Languages, Cultures, and International Studies Requirements

Main Content

Learning another language will enrich your life and expand your opportunities. Students can develop a high level of fluency in a specific language and culture by specializing in one of our language and culture specialization: Classics, East Asian Language and Culture, French, German, or Spanish. For international business, try our Foreign Language and International Trade specialization and complement your language study with courses in economics and business as well as an internship abroad. If you are interested in a specific region, students can study global and comparative issues and gain fluency in a language relevant to their chosen region with our International Studies specialization. Students interested in K-12 teaching can pursue licensure through our Teacher Education programs.

Foreign Language and International Trade Specialization

Students in this area earn a B.A. in Languages, Cultures, and International Studies with a specialization in Foreign Language and International Trade (FLIT). FLIT students add additional language and cultural proficiency to the core foreign language courses, while also completing an extensive suite of courses in business and economics. They complete their education with an internship or study abroad experience. This area consists of a single specialization, Foreign Language and International Trade, though students will select language study in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish.

International Studies Specialization

Students in this area earn a B.A. in Languages, Cultures, and International Studies with a specialization in International Studies. Students develop intercultural, international, and leadership skills that prepare them for careers that benefit from a global perspective. The program is designed to provide students with a knowledge of comparative international issues and an understanding of other cultures and/or languages. As a highly individualized program, students also have the option of taking courses that allow them to acquire concrete professional skills in accordance with the student’s chosen career.

Languages and Cultures Specializations

Students in this area earn a B.A. in Languages, Cultures, and International Studies with one of the following specializations: 

  • B.A. LCIS with a specialization in Classics
  • B.A. LCIS with a specialization in East Asian Language and Culture
  • B.A. LCIS with a specialization in French (enrollment temporarily suspended)
  • B.A. LCIS with a specialization in German
  • B.A. LCIS with a specialization in Spanish

Teacher Education

Students specializing in German or Spanish may choose to enter the Teacher Education Program and pursue a license to teach in Illinois. They may secure a K-12 teaching license in German or Spanish while earning either a B.A. in the College of Liberal Arts or a B.S. in the School of Education. 

  • B.A. LCIS, Specialization in German-Teacher Education
  • B.A. LCIS, Specialization in Spanish-Teacher Education
  • B.S. German Studies (School of Education)
  • B.S. Spanish (School of Education)

School Procedures

Advising, Assessment, and Graduation

All program majors must meet with the relevant area advisor before registering for classes. No course with a grade below C- can be counted toward fulfillment of any major or minor.

The School of Languages and Linguistics strongly recommends study abroad. Students interested in studying abroad should speak with their program advisor to ensure they will be able to transfer credit upon their return to SIU.

Students in the Foreign Language and International Trade specialization must pass oral and written proficiency exams before doing internships, and students preparing for teacher education must pass oral and written proficiency exams before student teaching is begun. During the course of their study, program majors may be asked to gather materials for assessment portfolios and to ensure oral assessments are completed in a timely manner. Majors should check with the relevant advisor to confirm that they are completing all required assessment work. Failure to submit all materials in a timely manner may result in a delay in graduation.

Program Flexibility and Interdisciplinary Work

The school’s flexible programs are designed to encourage interdisciplinary work. Numerous courses required for our specializations also meet Core Curriculum or College of Liberal Arts requirements; details are spelled out below. Students in our language and culture specializations can readily accommodate a second major, if they so choose. Our International Studies and Foreign Language and International Trade programs incorporate coursework from other programs by design and are thus interdisciplinary by their very nature.

Writing Intensive Courses

In pursuit of proficiency in writing, and in keeping with the College of Liberal Arts Writing Across the Curriculum requirement, most school programs require an upper-level writing intensive class, as outlined below. Such courses will require students to write a minimum of 3500 words (counting revisions) in the target language, at least half of which must be in formal writing, such as reports, critical analyses, and research papers.

School Minors

Students wishing to complete a minor must apply for approval of their program of study with the school; without this approval the minor will not be officially listed on the student’s transcript at the time of graduation. Interested students should contact the school office for details. Minors in modern foreign languages (Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish) must complete at least one regularly scheduled 300 or 400 level language course at SIU Carbondale (SIUC). See the individual area listings below for specific requirements.

Placement Policy

Students with expertise in a language should take a placement test to help them sign up for the proper class. A free online placement test is available for French, German, or Spanish; students interested in other languages offered by the school should contact the school office for guidance on placement. Students who have successfully completed one year of language study in high school should normally start at the second semester level at SIU; students who have completed two years should normally start at the third semester. Those with three or more years in high school should contact the school office for guidance. For details please see the school webpage (languages.siu.edu).

Proficiency Credit Policy

Unit credit (without grade) on the basis of proficiency may be obtained in American Sign Language, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish. This may be accomplished by taking a validating course or by examination. Credit through examination may be given for first and second year basic skills courses only.

Credit by Examination: Credit through examination may be given for first and second year basic skills courses. Students who desire credit must not have earned college credit in the language they wish to proficiency. See Proficiency Examinations and CLEP for University guidelines. CLEP examinations in French, German, or Spanish are offered by the SIU Testing Services Office; credit is given by the year. The school offers proficiency credit by the semester (up to four semesters worth) in American Sign Language, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, and Latin. Proficiency credit may also be available for languages not taught by the school. Contact the school office for details on the exams, or to arrange an examination. There is a $100 fee for taking a school proficiency exam.

Credit by Validating Course: Basic language skills courses taken at SIU, up to and including 320B, may serve as validating courses. Upon receiving a grade of A or B in a validating course, students who file the appropriate paperwork with the school will be granted validating credit for up to two of the immediately preceding basic skills courses. Contact the school for specific list of courses.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Languages, Cultures, and International Studies

Classics Specialization

Classics is the study of the ancient Mediterranean world, with a particular emphasis on ancient Greece and Rome. Greece and Rome have had a profound impact on our world, on areas ranging from art, drama, literature, and philosophy, to politics and sport. But in many ways Greece and Rome were also profoundly different from the contemporary world. Study in Classics thus both leaves students more knowledgeable about the origins of western culture and trains them to analyze very different cultures.

Classics is a strongly interdisciplinary field, and our flexible major specialization both gives students a broad foundation in the classical world and allows them to choose from a range of classes in art, language, literature, culture, politics, and history. Courses are taught not only by Classics faculty but by a range of cooperating faculty from other programs. The breadth and flexibility of our program enables many of our students to pursue another major in addition to Classics.

In addition to the major specialization in Classics, we offer minors in Classical Civilization and in Latin and Greek language. Study of Latin or Greek is not required for our major specialization, but is highly recommended, particularly for any students considering graduate work in Classics or a related field. Classes in Latin and Greek also satisfy the College of Liberal Arts foreign language requirement and the Core Curriculum humanities requirement. Many Classics students may also be interested in the school’s Mythology Minor or the interdisciplinary Ancient Practices Minor.

Employers and graduate schools view Classics as a rigorous major that trains students to analyze complex texts and works of art, and to communicate clearly in both oral and written form. The most common career paths for Classics graduates include teaching, law, and jobs in libraries and museums, but Classics graduates pursue a great variety of careers.

B.A. LCIS - Classics Specialization Degree Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
University Core Curriculum Requirements 39
College of Liberal Arts Requirements 12
Classics Foundational Courses 12
CLAS 230; CLAS 270; CLAS 271; and CLAS 310A or CLAS 310C. Substitutions may be approved by the Classics adviser.
Classics Capstone 3
CLAS 491 (Classics seminar). We recommend the students take most foundational courses before taking the seminar.
Other Classics courses 15
15 credit hours in Classics courses or other courses approved by the Classics adviser.
General Electives 43
Students are reminded to ensure they have a total of 42 credit hours in 300 and 400 level courses to meet the senior institution coursework requirement.
Total 120

East Asian Language and Culture Specialization

China and Japan have rich, ancient cultures and also play an increasingly vital role in today’s world. Students pursuing the interdisciplinary East Asian Language and Culture Specialization will acquire proficiency in Chinese or Japanese, and take courses in the school and other programs on campus that introduce them to the culture of these countries. They will gain a basic knowledge of the history, culture, and literature of people who speak their chosen language, and will learn how to think critically across cultures through analysis of beliefs, media, customs, and artifacts. In the course of their language study, they will gain the ability to discuss how and why Chinese or Japanese differ from English, helping them to understand how language works in general and how English and Chinese or Japanese work in particular. Students in East Asian Language and Culture studies enjoy a wide range of career options in the public and private sectors, in the US or abroad. The East Asian Language and Culture Specialization is flexible enough to allow students to study a second field as well, widening their intellectual and career horizons still further.

B.A. LCIS - East Asian Language and Culture (Chinese) Specialization Degree Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
University Core Curriculum Requirements 39
Students specializing in East Asian Language and Culture will receive three credit hours of Core humanities credit for a third semester or higher in Chinese.
College of Liberal Arts Requirements 12
East Asian specialization students will meet the six credit hour College language requirement during the course of their language study.
East Asian Requirements
Transfer students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of their coursework at SIU, including at least one 300- or 400-level class in their chosen language.
Three years of Chinese (through 320B) 9

East Asian specialists starting their language study at SIU will need to complete three years (18 credit hours) in Chinese to reach and complete 320B, but of these 18 credit hours six are counted above toward the College of Liberal Arts language requirement and three are counted toward Core Curriculum humanities credit, leaving only nine additional hours to list here.

Students with prior experience in the language should begin at the appropriate higher level, and will require fewer total credit hours in language study. They will also receive up to six credit hours of validating credit by successfully completing an intermediate or advanced course with a grade of A or B. See the section on school procedures above for further information on placement and validating credit.

Additional 300- or 400- level language courses in Chinese 12
Students must complete all the required language coursework in Chinese. Language courses include all courses taught in the target language, as well as CHIN 410.
CHIN 370 3
Approved 300- or 400-level electives in Chinese culture 6
Students are to select electives from courses taught by the school or in related fields, as approved by the area advisor.
General Electives 39
Depending on choices in their Core Curriculum coursework and East Asian electives, students may need to take up to 21 credit hours in 300- and 400-level courses to meet the senior institution requirement.
Total 120
Students must complete all the required coursework in Chinese. Students in the College of Liberal Arts can count the first six credit hours of the minor toward the College language requirement. At least three credit hours must be taken in a regularly scheduled 300- or 400-level course at SIU.

B.A. LCIS - East Asian Language and Culture (Japanese) Specialization Degree Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
University Core Curriculum Requirements 39
Students specializing in East Asian Language and Culture will receive three credit hours of Core humanities credit for a third semester or higher in Japanese.
College of Liberal Arts Requirements 12
East Asian specialization students will meet the six credit hour College language requirement during the course of their language study.
East Asian Requirements
Transfer students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of their coursework at SIUC, including at least one 300- or 400-level class in their chosen language.
Two years of Japanese (through 201B) 3

East Asian specialists starting their language study at SIUC will need to complete two years (12 credit hours) in Japanese to reach and complete 201B, but of these 12 credit hours six are counted above toward the College of Liberal Arts language requirement and three are counted toward Core Curriculum humanities credit, leaving only three additional hours to list here.

Students with prior experience in the language should begin at the appropriate higher level, and will require fewer total credit hours in language study. They will also receive up to six credit hours of validating credit by successfully completing an intermediate or advanced course with a grade of A or B. See the section on school procedures above for further information on placement and validating credit.

