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Gain career skills, break barriers, and explore new cultures.

Department of Modern Languages at Western Kentucky University


Our programs are designed to graduate majors and minors whose language skills provide them with enhanced opportunities for careers at the regional, national, and international levels. Students who wish to pursue grate programs are prepared for advanced study in language, literature, and culture. Our faculty deliver high quality language instruction based on nationally-recognized standards, and to contribute actively to cross-disciplinary international initiatives. Our students discover meaningful first encounters with cultures from around the world through our coursework, study abroad programs, and cultural events.

Our Chinese Flagship Program at WKU offers intensive language instruction with the goal of producing the next generation of global professionals with professional-level language proficiency in their area of expertise, advanced cultural skills, and experience abroad. The Chinese and Russian programs participate in the cutting-edge STEM+languages program offered through the Gatton Academy for Mathematics and Science.

 

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Chinese majors in a workshop

 

MAJORS

Chinese, Bachelor of Arts (624)


  • Undergraduate
  • AB
  • Arts & Letters
  • Modern Languages

Overview

Our Chinese majors combine language skills with knowledge of another discipline to prepare for successful careers. 

Why is it important to learn Chinese?

  • Chinese is the modern language with the oldest, continuously written language in the world.
  • At the current pace of growth, China will surpass the U.S. to become the world's largest economy in 20 years.

A variety of career options will be open to those who have solid Chinese language skills: university scholars, teachers, international affairs, law, diplomacy, international business and trade.

Concentrations

  • General (No concentration)
  • Teacher Education (TCHR)

Program Requirements (36-73 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

The proficiency-oriented Chinese major (reference # 624) is built upon student-centered curriculum and standards-based assessments. It provides WKU undergraduates with extensive language training and in-depth study of Chinese culture and society, which prepare them to use Chinese proficiency in their professional endeavors. Thirty-six credit hours are required in this major. Some of the required course work may be accomplished through approved methods for demonstration of previous knowledge or courses taken with the Chinese Flagship Program (CHNF). Chinese Flagship students must have been admitted to or be in good standing in the Mahurin Honors College. Study abroad is strongly recommended. A minor or second major is required for the non-teacher certification concentration. No course with a grade of “D” or below may be counted toward the major.

Course List
Required Core Courses
CHIN 102Elementary Chinese II3
or CHNF 101 Intensive Elementary Chinese I
CHIN 201Intermediate Chinese I3
or CHNF 102 Intensive Elementary Chinese II
CHIN 202Intermediate Chinese II3
or CHNF 201 Intensive Intermediate Chinese I
CHIN 301Advanced Intermediate Chinese I3
or CHNF 202 Intensive Intermediate Chinese II
CHIN 302Advanced Intermediate Chinese II3
CHIN 401Advanced Chinese I3
CHIN 402Advanced Chinese II3
Elective Courses
Select at least four courses at the 300- or 400-level15
Total Hours36

Elective Courses

Students may include among the five courses up to three credit hours of 200-level credit beyond CHIN 201 / CHIN 202 (only if taught in Chinese and taken in sequence) and six credit hours of 300- or 400-level courses delivered in English but related to Chinese studies (e.g., courses in Chinese history, philosophy, and/or religion), only after the student has completed 6 hours at 300-level with permission of program advisor. Electives may be chosen from the following:

Course List
Chinese Language Courses
CHIN 200-level courses other than CHIN 201 / CHIN 202 (3 hours maximum)
CHIN or CHNF 300- or 400-level courses
Study Abroad
CHIN 306 (maximum of 6 hours)
Courses on Chinese Studies (delivered in English)
HIST 460Traditional East Asia3
HIST 461Modern East Asia3
HIST 471Modern China3
PS 366Government and Politics in East Asia3
RELS 317Confucianism3
RELS 318Daoism3
Other courses with permission of program advisor (maximum of 6 hours)

