Foreign language study at Radford University can also set students apart from the others by complimenting a second major. In the 21 century, the ability to understand, speak, read and write in world languages, in addition to English, is critical to success in fields related to business, medical, criminal justice, research and international relations. The United States needs more people to speak languages other than English and to become familiar with the other cultures in order to provide social and legal services for a changing population.
Students who study a foreign language go on to do amazing things: professional schools, top-notch employment at home & abroad and terrific travel opportunities around the world.
The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures (FORL) at Radford University offers instruction in seven languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Latin, Russian and Spanish.
Latin is an effective tool for developing the mind and for developing patterns of thinking in a systematic manner. Latin promotes logical thinking and reasoning which aids students in other systematic subjects such as math and science, helping them to excel in these subjects.
In the fields of science and technology, over 90% of English terms are from Latin or Greek. To excel at STEM subjects, a firm grasp of STEM vocabulary is an asset. One of the best ways to acquire that vocabulary is through the study of Latin and Greek.
The study of Latin enhances the ability to synthesize information. Latin is a cumulative subject in which later lessons build upon earlier ones. The study of Latin aids in the mastery of other cumulative subjects, such as math and many sciences.
More than half of the words in the English language derive from Latin and Greek (mostly Latin). The study of Latin helps to develop an understanding of these words and words related to them. For example, the Latin word for “send” is “mitto, mittere, misi, missus” from which English derives: submit, transmit, commit, mission, missive, etc.
In the fields of law, government and theology most terms are either derived from Latin or are actually Latin terms unaltered from the original language.
Latin is one of the best tools for understanding English grammar and grammatical structure.
Latin is the root of several European Languages including Spanish, French and Italian. The study of Latin, which is not a spoken language, will help in the accelerated acquisition of other spoken languages.
When learning English spellings, Latin is the second half to phonics. English itself is made of two main roots: words derived from Germanic languages and words derived from Latin. Phonics can help in the study of the English words derived from Germanic stems, but Latin helps in the study of those derived from Latin roots.
Latin is the language of European history. The language of Europe for over a thousand years was Latin. To understand our cultural heritage and background, a knowledge of Latin is greatly beneficial. The understanding of history is a crucial step in responsible decision making for our society in the future.
All majors in modern foreign languages are required to show satisfactory participation in an intensive immersion experience in the language of their major. This may be in the form of a study abroad program, a service project, or intensive upper-level language instruction in the United States.
In all cases, this experience may not be less than four calendar weeks and must be approved by the department prior to departure.
Radford offers a summer study program abroad in China, France, Mexico and Spain, and a semester or year’s study in China, Germany, Spain, Mexico and France.
Our department offers several study abroad opportunities for Radford University students.
This Radford-Kassel exchange program (offered as spring and full-year programs) is centrally located in Germany in an industrial region with great train connections to other cities and regions of interest. Kassel is noted for its spectacular museums and for a world-renowned art exhibition Documenta. Students have the opportunity to pursue a full academic program for either a semester or a year. It is open to all majors.
Field Trips
Students in our German program visit centers of German immigration in the region to learn about the important role that Germans played in the settlement of this country.
The International Programs Office of Radford University is sponsoring a four-week summer school session in France, at the Université Catholique de l'Ouest in Angers. Located in the Loire Valley, near some of the world's most beautiful castles and scenery, Angers is a historic French city, which is renowned for its hospitality, gentle way of life, 11th century castle and cathedral, multiple artistic activities, famous museums, and of course, its legendary gastronomy.
It also boasts a selective, internationally-known summer school program attended each year by over 500 students from 30 different countries. The summer school program of the Université Catholique de l'Ouest, now in its 63rd year, offers rigorous instruction by a dedicated French faculty, as well as numerous opportunities for excursions, sight-seeing tours and independent extra-curricular activities.
Dr. Eric du Plessis, Professor of French at Radford University, will accompany the students to France and work closely with them and the French administration of the Université Catholique de l'Ouest. Upon successful completion of the four-week program, each student will be awarded a Certificat de Langue Française as well as six hours of summer school credits. Courses are offered on many different levels. Prospective students can join whether they are nearly fluent, or never had any instruction in French.
The program offers an exciting blend of serious study and great fun. Paris is only 1½ hours away by the T.G.V. (the world's fastest passenger train), and the sandy beaches of the French Atlantic Coast are just one hour away.
The estimated cost for the entire program is $6190 (in-state students).
It includes:
(A $1,000.00 non-refundable deposit will be due on or before December 1st; $2500 by February 1st and the balance by June 1st )
Interested students should contact Dr. Eric du Plessis, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, at ehduples@radford.edu
Latin American countries such as Costa Rica, Mexico and Dominican Republic. In case of students seeking to go abroad individually to fulfill the immersion progrom requirement or for Internship purpose questions should be sent to Dr. Martin, Professor in the Foreign Language and Literatures Department, at rcmartin115@radford.edu
This program is open to college students in good standing. Earn 9 credits and practice Spanish in real life situations! On this 6 week program you can: