FLCL Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Language Requirements

Concentrating, Majoring, and Graduating

Language Learning Support

English Language Program

General Questions

• I studied a Foreign Language in high school, but I'm not sure what college level I'm at. How can I find out which class is right for me?

   

  Contact the program head for your language in order to determine where they think you would best fit.

• Can I take two language classes at once?

   

  Yes, although it may be inadvisable to take two foreign languages simultaneously. Talk to your academic adviser about whether this is right for you.

• I'm near fluent in a Foreign Language. Can I take Upper College classes in that language even if I don't want to major in it?

   

  Yes. Foreign languages courses at all levels are available to all students regardless of major.

• If I'm in a non-intensive Foreign Language class, will I go on a trip to a country which speaks that language?

   
  No, only intensive language classes go on trips to foreign countries. However, moderated Juniors may choose to study abroad for a semester in a country of their choice.

• Are foreign literature classes taught in their original languages or translated into English?

   

  This varies from class to class. Some advanced language courses read and discuss literature in their original languages, while some classes are read and taught in translation. For classes in translation, see course catalogue to determine whether the class will satisfy FLLC, ELIT, or both distribution requirements.

• What is the average size of a Foreign Language class at Bard?

   
  Average language class size at Bard is around 15 to 22 students.

• Is there a Linguistics Major at Bard?

   
  No, Bard does not offer a Linguistics Major, but there are occasionally Linguistics courses.

• Is there a maximum number of Foreign Language classes I can take?

   
  No, there is no cap on Foreign Language credits.

Concentrating, Majoring & Graduating

• What is a Concentration in a Foreign Language? What is the difference between a Concentration and a Major in a Foreign Language?

   
  At Bard, a Major is your primary focus of study and shapes the topic of your Senior Project. A concentration, on the other hand, has fewer requirements and represents an influence on your Major rather than a separate academic pursuit.

• Where can I go on campus to access language learning materials?

   

  The Olin Language Center (behind the Olin Humanities building, near the Library) where most foreign language classes are taught has a language lab equipped with computers with headsets in order to listen to language learning materials or record yourself. This is also where most tutorial sessions meet. The language lab is open 8 AM to 11 PM M-F, 1 PM to 11 PM Sa, Su.

• What are the requirements for a non-FLLC Major with an FLLC Concentration? How would that affect my Senior Project?

   

  Foreign Langugae are not technically programs which can be Concentrations, but the process of designing a Senior Project can be very customizable with help from your academic adviser and project adviser. Concentrating on a Foreign Language might manifest in your project as some amount of translation work related to your Major, or working with texts which originate in the language of your study. Talk to your academic adviser for more specifics about how this might apply to you.

• What might a Foreign Language Major do for a Senior Project?

   

  Foreign Language majors might choose to do an analytical project such as a paper on foreign literature, or they may choose to do a translation of one or several texts from their language of study to English. For a sample of some recently completed Senior Projects, go to https://flcl.bard.edu/highlights/students/.