Languages and Cultures FAQ

Study Abroad & Majors and Minors FAQ

Arabic Studies
French and Francophone Studies
German and German Studies
Italian Studies
Linguistics Minor
Mandarin and Chinese Studies
Russian Studies
Spanish and Spanish Studies

Arabic Studies

I am interested in continuing my study of Arabic. Who should I talk to?

Start by informing your current instructor and reach out to the faculty member who serves as point person for Arabic. For the academic year 2024-2025: Prof. Mohamed Alsiadi ([email protected]).
If you need more help, contact the Associate Chair of the Department of Languages and Cultures (formerly Department of Modern Languages and Literatures): Dr. Yiju Huang at LC ([email protected]) and the Assistant to Chair Dr. Jenny Meyer at RH ([email protected]).

What are my options if I want to minor in Arabic?

If you are currently taking ARAB 1501, ARAB 1502, or ARAB 2001 (and if you have taken any of them in the past semesters), you are already working towards a minor! You need to complete a total of 6 courses for an Arabic Language & Literature Studies minor. You can take up to one MLAL Arabic comparative literature elective taught in English to complete your minor.
If you study abroad in Egypt, Morocco, or Jordan, you can count up to 2 courses for one semester abroad towards a minor.
Some Arabic electives carry core attributes. Most ARAB 2000-level electives above ARAB 2600 and ARAB 3000-level electives can fulfill the Advanced Literature Core (ALC) requirement. Some 3000-level electives fulfill the EP3 or the Global studies core requirement.
Most majors and minors allow you to double-count up to two courses across majors and minors.

What if I want to study abroad?

Look at the study abroad programs offered through Fordham.
Talk to your Arabic instructor.
Your instructor will put you in contact with an Arabic faculty member familiar with the different programs. For the academic year 2024-2025: Prof. Mohamed Alsiadi ([email protected]).
Discuss your plans with your academic advisor.

Once you have picked a program

Speak with your Arabic instructor and submit the required form.
Declare an Arabic Studies minor. You will then be assigned an Arabic faculty advisor within the Department of Languages and Cultures who, prior to your study abroad stay, will help you select appropriate courses and ensure that these courses will be counted toward your Arabic minor. Please provide your Arabic faculty advisor with the course description and syllabus (if available) of the course(s) that you are interested in taking abroad.
Please note that, for immersive programs, you may only be able to confirm your courses after you have arrived abroad. IMPORTANT: Without approval from your faculty advisor in Arabic, your study abroad courses may not be approved for credit towards the Arabic minor.
Include your Arabic faculty advisor in emails with your academic advisor.

Preparing for study abroad.

Think about your Arabic courses as preparation for immersion abroad.
Seek advice from your professors and peers for fun ways to practice (TV shows, films, podcasts, reading recommendations, conversation groups on campus, etc.)
Some programs may require a minimum B2 level for courses in Arabic universities, so the more prepared you are, the greater the range of courses that will be available to you, and the more immersive your experience will be.
Talk to students in the program who have returned from study abroad programs in Egypt, Morocco, or Jordan.

Once you are abroad

Email your Arabic faculty advisor to confirm that you are taking the classes they approved, or to discuss the courses you plan to take in order to confirm that they can be approved towards the Arabic minor. Please send the course description and syllabus of the course(s) of your revised plan.

How do I declare an Arabic minor in Arabic Studies?

Speak with your Arabic instructor, who will put you in contact with the faculty member who serves as point person for Arabic. For the academic year 2024-2025: Prof. Mohamed Alsaidi ([email protected]).
Speak with your academic advisor.
File the electronic declaration form that can be found on your student tab on fordham.edu.
Once the department receives notification of your declaration, you will be paired with an Arabic faculty advisor. As soon as you can, schedule a meeting with this person.

French and Francophone Studies

I am interested in continuing my studies in French. Who should I talk to?

Start by speaking with your current instructor.
For more information, contact the Point Person for French and Francophone Studies: Dr. Isaie Dougnon ([email protected]).
If you need more help, contact the department’s Associate Chair: Dr. Yiju Huang at LC ([email protected]) and the department's Assistant to Chair Dr. Jenny Meyer at RH ([email protected]).

What if I want to major or minor in French?

If you are taking FREN 1502 or FREN 2001, you are already working towards a minor or a major. You must complete six courses for a French and Francophone Studies minor and ten courses for a French and Francophone Studies major.
If you study abroad in a Francophone country, you can count up to 2 courses for one semester abroad and 3 for an entire year towards a minor, and you can count up to 4 courses for one semester abroad and 5 for a full year towards a major.
Some French electives carry core attributes. FREN 2600 and most FREN 3000 electives can fulfill the ALC core requirement. Some 3000-level electives carry an EP3 and/or a Global studies requirement.
You can take up to three courses taught in English to complete your major with your French and Francophone Studies advisor’s permission.
Most majors and minors allow you to double-count up to two courses across majors and minors.