Additional 300- or 400- level language and/or culture courses in Japanese 18
Students must complete all the required language and/or culture coursework in Japanese.
JPN 370 3
Approved 300- or 400-level electives in Japanese culture 6
Students are to select electives from courses taught by the school or in related fields, as approved by the area advisor.
General Electives 39
Depending on choices in their Core Curriculum coursework and East Asian electives, students may need to take up to 21 credit hours in 300- and 400-level courses to meet the senior institution requirement.
Total 120
Students must complete all the required coursework in Japanese. Students in the College of Liberal Arts can count the first six credit hours of the minor toward the College language requirement. At least three credit hours must be taken in a regularly scheduled 300- or 400-level course at SIUC.

Foreign Language and International Trade Specialization

The Foreign Language and International Trade program combines education in the liberal arts with preparation for careers in the international business community. It is designed to combine skills in world languages and cultures with a fundamental understanding of international commerce. This is accomplished by a curriculum of studies which has two cores—one in language and one in international trade and related subject matters. This cross-disciplinary program allows for choice of language (Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, or world cultural studies) as well as some options in electives so that different interests may be accommodated and individual goals may be realized. The chosen language cannot be the student’s native language. 

At or near the end of the program of studies, application and expansion of the knowledge and skills gained by the student through course work is provided by an international internship or study abroad experience. 

A minimum grade of C- is required in the appropriate SIU 320B language course. All off-campus courses fulfilling major requirements must be pre-approved by the Director of FLIT. 

B.A. LCIS - Foreign Language and International Trade Specialization Degree Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
University Core Curriculum Requirements 39
As part of their Core Curriculum requirements, LCIS students must take ENGL 101, ENGL 102, and MATH 139. LCIS students will receive three credit hours in Core humanities credit by completing 201A or higher in their chosen language.
College of Liberal Arts Requirements 6
Students will meet the six credit hour College language requirement during the course of their language study.
Language and Culture Requirements
Students whose native language is English should focus on a single chosen world language and culture:
Chinese, French, German, Japanese or Spanish through 320B 9

Students who start their language study at SIU will need to complete three years (18 credit hours) in their chosen language, but of these 18 hours, six are counted toward the College of Liberal Arts language requirement and three are counted toward Core Curriculum humanities credit, leaving only nine additional hours to list here.

Students with prior experience in the language should begin at the appropriate higher level, and will require fewer total hours in language study. They will also receive up to six hours of validating credit by successfully completing an intermediate or advanced course with a grade of A or B. See the section on school procedures for further information on placement and validating credit.

5 electives at the 300-400 level in the single chosen language. 370 and 435 strongly recommended.
Students whose native language is not English can focus on a single chosen foreign language or complete 7 world cultural studies courses taught in English listed below 21
ANTH 416; CHIN 370, CHIN 410; CLAS 230, CLAS 270, CLAS 271, CLAS 315I, CLAS 491; EA 102, EA 370; ECON 302I; LCIS 200A, LCIS 200B, LCIS 200C, LCIS 310, LCIS 436; FR 200, FR 370, INTL 300, INTL 301, INTL 400, INTL 470; JPN 370, JPN 410; LING 341, LING 415, LING 417; other electives pre-approved by the Director of FLIT. INTL 300 and INTL 301 strongly recommended.
Other School Requirements 1-12
Either LCIS 495 Professional Experience in an International Context (1-12 credit hours) or a minimum of 8 weeks and 12 credit hours of approved Study Abroad experience. Individual language sections may require a project in conjunction with Study Abroad.
ACCT 220, ACCT 230 6
CS 200B or ITEC 229 3
ECON 240, ECON 241, ECON 329 9
FIN 330 3
MGMT 202, MGMT 304, MGMT 345 9
MGMT 208 or ACCT 208 3
MKTG 304; and either MKTG 336 or MKTG 435 6
MATH 140 (prerequisite for several of the above) 4
Total Business Related Courses 43
General Elective 3
Total 120
For your individualized curricular guide, see your Student Education Planner in DegreeWorks.