Major in Chinese with Teacher Certification

Course List
Required Core Courses
CHIN 102Elementary Chinese II3
or CHNF 101 Intensive Elementary Chinese I
CHIN 201Intermediate Chinese I3
or CHNF 102 Intensive Elementary Chinese II
CHIN 202Intermediate Chinese II3
or CHNF 202 Intensive Intermediate Chinese II
CHIN 301Advanced Intermediate Chinese I3
or CHNF 201 Intensive Intermediate Chinese I
CHIN 302Advanced Intermediate Chinese II (required for students not taking CHNF courses)3
CHIN 333Chinese Culture and Civilization3
CHIN 401Advanced Chinese I3
CHIN 402Advanced Chinese II3
Elective Courses
Select at least four courses at the 300- or 400-level14-15
Total Hours38-39

Elective Courses

Students may include among the five courses up to three credit hours of 200-level credit beyond CHIN 201 / CHIN 202 (only if taught in Chinese and taken in sequence) and six credit hours of 300- or 400-level courses delivered in English but related to Chinese studies (e.g., courses in Chinese history, philosophy, and/or religion), only after the student has completed 6 hours at 300-level with permission of program advisor. Electives may be chosen from the following:

Course List
Chinese Language Courses
CHIN 200-level courses other than CHIN 201 / CHIN 202 (3 hours maximum)
CHIN or CHNF 300- or 400-level courses
Study Abroad
CHIN 306 (maximum of 6 hours)
Courses on Chinese Studies (delivered in English)
HIST 460Traditional East Asia3
HIST 461Modern East Asia3
HIST 471Modern China3
PS 366Government and Politics in East Asia3
RELS 317Confucianism3
RELS 318Daoism3
Other courses with permission of program advisor (maximum of 6 hours)

Teacher Certification

Students interested in teacher certification in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, or Spanish should meet with the Modern Languages Academic Advisor as early in their academic career as possible for information on current program requirements. World Language teachers in Kentucky may be eligible for interest forgiveness on student loans.

Professional Education Coursework 

Required for Certification in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, & Spanish are listed as follows:

Course List
EDU 250Discover Teaching: Introduction to Teacher Education3
EDU 260Classroom Assessment3
EDU 350Student Diversity and Differentiation3
EDU 360Behavior and Classroom Management in Education3
EDU 489Student Teaching Seminar3
MLNG 410Second Language Acquisition3
or ENG 469 2nd Language Acquisition Theory
MLNG 474Teaching Foreign Language3
PSY 310Educational Psychology: Development and Learning3
LTCY 497Literacy Competencies for Middle and High School Classroom Teachers0
SEC 350Clinical Practices in Secondary Teaching I4
SEC 490Student Teaching10
Total Hours38

All students seeking teacher certification must take the official Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) given by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

Finish in Four Plans

Chinese
 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHIN 101 or CHNF 1013CHIN 102 or CHNF 1023
ENG 1003COMM 1453
HIST 101 or HIST 1023MATH 1093
ARC 1003Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ no lab3
PSY 1003General Elective3
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHIN 201 or CHNF 2013CHIN 202 or CHNF 2023
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ lab3-4Second Major or Minor Course or General Elective3
ENG 2003RELS 3183
Second Major or Minor Course or General Elective3Second Major or Minor Course or General Elective3
Second Major or Minor Course or General Elective3Second Major or Minor Course or General Elective3
 15-16 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHIN 301 or CHNF 3013CHIN 302 or CHNF 3023
CHIN 3203CHIN 4203
ENG 3003RELS 3173
Second Major or Minor Course or General Elective3Second Major or Minor Course or General Elective3
Second Major or Minor Course or General Elective3Second Major or Minor Course or General Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHIN 401 or CHNF 4203CHIN 402 or CHNF 4403
CHIN/CHNF Elective (300/400 level)3CHIN/CHNF Elective (300/400 level)3
Colonnade - Local to Global3CHIN Elective (300/400 level)3
Second Major or Minor Course or General Elective3Second Major or Minor Course or General Elective3
Second Major or Minor Course or General Elective3Second Major or Minor Course or General Elective3
 15 15
Total Hours 120-121


With Teacher Certification

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHIN 101 or CHNF 1013CHIN 102 or CHNF 1023
ENG 1003COMM 1453
HIST 101 or HIST 1023MATH 1093
ARC 1003Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ no lab3
PSY 1003General Elective3
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHIN 201 or CHNF 2013CHIN 202 or CHNF 2023
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ lab3-4CHIN Elective (200/300 level)3
ENG 2003RELS 3183
CHIN Elective (200/300 level)3Colonnade - Local to Global3
EDU 2503PSY 3103
 General Elective2
 15-16 17
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHIN 301 or CHNF 3013CHIN 302 or CHNF 3023
CHIN 3203CHIN 4203
ENG 3003RELS 3173
SPED 3303MLNG 4103
SEC 3513LTCY 4213
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHIN 401 or CHNF 4203EDU 4893
CHIN/CHNF Elective (300/400 level)3SEC 49010
Colonnade - Local to Global3 
SEC 4533 
MLNG 4743 
LTCY 4970 
 15 13
Total Hours 120-121

Spanish, Bachelor of Arts (778)


  • Undergraduate
  • AB
  • Arts & Letters
  • Modern Languages

Overview

There are so many reasons to learn Spanish that we could hardly list them all here. Spanish is spoken by some 400 million people. According to About.com, it is the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world. It is the official language on four continents, and the number of Spanish speakers in the United States is growing. Speakers of Spanish are needed in a wide variety of fields such as business, education, health care, journalism and social work. Spanish makes a great "second major" in combination with just about any other discipline that interests you. Our Spanish program provides you many opportunities to interact with Spanish speakers both at home and abroad, and to apply your skills in service opportunities.

Concentrations

  • Spanish Language and Cultures (SPLC)
  • Communication (COMM)
  • International Business (INBU)
  • Health Sciences & Health Careers (HSHC)
  • Legal Professionals (LEPR)
  • Teacher Education (TCHR)

Program Requirements (36-78 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

The Spanish major (reference # 778) leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree and requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, depending on chosen concentration. A minor or second major is required, unless the student declares the teacher certification concentration. Some of the required coursework may be accomplished through CLEP or AP credit. Study abroad is strongly recommended. No course with a grade of “D” or below may be counted toward this major.

Course List
Required Core Courses
SPAN 102Elementary Spanish II (or equivalent)3
SPAN 201Intermediate Spanish I3
SPAN 202Intermediate Spanish II3
SPAN 370Spanish Conversation3
SPAN 371Spanish Composition and Grammar3
SPAN 372Latin American Civilization and Culture3
or SPAN 373 Spanish Civilization and Culture
SPAN 374Literature and Culture of Spain3
or SPAN 376 Literature and Culture of Latin America
Total Hours21

Select one of the following concentrations: 

Spanish Language and Cultures Concentration

Course List
In addition to the required core courses, student must take the following courses if they pursue the Spanish Language and Cultures concentration:
Select 5 elective upper level Spanish courses, with at least one 400 level course15
Total Hours15

Spanish Communication Concentration

Course List
In addition to the required core courses, student must take the following courses if they pursue the Spanish Communication concentration:
SPAN 345Topics in Spanish3
or SPAN 381 Spanish Grammar Through Cultural Readings
SPAN 470Advanced Oral Spanish3
or SPAN 471 Advanced Spanish Composition
Choose one of the following Spanish elective courses: 3
SPAN 389
Internship in Spanish
or SPAN 331
Spanish for Professional Communication
or SPAN 455
Topics in Hispanic Literary and Cultural Studies
or SPAN 480
Translation and Interpreting
SPAN 3** or SPAN 4** Study Abroad
Students must take all 3 courses in one of the following options: 9
Workplace Communication
COMM 330
Leadership Communication
or COMM 345
Advanced Presentational Speaking
COMM 349
Small Group Communication
COMM 365
Intercultural Communication
or COMM 371
Communication in Multinational Organizations
Advertising/User Experience
ART 243
Digital Media
UX 220
Introduction to User Experience Design
UX 330
User Interface Design
Strategic Communication
PR 255
Fundamentals of Public Relations
COMM 346
Persuasion
COMM 364
Crisis Communication
Total Hours18