How do I declare a French and Francophone Studies major or minor?

Speak with your French instructor or another French and Francophone Studies faculty member.
Speak with your academic advisor.
File the electronic declaration form found on your student tab at fordham.edu.
You will be assigned a French and Francophone Studies advisor once the department receives notification of your declaration. Schedule a meeting with this person as soon as you can.

What if I want to study abroad?

Look at the study abroad programs offered through Fordham.
Talk with your French instructor. They will advise you on a choice or program and/or put you in contact with French faculty who are familiar with the different programs.
Discuss your plans with your academic advisor.

Once you have picked a program

Submit the required form to the Study Abroad office.
Declare a French and Francophone Studies minor or major. You will then be assigned a faculty advisor within the French program who will help you select appropriate courses and ensure that these courses will be counted toward your minor/major.
Please note that, for immersive programs, you may only be able to confirm your courses after arriving abroad. IMPORTANT: without approval from your French and Francophone Studies advisor, your study abroad courses may not be approved for credit towards your major or minor.
Include your French and Francophone Studies advisor in emails with your advisor.

Preparing for study abroad

Think about your French courses as preparation for immersion abroad.
Seek advice from your professors and peers for fun ways to practice (TV shows, films, podcasts, reading recommendations, conversation groups on campus, etc).
Most programs will require a minimum B2 level for courses in French universities. Hence, the more prepared you are, the greater the range of courses available to you and the more immersive your experience.
Talk to students in the program who have returned from study abroad programs in Francophone countries.

Once you are abroad

Email your French and Francophone studies advisor to confirm that you are taking the classes they approved or to discuss the courses you plan to take to verify that they can be approved for the major or minor. Include course descriptions and syllabi.

German and German Studies

I am interested in continuing my studies in German. To whom should I talk?

For more information, contact the Point Person for German and German Studies: Dr. Susanne Hafner ([email protected]).
If you need more help, contact the department’s Associate Chair: Dr. Yiju Huang at LC ([email protected]) and the department's Assistant to Chair Dr. Jenny Meyer at RH ([email protected]).

What if I want to major or minor in German?

If you are taking GERM 1501, GERM 1502 and/or GERM 2001, you are already working towards a minor or a major. You must complete six courses for a German Studies minor and ten courses for a German or German Studies major.
If you study abroad in a Germanophone country, you can count up to 3 courses towards a minor, and you can count up to 5 courses towards a major.
Some German electives carry core attributes. All GERM 3000-level electives can fulfill the ALC core requirement. Some 3000-level electives carry a Global studies requirement.
You can take up to three courses taught in English to complete your major with your German and German Studies advisor’s permission. Don’t forget to check the MLAL course listings!
Most majors and minors allow you to double-count up to two courses across majors and minors.

How do I declare a German and German Studies major or minor?

Speak with your German instructor or the Point Person for German and German Studies, Dr. Susanne Hafner ([email protected]).
Speak with your academic advisor.
File the electronic declaration form found on your student tab at fordham.edu.
You will be assigned a German and German Studies advisor once the department receives notification of your declaration. Schedule a meeting with this person as soon as you can.

What if I want to study abroad?

Look at the study abroad programs offered through Fordham.
Talk with Dr. Hafner. She will advise you on a choice or program and/or put you in contact with German faculty who are familiar with the different programs.
Discuss your plans with your academic advisor.

Once you have picked a program

Submit the required form to the Study Abroad office.
Declare a German and German Studies major or minor. You will then be assigned a faculty advisor within the German program who will help you select appropriate courses and ensure that these courses will be counted toward your minor/major.
Please note that, for immersive programs, you may only be able to confirm your courses after arriving abroad. IMPORTANT: without approval from your German and German Studies advisor, your study abroad courses may not be approved for credit towards your major or minor.
Include your German and German Studies advisor in emails with your advisor.

Preparing for study abroad

Think about your German courses as preparation for immersion abroad.
Seek advice from your professors and peers for fun ways to practice (TV shows, films, podcasts, reading recommendations, conversation groups on campus, etc).
Some programs will require a minimum B2 level for courses in German universities. Hence, the more prepared you are, the greater the range of courses available to you and the more immersive your experience.
Talk to students in the program who have returned from study abroad programs in German-speaking countries.

