The study of foreign languages has been an important part of the traditional liberal arts curriculum, but it is more relevant than ever in the interdependent global community of the 21t century. Knowledge of one or more foreign language is usually a requirement for students seeking a graduate degree or international employment. For anyone, it enriches communication skills, gives an edge in business, aids academic research, and deepens cultural understanding.

The Department of Foreign Languages offers courses in many languages (including American Sign Language). All courses are designed to help students communicate in a language as quickly as possible, and modern languages are always taught in cultural context. Classes are conveniently scheduled, with course on weekdays and weekends in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Small class size ensures opportunities for all to engage actively in learning activities.

Matriculated undergraduate students whose programs permit a minor, can minor in Chinese, French, Japanese, or Hispanic studies. The minor curriculum is administered by the student's home division, but usually combines proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening with courses related to the cultures associated with a language and its role in world communication. There are also foreign language study abroad opportunities for undergraduate degree students.

Foreign languages courses are set up in three modules:

• Undergraduate foreign languages courses: Four-credit courses meet twice a week for 100 minutes per session for students matriculated in New School undergraduate degree programs. At advanced levels, these courses are often devoted to reading and conversation about a particular social or cultural topic, such as cinema or popular literature. Matriculated students interested in languages not offered in the four-credit module (for example, German, Portuguese, Russian, Sign Language, Turkish, Yiddish) can, with approval of an academic advisor, take courses in the continuing education module for credit. Use Courses link on this page to open the University Course Catalog.

• Continuing education courses: These open-enrollment courses can be taken on a noncredit basis or, in most cases, for undergraduate credit. There are two- credit courses that meet once a week and four-credit intensive courses that meet twice a week or on Saturdays. There are special reading courses in several languages designed to prepare graduate students for their examinations.

• On the Go: An intensive weekend language immersion experience designed for travelers or anyone who wishes to acquire or refresh basic language skills in a short time; workshops at four levels emphasize practical communication.

Choosing the Proper Course

• Undergraduate Courses for Matriculated Students: Courses are taught in a 3 year sequence, designated as elementary (Introduction I & II, intermediate (Intermediate I &II), and advanced (Advanced I and II). Elementary and Intermediate courses emphasize language proficiency; at higher levels, courses are often devoted to reading and conversation about a particular topic, such as cinema, literature, or popular culture.

• Continuing Education Courses: With some exceptions (such as the graduate reading courses and Arabic), foreign languages are taught in a six-term course sequence, designated as Levels 1 through 6. Each level corresponds to one semester of study. Levels 1, 2 and 3 represent introductory stages of language learning; Levels 4 and 5, intermediate stages; and Level 6 and content courses, advanced. When students reach the more advanced levels of study, courses are taught entirely in the target language and often focus on a particular field of study or topic, such as sociopolitical studies, cinema, literature, or popular culture.

The department offers self-administered placement tests in most of the languages taught at The New School. Tests can be taken at home or in the Foreign Languages office. For details about placement exams, email foreignlanguages@newschool.edu or call 212.229.5676.

Extracurricular Activities

• Foreign Languages Coffee Hour: Every week, the department hosts a coffee hour devoted to a specific language where students and members of the faculty chat in the language of the week in an informal setting.
• The New French Connection: There are additional activities for students of French, including apéritifs, film showings, and outings. Email Professor Marie-Christine Massé for more information.