Spanish for International Business Concentration

Course List
In addition to the required core courses, student must take the following courses if they pursue the Spanish for International Business concentration:
SPAN 345Topics in Spanish3
or SPAN 381 Spanish Grammar Through Cultural Readings
SPAN 470Advanced Oral Spanish3
or SPAN 471 Advanced Spanish Composition
MGT 210Organization and Management3
MGT 303International Business3
Choose one of the following Spanish elective courses: 3
SPAN 389
Internship in Spanish
SPAN 331
Spanish for Professional Communication
SPAN 455
Topics in Hispanic Literary and Cultural Studies
SPAN 480
Translation and Interpreting
SPAN 3** or SPAN 4** Study Abroad
Choose one of the following International Business electives: 3
ENT 425
International Entrepreneurship
MGT 316
International Management
ECON 380
International Economics
Total Hours18

Spanish for Health Sciences and Health Care Concentration

Course List
In addition to the required core courses, students must take the following courses if they pursue the Spanish for Health Sciences and Health Care concentration:
SPAN 345Topics in Spanish3
or SPAN 381 Spanish Grammar Through Cultural Readings
SPAN 470Advanced Oral Spanish3
or SPAN 471 Advanced Spanish Composition
Choose one of the following Spanish elective courses: 3
SPAN 389
Internship in Spanish
SPAN 331
Spanish for Professional Communication
SPAN 455
Topics in Hispanic Literary and Cultural Studies
SPAN 480
Translation and Interpreting
Choose nine hours from the following courses: 9
BIOL 113
BIOL 114
General Biology
and General Biology Laboratory
BIOL 120
BIOL 121
Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics
and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab
BIOL 122
BIOL 123
Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology
and Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab
BIOL 131
Human Anatomy and Physiology
CHEM 105
CHEM 106
Fundamentals of General Chemistry
and Fundamentals of General Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 107
CHEM 108
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 116
Introduction to College Chemistry
CHEM 120
CHEM 121
College Chemistry I
and College Chemistry I Laboratory
PSY/PSYS 100
Introduction to Psychology
PSY/PSYS 220
Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology
PSYS 440
Abnormal Psychology
HMD 211
Human Nutrition
Total Hours18

Spanish for Legal Professionals Concentration

Course List
In addition to the required core courses, student must take the following courses if they pursue the Spanish for Legal Professionals concentration:
SPAN 345Topics in Spanish3
or SPAN 381 Spanish Grammar Through Cultural Readings
SPAN 470Advanced Oral Spanish3
or SPAN 471 Advanced Spanish Composition
PLS 200Legal Ethics3
PLS 225Introduction to Law3
Choose one of the following Spanish elective courses: 3
SPAN 389
Internship in Spanish
SPAN 331
Spanish for Professional Communication
SPAN 455
Topics in Hispanic Literary and Cultural Studies
SPAN 480
Translation and Interpreting
SPAN 3** or SPAN 4** Study Abroad
Choose one of the following Paralegal Studies electives: 3
PLS 296
Family Law
Total Hours18

Major in Spanish with Teacher Certification (no minor or second major required)

Students interested in teacher certification in Chinese or Spanish should meet with the Modern Languages Academic Advisor as early in their academic career as possible for information on current program requirements. World Language teachers in Kentucky may be eligible for interest forgiveness on student loans.