Once you are abroad

Email your German and German Studies advisor to confirm that you are taking the classes they approved or to discuss the courses you plan to take to verify that they can be approved for the major or minor. Include course descriptions and syllabi.

Italian Studies

I am interested in continuing my study of Italian. Who should I talk to?

Start by informing your current instructor and reach out to the faculty member who serves as point person for Italian. For the academic year 2024-2025: Dr. Alessandro Polcri ([email protected]).
If you need more help, contact the Associate Chair of the Department of Languages and Cultures (formerly Department of Modern Languages and Literatures): Dr. Yiju Huang at LC ([email protected]), Dr. Jenny Meyer at RH ([email protected]).

What are my options if I want to major or minor in Italian?

If you are currently taking ITAL 1501, ITAL 1502, or ITAL 2001 (and if you have taken any of them in the past semesters), you are already working towards a minor or a major! You need to complete a total of 6 courses for an Italian minor and a total of 10 courses for an Italian Language & Literature major or an Italian Studies major.
If you study abroad in Italy, you can count up to 2 courses for one semester abroad and 3 for an entire year towards a minor, and you can count up to 3 courses for one semester abroad and 4 for a full year towards a major.
Some Italian electives carry core attributes. Most ITAL 2000-level electives above ITAL 2605 and ITAL 3000-level electives can fulfill the Advanced Literature Core (ALC) requirement. Some 3000-level electives fulfill the EP3 or the Global studies core requirement. Some 4000-level electives fulfill the ICC or the EP4/Values core requirement.
Most majors and minors allow you to double-count up to two courses across majors and minors.

What if I want to study abroad?

Look at the study abroad programs offered through Fordham.
Talk with your Italian instructor. They will advise you on a choice or program and/or put you in contact with an Italian faculty who are familiar with the different programs. For the academic year 2024-2025: Dr. Alessandro Polcri ([email protected]).
Discuss your plans with your academic advisor.

Once you have picked a program

Speak with your Italian instructor and submit the required form to the Study Abroad Office..
Declare an Italian minor, an Italian Language & Literature major, or an Italian Studies major. You will then be assigned an Italian faculty advisor within the Department of Languages and Cultures who, prior to your study abroad stay, will help you select appropriate courses and ensure that these courses will be counted toward your Italian minor or major. Please provide your Italian faculty advisor with the course description and syllabus (if available) of the course(s) that you are interested in taking abroad.
Please note that, for immersive programs, you may only be able to confirm your courses after you have arrived abroad. IMPORTANT: Without approval from your faculty advisor in Italian, your study abroad courses may not be approved for credit towards the Italian minor or major.
Include your Italian faculty advisor in emails with your academic advisor.

Preparing for study abroad

Think about your Italian courses as preparation for immersion abroad.
Seek advice from your professors and peers for fun ways to practice (TV shows, films, podcasts, reading recommendations, conversation groups on campus, etc.)
Some programs may require a minimum B2 level for courses in Italian universities, so the more prepared you are, the greater the range of courses that will be available to you, and the more immersive your experience will be.
Talk to students in the program who have returned from study abroad programs in Italy.

Once you are abroad

Email your Italian faculty advisor to confirm that you are taking the classes they approved, or to discuss the courses you plan to take in order to confirm that they can be approved towards the Italian major or minor. Please send the course description and syllabus of the course(s) of your revised plan.

How do I declare an Italian minor, a major in Italian Language & Literature or a major in Italian Studies?

Speak with your Italian instructor, who will put you in contact with the faculty member who serves as point person for Italian. For the academic year 2024-2025: Dr. Alessandro Polcri ([email protected]).
Speak with your academic advisor.
File the electronic declaration form that can be found on your student tab on fordham.edu.
Once the department receives notification of your declaration, you will be paired with an Italian faculty advisor. As soon as you can, schedule a meeting with this person.

Linguistics Minor

I am interested in continuing my studies in Linguistics. Who should I talk to?

Start by speaking with your current instructor.
For more information, contact the Program Director of Linguistics: Dr. Sarah Grey ([email protected]).
If you need more help, contact the department’s Associate Chair: Dr. Yiju Huang at LC ([email protected]) and the department's Assistant to Chair Dr. Jenny Meyer at RH ([email protected]).

What if I want to minor in Linguistics?

Linguistics has three required courses: LING 1100, LING 1400, and LING 1500 and the remaining three courses are electives offered in the Department of Languages and Cultures and other departments.
Some 3000-level LING electives carry an ICC, EP3, and/or Global studies attribute and some courses are included in the Integrative Neuroscience major, Psychology major, and Anthropology major.
If you study abroad, you can count up to 2 courses towards the Linguistics minor.
Most majors and minors allow you to double-count up to two courses across majors and minors.

