The study of foreign languages is uniquely liberating. As you master a new language, you mature into a new person, alive to new ways of thinking, feeling and acting. You become a citizen of the larger world in which we live. The ability to communicate with people from other cultures is the mark of an educated person.
French is the second most widely learned foreign language, and there are currently over 220 million French speakers worldwide. French is one of the working languages of the United Nations and the European Union. Speaking French opens the doors of French companies in France and other French-speaking parts of the world. As the world’s fifth biggest economy and No. 3 destination for foreign investment, France is a key economic partner.
German is the third most popular foreign language taught worldwide and among the 10 most commonly spoken languages in the world. Many of the Western world’s most important works in philosophy, literature, music, and science are written in German and continue to be produced in German. Learning German can connect you to 120 million native speakers around the globe. OWU German majors select from two concentrations: German Literature and German Studies.
There are 35 million Spanish speakers in the United States. In Europe, Spanish is the second most popular second language, after English. With some 400 million speakers, Spanish is the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world. Spanish is the native language in 21 countries. The sheer number of Spanish speakers makes learning Spanish a wise choice.
Six semester units above the 111 level. No more than two units numbered below 300 may be counted toward the minor. At least four courses must be taken at Ohio Wesleyan. Normally no more than one independent study (490, 491) may be applied to the minor.
At least 6 semester units above the SPAN 111 level. No more than three units numbered below 300 may be counted toward the minor. At least four courses must be taken at Ohio Wesleyan. Normally no more than one independent study (490, 491) may be applied to the minor.
A minimum of six units above the GERM 111 level: 225, 254 and one course chosen from 352, 355, or 356; two additional courses taught in German, one of which must be in literature; and at least one additional course (which may be taken in another department) to be selected with the advice and approval, before pre-registration, of the faculty in German.
Professor Rojas is the chair of the Modern Foreign Languages Department. Born in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México, Professor Rojas specializes primarily in Mexican and Border studies, as well as Latin American Literature and its cultures.
Professor Counselman is the director of Ohio Wesleyan’s study abroad program in Salamanca, Spain. He teaches Spanish language courses from beginning to advanced levels as well as a course on Romance linguistics.
Born in Germany, Professor Wolber came to the United States in 1977. In addition to teaching all levels of German language, literature, and civilization, he is involved in research on comparative literature and inter-disciplinary studies.
Professor Paris-Huesca's teaching and research interests include contemporary Spanish detective fiction and film noir, as well as Spanish literature of female authorship from XIXth Century to the present. She also teaches language courses from beginning to advance levels
Professor Oancea specializes in science and literature in 19th century France. She teaches French language, literature, and culture at all levels. Her upper-level courses have covered topics ranging from French fantastic literature to contemporary cinema.
Born and raised in northern Germany, Professor Colvin teaches courses in Spanish language and Latin American literatures and cultures. She specializes in 20th Century Latin American narratives.
Professor Nieto-Cuebas specializes in Early Modern Spanish Literature and Spanish Baroque Theater. At Ohio Wesleyan, she is co-advisor of VIVA, OWU’s Latin American student group.
Professor Lewis specializes in Francophone literature and culture. She teaches courses that focus on North African and Maghrebi literature, as well as postcolonial studies and theory.
Spanish and Microbiology double major Jocelyne Muñoz ’17 is one of many students who have studied abroad through Ohio Wesleyan’s Salamanca Program at the University of Salamanca. “At the end of the semester I didn't want to leave. One of the things that made it so memorable was making life-lasting friendships with students from all over the world.”
French Professor Ana Oancea accompanied her students in a week-long voyage to Paris, Versailles, and Provins for an “Introduction to French Literature” Travel-Learning course in May 2015. They also met university students who acquainted them with the culture of the French “Grandes Écoles.”
The Chinese Program received a Theory-to-Practice Grant to support the travel of seven students of Chinese to visit Beijing, XiAn, ChengDu, ShangHai, SuZhou, and HangZhou.
Students can apply to live in the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) House, a Small Living Unit (SLU) on campus. MFL house is a place where students can explore and share their interests in language, diversity, and culture.
Modern Foreign Language courses take place in University Hall. Built more than 100 years ago and featuring a bell tower that soars 148 feet, University Hall is Ohio Wesleyan’s most visible and iconic landmark.