In addition to the 21 hours of core courses, students pursuing Spanish with Teacher Certification need the following classes for a total of 78 hours:

Required for Certification in Spanish
Course List
SPAN 470Advanced Oral Spanish3
Four SPAN courses at the 300 or 400 level12
EDU 250Discover Teaching: Introduction to Teacher Education3
EDU 260Classroom Assessment3
PSY 310Educational Psychology: Development and Learning3
EDU 350Student Diversity and Differentiation3
EDU 360Behavior and Classroom Management in Education3
LTCY 497Literacy Competencies for Middle and High School Classroom Teachers0
MLNG 410Second Language Acquisition3
or ENG 469 2nd Language Acquisition Theory
MLNG 474Teaching Foreign Language3
or ENG 470 Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language
SEC 350Clinical Practices in Secondary Teaching I4
SEC 450Clinical Practices in Secondary Teaching II1
SEC 475Teaching Language Arts3
EDU 489Student Teaching Seminar3
SEC 490Student Teaching10
Total Hours57

All students seeking teacher certification must take the official Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) given by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

Finish in Four Plans

Additional Information for Students pursuing a Spanish major

2nd Major or Minor Required for all Spanish Tracks, with the exception of Teacher Certification.

Placement: Students should begin the curriculum at the right level based on previous knowledge. If students begin in 101, bi-term classes are recommended for the first and second year. Read about placement and verified credit at: www.wku.edu/modernlanguages/placement. 

Study Abroad: A full semester abroad - or at a minimum 1-2 shorter term study abroad experiences - are strongly recommended. Consult with an advisor and plan ahead.

Spanish Languages and Cultures 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 1023SPAN 2013
ENG 1003ENG 2003
MATH 109, MATH 115, or MATH 1163Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences w/Lab3
Colonnade: Social & Behavioral Sciences3General Elective 3
HIST 1013COMM 1453
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 202 (or SPAN 201/SPAN 202 as bi-terms)3SPAN 3703
ENG 3003SPAN 3713
Colonnade: Arts & Humanities3Colonnade: Connections (Social & Cultural)3
General Elective3Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences w/Lab3-4
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15-16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 372 or SPAN 3733SPAN 374 or SPAN 3723
SPAN Elective (300-level)3SPAN Elective (300-level)3
Colonnade: Connections (Systems)3Colonnade: Connections (Local to Global)3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN Elective (300/400 level)3SPAN Elective (300/400 level)3
SPAN Elective (300/400 level)3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15
Total Hours 120-121

Communication

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 1023SPAN 2013
ENG 1003HIST 101 or HIST 1023
COMM 1453ENG 2003
MATH 109, MATH 115, or MATH 1163Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences w/Lab3-4
Colonnade: Social & Behavioral Sciences3Colonnade: Arts & Humanities3
 15 15-16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 202 (or SPAN 201/SPAN 202 as bi-terms)3SPAN 3703
COMM 2003SPAN 3713
Colonnade: Connections (Systems)3Colonnade: Connections (Local to Global)3
Colonnade: Connections (Social & Cultural)3Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences w/o Lab3-4
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15-16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 372 or SPAN 3733SPAN 374 or SPAN 3723
SPAN Elective (300-level)3COMM 349, UX 220, or COMM 3463
SPAN 381 or SPAN 3453General Elective3
COMM 330, ART 243, or PR 2553General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3 
 18 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 470 or SPAN 4713SPAN Elective (300/400 level)3
COMM 365, UX 330, or COMM 3643General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15
Total Hours 123-125
Note:

 Students will choose one concentration and must take the 3 courses listed for that concentration.  The first option listed is Workplace Communication, the second option is Advertising/User Experience, and the third is Strategic Communication.