How do I declare a Linguistics minor?

Speak with your Linguistics instructor.
Speak with your academic advisor.
File the electronic declaration form found on your student tab at fordham.edu.
You will be assigned a Linguistics advisor once the department receives notification of your declaration. Schedule a meeting with this person as soon as you can.

What if I want to study abroad?

Look at the study abroad programs offered through Fordham.
Discuss your plans with your academic advisor.
Include your Linguistics advisor in emails with your advisor
Make sure your Linguistics faculty advisor has pre-approved any linguistics courses you intend to take abroad and count towards the minor.

Mandarin and Chinese Studies

I am interested in continuing my studies in Mandarin. To whom should I talk?

Start by speaking with your current instructor.
For more information, contact the Point Person for Mandarin and Chinese Studies: Dr. Dongxian Jiang ([email protected]).
If you need more help, contact the department’s Associate Chair: Dr. Yiju Huang at LC ([email protected]) and the department’s Assistant to Chair: Dr. Jenny Meyer at RH ([email protected]).

What if I want to major in Chinese Studies or minor in Mandarin?

If you are taking MAND 1501, MAND 1502 and/or MAND 2001, you are already working towards a minor or a major. You must complete six courses for a Mandarin minor and nine courses plus a senior thesis for a Chinese Studies major.
If you study abroad in a Sinophone country, you can count up to 2 courses towards a minor, or 3 if you study at the Beijing Center.
Some Mandarin or Chinese Studies electives carry core attributes. All MAND 3000-level electives can fulfill the ALC core requirement. Some 3000-level electives carry a Global Studies requirement.
If you want to major in Chinese Studies, you can take courses from 2 categories: cultural study from the offerings of LACU and other departments at Fordham, as well as language study via MAND courses.
Most majors and minors allow you to double-count up to two courses across majors and minors.

How do I declare a Chinese Studies major or Mandarin minor?

Speak with your Mandarin or Chinese Studies instructor or the Point Person for Chinese Studies, Dr. Dongxian Jiang ([email protected]).
Speak with your academic advisor.
File the electronic declaration form found on your student tab at fordham.edu.
You will be assigned a Chinese Studies or Mandarin advisor once the department receives notification of your declaration. Schedule a meeting with this person as soon as you can.

What if I want to study abroad?

Look at the study abroad programs offered through Fordham.
Talk with Dr. Jiang. He will advise you on a choice or program and/or put you in contact with Mandarin/Chinese Studies faculty who are familiar with the different programs.
Discuss your plans with your academic advisor.

Once you have picked a program

Submit the required form to the Study Abroad office.
Declare a Chinese Studies major or Mandarin minor. You will then be assigned a faculty advisor within the Mandarin/Chinese Studies program who will help you select appropriate courses and ensure that these courses will be counted toward your minor/major.
Please note that, for immersive programs, you may only be able to confirm your courses after arriving abroad. IMPORTANT: without approval from your Mandarin or Chinese Studies advisor, your study abroad courses may not be approved for credit towards your major or minor.
Include your Mandarin and Chinese Studies advisor in emails with your advisor.

Preparing for study abroad

Think about your Mandarin courses as preparation for immersion abroad.
Seek advice from your professors and peers for fun ways to practice (TV shows, films, podcasts, reading recommendations, conversation groups on campus, etc).
Talk to students in the program who have returned from study abroad programs in Sinophone societies, especially the Beijing Center.

Once you are abroad

Email your Mandarin or Chinese Studies advisor to confirm that you are taking the classes they approved or to discuss the courses you plan to take to verify that they can be approved for the major or minor. Include course descriptions and syllabi.

Russian Studies

I am interested in continuing my studies in Russian. Who should I talk to?

Start by speaking with your current instructor. For more information, contact the Point Person for Russian Studies: Prof. Michael Ossorgin ([email protected]).
If you need more help, contact the department’s Associate Chair: Dr. Yiju Huang at LC ([email protected]) and the department’s Assistant to Chair Dr. Jenny Meyer at RH ([email protected]).

What if I want to minor in Russian?

If you are taking RUSS 1502 or RUSS 2001, you are already working towards a minor. You must complete six courses for a Russian Studies minor. If you study abroad in a Russian-speaking country, you can count up to 2 courses for one semester abroad and 3 for a full year towards a minor. You can take up to three MLAL Russian comparative literature electives in English to complete your minor. Russian tracks are available for each elective. Email Prof. Ossorgin about this.

