By: Travis Archie
Beginning in the fall of 2015, Gardner Webb University will be introducing a new major to the university’s degree curriculum. The title of the new major is World Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
The three foundation classes of the major consist of WLLC 101 The Science of Language: An Introduction to Linguistics, WLLC 103 The Art of Reading: Introduction to Literary and Film Studies and WLLC 306 Voices of Exile, which will account for three credit hours a piece.
Students pursuing this major will have a concentrations in either French, German or Spanish studies and it will count for 21 credit hours. There will be three additional courses on literature, film and culture, and a class that meets once a week taught in the student’s concentrated language. Also, a 400 level Capstone Course will count for three credit hours. Students with a focus in American Sign Language will participate in foundation and capstone courses. In total, the major will have 42 credit hours.
“The focus of this new major is so that students can be aware of other cultures and literatures which will build them to have tolerance for them and the compassion,” said Dr. Teresa Philips Assistant Professor of Spanish. Many people can study and learn another cultures and literatures but not be able to completely comprehend it.
“By introducing students to foundation courses first they will be able to grasp more of the literature and culture of the higher level courses,” said Philips.
Chair of the World Languages, Literatures and Cultures, and Professor of German, Bernhard Martin said, “This new major will give students a competitive edge in the work force, as well as applying to graduate school, by increasing their cultural confidence.”
Martin said hopefully the department will be able to establish relations with more foreign institutes in countries such as France and Germany so that students within the major will be able to study abroad for a semester during their junior year.
The World Languages, Literature and Cultures major will be added to the list of majors this fall. If anyone is interested in earning a degree or any further information in this major feel free to make an appointment with one of the WLLC professors such as Martin, Philips or Lorene Pagcaliwagan.
Students are also welcomed to stop by the Tucker Student Center Lobby, March 3, 2015 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for more in-depth information concerning this new major.