International Business

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 1023SPAN 2013
ENG 1003HIST 101 or HIST 1023
COMM 1453ECON 2033
MATH 109, MATH 115, or MATH 1163ENG 2003
ECON 2023Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences w/Lab3-4
 15 15-16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 202 (or SPAN 201/SPAN 202 as bi-terms)3SPAN 3703
MGT 2103SPAN 3713
ENG 3003Colonnade: Connections (Social & Cultural)3
Colonnade: Arts & Humanities3Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences w/o Lab3-4
General Elective3MGT 3033
 15 15-16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 372 or SPAN 3733SPAN 374 or SPAN 3723
SPAN 381 or SPAN 3453Colonnade: Connections (Local to Global)3
ENT 425, MGT 316, or ECON 3803General Elective3
Colonnade: Connections (Systems)3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 470 or SPAN 4713SPAN Elective (300/400 level)3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15
Total Hours 120-122

Health Sciences and Health Care

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 1023SPAN 2013
ENG 1003HIST 101 or HIST 1023
COMM 1453ENG 2003
MATH 109, MATH 115, or MATH 1163BIOL 113
BIOL 114
, BIOL 120/121, BIOL 122/123, or BIOL 131
4
PSY 100, PSYS 100, PSY 220, or PSYS 2203General Elective3
 15 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 202 (or SPAN 201/SPAN 202 as bi-terms)3SPAN 3703
CHEM 107
CHEM 108
or CHEM 109
4SPAN 3713
ENG 3003CHEM 105
CHEM 106
, CHEM 116, or CHEM 120/121
3-4
Colonnade: Arts & Humanities3Colonnade: Connections (Social & Cultural)3
General Elective3General Elective3
 16 15-16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 372 or SPAN 3733SPAN 374 or SPAN 3723
SPAN 381 or SPAN 3453Colonnade: Connections (Local to Global)3
HMD 2113General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 470 or SPAN 4713SPAN Elective (300/400 level)3
PSY 440 or PSYS 4403General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15
Total Hours 122-123
Note:

 Students must complete any 9 hours of the science classes listed in the above pathway. 

Legal Professionals

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 1023SPAN 2013
ENG 1003PLS 2253
COMM 1453HIST 101 or HIST 1023
MATH 109, MATH 115, or MATH 1163ENG 2003
Colonnade: Social & Behavioral Sciences3Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences w/Lab3-4
 15 15-16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 202 (or SPAN 201/SPAN 202 as bi-terms)3SPAN 3703
PLS 2003SPAN 3713
ENG 3003PLS 296 or PLS 2913
Colonnade: Arts & Humanities3Colonnade: Connections (Social & Cultural)3
General Elective3Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences w/o Lab3-4
 15 15-16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 372 or SPAN 3733SPAN 374 or SPAN 3723
SPAN 381 or SPAN 3453Colonnade: Connections (Local to Global)3
Colonnade: Connections (Systems)3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 470 or SPAN 4713SPAN Elective (300/400 level)3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15
Total Hours 120-122

With Teacher Certification

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 1023SPAN 2013
ENG 1003HIST 101 or HIST 1023
COMM 1453EDU 2503
MATH 109 (or higher)3ENG 2003
Colonnade: Social & Behavioral Sciences3Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences w/Lab3
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 202 (or SPAN 201/SPAN 202 as bi-term)3SPAN 3703
PSY 3103SPAN 3713
ENG 3003Colonnade: Connections (Social & Cultural)3
EDU 2603Colonnade: Natural & Physical Science3
Colonnade: Arts & Humanities3Colonnade: Connections (Local to Global)3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SPAN 376 or SPAN 3733SEC 3504
SPAN 381 or SPAN 3313MLNG 474 or ENG 4703
ENG 4693SPAN 374 or SPAN 3723
EDU 3503SPAN 3453
EDU 3603Colonnade: Connections (Systems)3
General Elective3 
 18 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SEC 4501EDU 4893
SEC 4753SEC 49010
SPAN 470 (or SPAN Elective)3 
LTCY 4970 
SPAN Elective (300/400 level)3 
SPAN Elective (300/400 level)3 
 13 13
Total Hours 120

 

MINORS

Chinese, Minor (337)


  • Undergraduate
  • Arts & Letters
  • Modern Languages

Program Requirements (30 hours)

The minor in Chinese requires 30 credit hours. Some of the required coursework may be accomplished through approved methods for demonstration of previous knowledge or courses taken with the Chinese Flagship Program (CHNF). Chinese Flagship students must have been admitted to or be in good standing in the Mahurin Honors College. Study abroad is recommended. No course with a grade of “D” or below may be counted toward the minor.