German or Spanish Specializations (French enrollment temporarily suspended)

French, German, or Spanish are among the most commonly spoken languages in the world, and knowledge of them can open the door to a variety of job opportunities both in the US and abroad. Students in each of these three specializations will gain advanced-level language proficiency and knowledge of the rich history, culture, and literature of people who speak the target language. Students will learn how to think critically across cultures through analysis of beliefs, media, customs, and artifacts. In the course of their language study, students will gain the ability to discuss how and why their chosen language differs from English, helping them to understand how language works in general and how English and the language they study work in particular. The French, German, or Spanish specializations are flexible enough to allow students to study a second field as well, widening their intellectual and career horizons still further.

B.A. LCIS - German or Spanish Specializations (Without K-12 Teaching License) Degree Requirements (French enrollment temporarily suspended)

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
University Core Curriculum Requirements 39
Modern language students receive three credit hours of Core humanities credit for a third semester or higher in their language.
College of Liberal Arts Requirements 12
French, German, or Spanish students will meet the six credit hour College language requirement during the course of their language study.
Courses in French, German, or Spanish
Transfer students planning to complete the specializations in French, German, or Spanish must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of courses, including at least one 300- or 400-level language course in that language, at SIUC.
French, German, or Spanish through 320B 9

French, German, or Spanish specialists starting their language study at SIU will need to complete three years (18 credit hours) in their chosen language to reach and complete 320B, but of these 18 credit hours, six are counted above toward the College of Liberal Arts language requirement and three are counted toward Core Curriculum humanities credit, leaving only nine additional hours to list here.

Students with prior experience in the language should begin at the appropriate higher level and will require fewer total credit hours in language study. They will also receive up to six credit hours of validating credit by successfully completing an intermediate or advanced course with a grade of A or B. See the section on school procedures above for further information on placement and validating credit.

Language electives at the 300- and 400-level 21

• Two of these courses must be at the 400-level. 

• One of these courses must be in literature.

• One of these courses must be in culture (including 370A/B or another course approved by the language advisor).

• One of these courses must be writing intensive (either College of Liberal Arts Writing-Across-the-Curriculum compliant or approved by the language advisor).

The same 300- or 400-level class may count toward more than one of these requirements. Students must complete all the required coursework in their single chosen language (that is, in French, German, or Spanish). School courses taught in English do not normally count toward these language specializations, but, with the approval of the language advisor, a student may count a school course taught in English or a relevant course taken in another program. In such cases, the advisor may require that assignments be done in the foreign language and may restrict this option to students with high language proficiency, such as those who have done intensive study abroad.

General Electives 37
Depending on their choices of Core Curriculum classes, students may need to complete up to 15 credit hours in 300- or 400-level coursework to meet the senior institution requirement of 42 such hours.
Total 120

International Studies Specializations

Students can major in LCIS with a specialization in International Studies. The program is designed to provide students with a knowledge of comparative global and international issues and an understanding of other cultures and/or languages. Students also have the option of taking courses that allow them to acquire concrete professional skills in accordance with the student’s chosen career. Students will develop intercultural, international, and leadership skills that prepare them for global citizenship and careers that benefit from an international perspective.

Our multidisciplinary program features three components:
1) core courses that provide a solid understanding of the issues in the field;
2) study of languages and/or cultures; and
3) study of international issues

Because of the program’s multidisciplinary nature, courses must be selected in close consultation with the International Studies Advisor. It is also strongly recommended that International Studies students take part in an overseas study program, which can be arranged through the Study Abroad Programs office. Students may substitute study abroad for two appropriate courses in category III below (International Issues). International study opportunities are administered by the SIUC Study Abroad Programs office (cie.siu.edu/sa/).

Admission to the program is open to incoming and current students. No course can be counted toward any International Studies specialization with a grade lower than C.

