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Students soon discover the value of another language, not only in providing greater employment and career opportunities, but also in providing different insights, a fuller and richer perspective on different cultures, academic disciplines, and, in fact, on all aspects of life.

Mandarin, Spanish, German, Japanese

The Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures is the choice of students who enjoy learning about other languages and cultures and who realize the importance of communication in all aspects of contemporary life.

Why study Modern Languages at Bishop’s?

Bishop’s constitutes a cultural crossroads. Its setting in a predominantly anglophone community in the middle of francophone Quebec provides our students with exposure to both major linguistic and cultural groups in Quebec, while its diverse student population–drawn from all parts of Quebec, Canada, the United States, and abroad–assures a vibrant interchange between students of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

The Bishop’s environment is ideal for language acquisition. Small class size encourages an excellent rapport between teachers and students, as well as superb opportunities for learning and practice. Bishop’s small size overall fosters a close interaction amongst the various faculties, making interdisciplinary studies an exciting possibility. Thus, students may decide to specialize in one, two, or even three languages, or combine their language studies with concentrations in other disciplines like music, philosophy, business or science.

Courses & Programs

The Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers an Honours program in Hispanic Studies, Majors in Modern Languages and Hispanic Studies, International Major in German, as well as Concentrations/Minors in German Studies, Hispanic Studies, and Japanese Studies (International Concentration).

Major in Modern Languages

(60 credits)

This major is equally divided between two language Concentrations (30/30), which will be specified on the student’s final transcript. The languages available for Concentrations are German, Japanese and Spanish, as well as English Language Studies or French (offered by the Département des études françaises et québécoises). Students may choose one of their Concentrations in English or French, but completing Concentrations in English and French is not permitted for the Major in Modern Languages. The requirements and courses for the Concentrations within the Major in Modern Languages are listed under each specific language.

Certificate in Modern Languages

(30 credits)

The Certificate is designed to provide part-time students with a working knowledge of at least two of the modern languages taught at Bishop’s University: French, German, Japanese, and/or Spanish.

Students must choose two main languages of concentration and complete at least 12 credits in each. The 6 remaining credits may be taken in either of these two main languages, or in one other language. Please consult course offerings under individual languages within the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, the Department of English and the Département des études françaises et québécoises.

Credits obtained in the certificate program may be applied towards a degree program in Modern Languages; however, students may not be enrolled simultaneously in a degree program and in the Certificate in Modern Languages.

See also courses & programs information for:

Practice your chosen language in a foreign country!

Students in Japan on exchange program

Bishop’s has a well-developed international exchange program, which permits students to go abroad to perfect their knowledge of language and culture and fill concentration requirements. In terms of official certification, Bishop’s hosts international exams in German (Zertifikat Deutsch) and Spanish (Diplomas de Español Lengua Extranjera).

Ready to join us?

Need more information?

For the complete list of courses and more details, see the Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures section of the Academic Calendar.

Questions?

For more information, please contact the Chair of the Department.