How do I declare a Russian Studies minor?

Speak with your Russian instructor or another Russian Studies faculty member.
Speak with your academic advisor.
File the electronic declaration form found on your student tab at fordham.edu.
Prof. Ossorgin will be your assigned advisor once the department receives notification of your declaration. Schedule a meeting as soon as you can.

What if I want to study abroad?

Look at the study abroad programs offered through Fordham. Talk with your Russian instructor. They will advise you on a choice or program. Discuss your plans with your academic advisor.

Once you have picked a program

Submit the required form to the Study Abroad office. Declare a Russian Studies minor. Prof. Ossorgin will help you select appropriate courses and ensure that these courses will be counted toward your minor. Please note that, for immersive programs, you may only be able to confirm your courses after arriving abroad. IMPORTANT: without approval from your Russian Studies advisor, your study abroad courses may not be approved for credit towards your minor. Include Prof. Ossorgin in emails with your advisor.

Preparing for study abroad

Think about your Russian courses as preparation for immersion abroad. Seek advice from your professors and peers for fun ways to practice (TV shows, films, podcasts, reading recommendations, conversation groups on campus, etc). Most programs will require a minimum B2 level for courses in Russian universities. Hence, the more prepared you are, the greater the range of courses available to you and the more immersive your experience. Talk to students in the program who have returned from study abroad programs in Russian-speaking countries.

Once you are abroad

Email Prof. Ossorgin to confirm that you are taking the classes they approved or to discuss the courses you plan to take to verify that they can be approved for the minor. Include course descriptions and syllabi.

Spanish and Spanish Studies

I am interested in continuing my studies in Spanish. Who should I talk to?

Start by speaking with your current instructor.
For more information, contact the Point Person for Spanish and Spanish Studies: Dr. Carey Kasten ([email protected]).
If you need more help, contact the department’s Associate Chair: Dr. Yiju Huang at LC ([email protected]) and the department’s Assistant to Chair Dr. Jenny Meyer at RH ([email protected]).

What if I want to major or minor in Spanish?

If you are taking SPAN 2001, 2201 or 2391, you are already working towards a minor or a major. You must complete six courses for a Spanish minor and ten courses for a Spanish Language and Literature or Spanish Studies major.
If you study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, you can count up to 2 courses for one semester abroad and 3 for a full year towards a minor; you can count up to 4 courses for one semester abroad and 5 for a full year towards a Spanish Language and Literature major; and you can count up to 3 courses for one semester abroad and 4 for a full year towards a Spanish Studies major.
Some Spanish electives carry core attributes. SPAN 2500 and most SPAN 3000 electives fulfill the ALC core requirement. Some 3000-level electives carry an EP3, Pluralism and/or a Global studies requirement.
You can take up to three courses taught in English to complete your major with your Spanish Studies advisor’s permission.
Most majors and minors allow you to double-count up to two courses across majors and minors.

How do I declare a Spanish or Spanish Studies major or minor?

Speak with your Spanish instructor or another Spanish faculty member.
Speak with your academic advisor.
File the electronic declaration form found on your student tab at fordham.edu.
You will be assigned a Spanish advisor once the department receives notification of your declaration. Schedule a meeting with this person as soon as you can.

What if I want to study abroad?

Look at the study abroad programs offered through Fordham.
Talk with your Spanish instructor. They will advise you on a choice or program and/or put you in contact with Spanish faculty who are familiar with the different programs.
Discuss your plans with your academic advisor.

Once you have picked a program

Submit the required form to the Study Abroad office.
Declare a Spanish or Spanish Studies minor or major. You will then be assigned a faculty advisor within the Spanish program who will help you select appropriate courses and ensure that these courses will be counted toward your minor/major.
Please note that, for immersive programs, you may only be able to confirm your courses after arriving abroad. IMPORTANT: without approval from your Spanish advisor, your study abroad courses may not be approved for credit towards your major or minor.
Include your Spanish advisor in emails with your advisor.

Preparing for study abroad

Think about your Spanish courses as preparation for immersion abroad.
Seek advice from your professors and peers for fun ways to practice (TV shows, films, podcasts, reading recommendations, conversation groups on campus, etc).
Most programs will require a minimum B2 level for courses in Spanish-language universities. Hence, the more prepared you are, the greater the range of courses available to you and the more immersive your experience.
Talk to students in the program who have returned from study abroad programs in Spanish-speaking countries.

Once you are abroad

Email your Spanish advisor to confirm that you are taking the classes they approved or to discuss the courses you plan to take to verify that they can be approved for the major or minor. Include course descriptions and syllabi.