Modern Languages
In an international or multicultural business environment, fluency in foreign languages is a major advantage, as is an understanding of cross-cultural communication. Bentley's modern languages minor is designed to help students develop these valuable skills before they enter the global professional world.
Studying a modern language is not a requirement for graduation from Bentley, but it can fulfill the humanities elective requirement, arts and sciences elective or unrestricted elective.
Proficiency in a modern language complements business fundamentals and improves communication, particularly in today's global marketplace.
Portfolio of Skills
Modern languages courses offered in Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish expand personal and cultural horizons. The Modern Languages Department includes courses for students who wish to begin the study of foreign language, and for those who wish to build upon foreign language skills acquired before coming to Bentley. In addition we provide offerings for students who seek specialty or advanced-learning training in civilization, literature, or foreign business language and practice. As part of these courses, the department provides direct exposure to relevant films and literary works, as well as to cultural attractions in the Boston area.
The interactive teaching methods we use in the classroom are designed to help our students gain fluency in a variety of practical and professional situations and an understanding of basic cultural differences that they are likely to encounter when dealing with people from other countries. All of our courses emphasize personal communication skills; most include oral achievement testing (oral exams and videotaping with personalized feedback and coaching), as well as active classroom work and listening comprehension practice.
Course Placement and School-wide Requirements
One year of high school language generally equals one semester of college language study.
For example: If you have studied two years of high school French, you most likely would be placed in Intermediate French I, ML 201.
Modern languages faculty will assist in placing you at the appropriate level of language competency should you have questions.
Although studying a modern language at Bentley is not a requirement for graduation, it can fulfill the humanities elective requirement, arts and sciences elective, or unrestricted elective. However, if you intend to major in liberal arts or international studies, you must fulfill the following modern language requirements:
Liberal Arts Majors: Proficiency through the fourth semester of language, Intermediate II.
INT Majors: Proficiency at the 300 level, i.e., you must take a 300-level or a fifth semester course in Spanish, French, or Italian. In Chinese and Japanese, you must be proficient at the fourth semester of language, Intermediate II. Bilingual students or students of others languages who are highly proficient should see the department chair about using their first language to fulfill this requirement.