Course List
Required Core Courses
CHIN 102Elementary Chinese II3
or CHNF 101 Intensive Elementary Chinese I
CHIN 201Intermediate Chinese I3
or CHNF 102 Intensive Elementary Chinese II
CHIN 202Intermediate Chinese II3
or CHNF 201 Intensive Intermediate Chinese I
CHIN 301Advanced Intermediate Chinese I3
or CHNF 202 Intensive Intermediate Chinese II
CHIN 302Advanced Intermediate Chinese II (required for students not taking CHNF course)3
CHIN 401Advanced Chinese I3
Elective Courses
Select at least three courses from the 300- or 400-level 111-12
Total Hours29-30
1

Elective courses may include among the four courses up to three credit hours of 200-level credit beyond CHIN 201 / CHIN 202 (only if taught in Chinese and taken in sequence), six credit hours of study abroad, and three credit hours of 300- or 400-level courses delivered in English but related to Chinese studies (e.g. courses in Chinese history, philosophy, and/or religion) with permission of program advisor.

Elective Courses

Electives should be selected from the following categories:

Course List
Chinese Language Courses
CHIN 200-level courses other than CHIN 201 / CHIN 202 (3 hours maximum)
Chinese (CHIN) or Chinese Flagship (CHNF) courses at the 300- or 400-level
Study Abroad
CHIN 306 (maximum of 6 hours)
Courses on Chinese Studies
HIST 460Traditional East Asia3
HIST 461Modern East Asia3
HIST 471Modern China3
PS 366Government and Politics in East Asia3
RELS 317Confucianism3
RELS 318Daoism3
Other courses with permission of program advisor (3 hours maximum)

Spanish, Minor (464)


  • Undergraduate
  • Arts & Letters
  • Modern Languages

Program Requirements (30 hours)

The minor in Spanish requires a minimum of 30 semester courses. The following courses must be completed (or equivalent CLEP or AP credit earned) in order to complete requirements for the undergraduate minor in Spanish. No course with a grade of “D” or below may be counted toward this minor.

Course List
Required Core Courses
SPAN 102Elementary Spanish II (or equivalent)3
SPAN 201
SPAN 202
Intermediate Spanish I
and Intermediate Spanish II
6
SPAN 370Spanish Conversation3
SPAN 371Spanish Composition and Grammar3
SPAN 372Latin American Civilization and Culture3
or SPAN 373 Spanish Civilization and Culture
SPAN 374Literature and Culture of Spain3
or SPAN 376 Literature and Culture of Latin America
Elective Courses
Select at least three 300- or 400-level Courses 19
Total Hours30
1

Elective courses may include among the three courses up to three credit hours of 200- level credit beyond SPAN 201 / SPAN 202 (only if taught in Spanish and taken in sequence).

 

CERTIFICATES

Chinese Studies, Certificate (1755)


  • Undergraduate
  • Arts & Letters
  • Modern Languages

Program Requirements (21 hours)

This certificate program prepares graduates for careers in a Chinese-speaking market. A total of 21 credit hours are required in this certificate. Twelve credit hours of core courses develop basic Chinese language proficiency and cultural expertise, and nine hours of electives provide students the flexibility to tailor the certificate to support their professional interests. Some of the required course work may be accomplished through approved methods for demonstration of previous knowledge. Students must earn a C or better in courses for the certificate.

