Modern Languages

Students who major or minor in foreign languages can choose careers in a variety of fields, including international business, the Foreign Service, translation and interpretation, teaching, or social work.  Many of our majors continue their studies at the graduate level in areas such as cultural studies, linguistics, and literature.  Others use their language expertise to pursue advanced degrees in law, medicine, and other disciplines in the humanities and social sciences.

Faculty members in the Modern Languages Department are commit­ted to promoting international understanding through excellence in foreign language instruction. They all have native or near-native fluency in the languages they teach. In addition, they employ the most up-to-date methods to teach communication skills effectively.

Fort Lewis currently offers coursework in French, German, Japanese, Navajo, and Spanish.  We sponsor two foreign language honor societies:  Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish) and Phi Sigma Iota (Foreign Language).  Qualified juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for membership.

Students may also complete a minor in French, German, or Spanish or Professional Certificate in Spanish.

El Centro organizes events related to Latino and Spanish-speaking cultures.  The center provides tutoring and information on scholarships and jobs.  It is also equipped with a bilingual library and computers.

Foreign language clubs provide a variety of opportunities for students of Spanish, German, or French to exercise and increase their knowledge of the language and culture: conversation hours, lunch gatherings, film showings, lectures, group outings, and parties.

We sponsor two foreign language honor societies:

Qualified juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for membership.

FLC Modern Language Outstanding:

Students who have successfully completed the second year of a foreign language are eligible to participate in one of Fort Lewis College's semester- or year-long study-abroad pro­grams.  Fort Lewis currently offers many exchange opportunities.  Students who study in one of the following countries may earn Modern Languages credit:

These are month-long summer courses that include travel and may include service learning.  Students may earn credits toward degree and general education requirements during these learning experiences.  Innovative Months have been facilitated in Argentina, Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, France, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru, and Switzerland.

For more information please contact the Fort Lewis College International Studies website.

The Modern Languages Department offers all foreign language students access to the Language Lab in 150 Noble Hall.  This space is equipped with computers loaded with interactive language-learning software in Arabic, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.  The Language Lab is staffed by students who are native speakers or advanced in their language studies; language lab coordinators offer tutoring assistance to students who desire extra help outside the classroom.

The Language Lab is always looking for volunteers. For more information, contact Prof. Ellen Hartsfield.