Modern Languages and Intercultural Communication, Minor
SLU’s modern languages and intercultural communication minor focuses on foreign languages in the context of communication among people from distinct cultures. Students can make intercultural communication an everyday reality due to the program being offered at Saint Louis University and Saint Louis University-Madrid.
Graduates with this minor can communicate at an advanced or upper-intermediate level in one language and at an elementary level in a second foreign language. You’ll gain knowledge of the different aspects of human communication, including the relationship between language, behavior, culture and mind.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMM 3300 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| or LLC 1250 | Speaking in (Inter)Cultural Context | |
| Foreign language credits at a 1000-level or above | 6 | |
| Foreign language credits at a 2000-level or above | 6 | |
| PSY 4270 | Cross-Cultural Psychology of Human Development ( ) | 3 |
| or ENGL 4110 | Introduction to Linguistics | |
| or LING 1000 | How Language Works: Introduction to Linguistics | |
| or ANTH 3390 | Studies in Culture: Spain | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Non-Course Requirements
Once students have achieved the course requirements for the minor, they will be permitted a maximum of two semesters to complete the capstone project or to obtain two language certificates. These certificates are useful when applying for jobs because they are internationally recognized.
The accepted official language exam certificates are:
- Arabic: ALPT (Arabic Language Proficiency Test)
- Chinese: HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi)
- French: DELF (Diplôme d'études en Langue Française)
- German: Goethe-Zertifikat
- Portuguese: CELPE-BRAS (Certificado de Proficiência em Língua Portuguesa para Estrangeiros)
- Spanish: DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera)
The capstone project is an alternative for students not interested in achieving two official language certificates. Students must integrate their learning experiences inside and outside the classroom into a coherent product that incorporates foreign language skills, intercultural knowledge and real-life experiences.
The capstone project is an extended version of the CMM 3300 Intercultural Communication (3 cr) or LLC 1250 Speaking in (Inter)Cultural Context (3 cr) class final project. If you do the capstone, you must address the specific skills and outcomes required in the project by incorporating competence of languages and cultures. The project should be 13 to 15 pages long, and you will be required to give a five to 10-minute class presentation.
The capstone projects could potentially take any of the following forms:
- Literature review, data collection (interview participants, field observation, survey, etc.) and a multilingual oral presentation
- Literature review, creation of a training program for study-abroad students and an multilingual oral presentation
Continuation Standards
A grade of “C or better is required in every course counting for the Minor. Students who do not achieve the “C” or better grade in any required course for the Minor will be expected to repeat the course in an attempt to achieve the “C” or better grade. Students may repeat a required course one time. Students who fail to achieve the “C” or better grade after one repeat attempt will not be permitted to complete the Minor.