Course List
Required Courses (at least 12 hours)
CHIN 101
CHIN 102
Elementary Chinese I
and Elementary Chinese II
6
OR
CHNF 101
CHNF 102
Intensive Elementary Chinese I
and Intensive Elementary Chinese II
AND
CHIN 201
CHIN 202
Intermediate Chinese I
and Intermediate Chinese II
6
OR
CHNF 201
Intensive Intermediate Chinese I
Total Hours12
Course List
Elective Courses9
Select three courses at the 200-, 300- or 400-level, at least one of which must be at the 300- or 400-level, delivered in Chinese or English related to China studies for a total (including the core courses) of 21 or more credit hours. Other China-related courses may be approved with permission of program advisor.
ANTH 333
The Archaeology of Ancient China
ANTH 341
Peoples and Cultures of Asia
ARC 401
Topics in Asian Religions and Cultures
COMM 365
Intercultural Communication
GEOG 465
Geography of East Asia
HIST 300
Contemporary Chinese Society and Culture
HIST 460
Traditional East Asia
HIST 461
Modern East Asia
HIST 471
Modern China
PS 366
Government and Politics in East Asia
IA 460
Selected Topics in Comparative Politics
RELS 302
Buddhism
RELS 317
Confucianism
RELS 318
Daoism
THEA 375
Topics in Drama
Students can also select from CHIN 2**, CHN 3**, CHIN 4**, CHNF 2**, CHNF 3**, CHNF 4**, and MLNG 4**
Total Hours9

Language Certificate in Spanish (1771)


  • Undergraduate
  • Arts & Letters
  • Modern Languages

Overview

This certificate focuses on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. It also provides a broad awareness of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Students planning careers in health care, social services, education media, and business will obtain the tools necessary to communicate with Spanish-speaking populations. Students are encouraged to contact the Spanish program to discuss course scheduling.

Program Requirements (18 hours)

Course List
SPAN 101Elementary Spanish I3
SPAN 102Elementary Spanish II3
SPAN 201Intermediate Spanish I3
SPAN 202Intermediate Spanish II3
SPAN 370Spanish Conversation3
SPAN 371Spanish Composition and Grammar3
Total Hours18

 

Abby Yarbrough, Chinese Major

“Although the courses are challenging, the professors make the curriculum easy to follow, and they notice a lot of improvement by the end of the course.”

Abby Yarbrough, Class of 2025

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Department Directory

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olivia blackmon
Thinking Globally about the Future
franklin-serrano
Being Bilingual Has Opened Doors
Photo of WKU student Emily Peck.
Learning a Second Language Is Critical

 


 

This skill-oriented course involves hands-on activities to familiarize students with the key techniques for traditional Chinese calligraphy. Taught in English.


3 Credit Hrs

 Spanish Composition and Grammar

Controlled written compositions and oral expression. Systematic and intensive review of grammar. Fulfills World Language with a grade of C or better.


3 Credit Hrs

Prerequisite(s): AVANT Lang Spanish Placement with a score of 5 (SPAN 202 or AVANT Lang Spanish Placement with a score of 5)

Colonnade Explorations:

Literary Studies


MLNG 200 INTRO TO GLOBAL LITERATURE

 

Social & Cultural

SPAN 200 LATIN AMERICA PAST AND PRESENT
(Mostly Taught on Study Abroad Programs)

 

Colonnade Connections:

Systems


CHIN 208 CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY

 

Language Requirement:


View the WKU Colonnade Program to review courses.

 


 

Gain Career Skills

  • Get ahead with an international internship
  • Language is a valuable professional skill in education, non-profits, government, marketing, and other fields
  • Work internationally, for an international company, or for the United States Government

Break Barriers

  • According to statistics people who know at least one foreign language, earn more than people who don’t
  • Companies take language skills into account when hiring
  • Be a leader in your workplace when your company engages international business
  • Language is critical to national security

Explore New Cultures

  • Make new friends from different countries
  • Understand dialogues, phrases, jokes, movies, music, and books
  • Make your travels easier and more enjoyable
  • Understand different cultures better and get a other point of view on your own culture

 


 

 


 

 


  • 270-745-2402
  • modern.languages@wku.edu

  • Western Kentucky University

    Honors College and International Center (HCIC), 2027 & 2039

    1906 College Heights Blvd. #31029

    Bowling Green, KY 42101-1029

 


 

 


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 Last Modified 9/3/25