Applicants should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in the non-native language OR have received a rating of Advanced Mid or higher in their non-native language according to the proficiency guidelines of the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Otherwise, leveling work in foreign language classes may be required.

Faculty

Chair: Kristi Bond, Ph.D.

Professors:

Robert McCready, Doctorat

Associate Professors:

Kristi Bond, Ph.D.
Whitaker Jordan, Ph.D.

Assistant Professors:

Michelle Holland, M.Ed., M.A.
Genevieve Jones, M.Ed.
Robbie Shackelford, M.Ed.
     Associate Dean of Administrative Affairs at Harding University in Florence

Programs

• Applied French Major (FRA), (Second major only)
• Applied Spanish Major (SPA), (Second major only)
• Foreign Language and Missions Major (FLMI), BA
• French Major (FR), BA
• French Major (FRE) (Teacher licensure), BA
• International Studies Major (INST), BA
• Spanish Major (SP), BA
• Spanish Major (SPE) (Teacher licensure), BA

• Translation Certificate (Graduate)

• French Minor
• Spanish Minor
• Translation Concentration