B.A. LCIS - International Studies Specializations Degree Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
University Core Curriculum Requirements 39
International Studies students can receive three credit hours of UCC humanities credit for a third semester or higher in their language. The following UCC choices are recommended but not required for the International Studies specialization. In addition to three credit hours of foreign language (201A or higher), three additional credit hours in Humanities are required. Recommended courses: HIST 101A, HIST 101B, PHIL 103A, PHIL 103B. In Social Science (six credit hours are required), the recommended courses are: ANTH 104, ECON 113, GEOG 103, GEOG 300I, HIST 112, JRNL 306I, POLS 372I. In Integrative Studies (three credit hours required) the recommended courses are: INTL 301, POLS 352I, SOC 304I, CMST 301I, WGSS 320I.
College of Liberal Arts Requirements 12
International Studies students can meet the six credit hour College of Liberal Arts language requirement through language courses that can also count towards the degree. They will meet the six credit hour international coursework requirement through required courses in Languages and/or Cultures.
International Studies Specialization Requirements 33
Core Courses 6
INTL 300: Introduction to International Studies
INTL 400: Global Advocacy -OR- INTL 401: Topics in INTL
Languages and/or Cultures: Five Courses 15
Five courses from Languages, Cultures, and International Studies, selected in close consultation with and approved by the International Studies Advisor
International Issues: Four Courses 12
Four courses related to international issues, selected in close consultation with and approved by the International Studies Advisor. International Studies students may study various regional and international issues. Such topics may include but are not limited to regional histories, conflicts, and problems; collective/historical memory, global intersectionalities; transnationalism; world literatures and mythologies; culture and health; global peace studies; postcolonialism; immigration; global diaspora studies; and global advocacy and leadership. Because of the program’s multidisciplinary nature, courses may be selected from various programs, including Languages, Cultures, and International Studies.
Electives 36
Total 120

Teacher Education Pathways

Students may pursue a license to teach Spanish or German in Illinois through two different pathways: a B.A. in LCIS or through the Teacher Education Program (TEP) in the School of Education.

  • B.A. LCIS, Specialization in German-Teacher Education
  • B.A. LCIS, Specialization in Spanish-Teacher Education
  • B.S. German Studies (School of Education)
  • B.S. Spanish (School of Education)

For additional information on TEP, see the listing in the catalog.

B.A. Language, Culture, and International Studies w/ K-12 Teaching License

B.A. LCIS - German-Teacher Education or Spanish-Teacher Education Specialization Degree Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
University Core Curriculum Requirements 39
Students pursuing teaching licensure must take PSYC 102, EDUC 211, and EDUC 214.  EDUC 211 meets the multicultural requirement; PSYC 102 and EDUC 214 cover the six social science credit hours required for the Core. Language students in the TEP receive three credit hours of Core humanities credit for a third semester or higher in their language.
College of Liberal Arts Requirements 6
German or Spanish students will meet the six credit hour College language requirement during the course of their language study, and will require only the six credit hours in international coursework required by the College. The international coursework requirement can be met by courses which also meet Core Curriculum requirements.
Language Area Requirements 12

German or Spanish through 320B

Transfer students planning to complete the specializations in German or Spanish must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of courses, including at least one 300- or 400-level language course in that language, at SIUC.

LCIS 436 - Methods in Teaching World Languages 3
LING 472 - Assessment of ESL and Bilingual Students 3
LING 444 - Second Language Acquisition 3
LING 470 - Theoretical Foundations of ESL and Bilingual Education 3

German or Spanish courses at the 300 and 400 level

18

Two of these courses must be at the 400 level. One of these courses must be in literature. One of these courses must be in culture (including 370A/ B or another course approved by the language advisor). The same 300- or 400-level class may count toward more than one of these requirements.

Students must complete all the required coursework (outside LCIS 436, LING 472, LING 444, and LING 470)  in their single chosen language. School courses taught in English do not normally count toward these language specializations, but, with the approval of the language advisor, a student may count a school course taught in English or a relevant course taken in another program. The advisor may in such cases require that assignments be done in the foreign target language and may restrict this option to students with high language proficiency, such as those who have done intensive study abroad.

Teacher Education Program requirements

24
See the Teacher Education Program listing in this catalog for details on education requirements. In addition to the 27 credit hours listed here, EDUC 211 and EDUC 214 are also required for the TEP program, but as these classes also count toward Core Curriculum requirements, these credit hours are counted with the Core Curriculum credit hours above and not listed again here.

General Electives

9
Total 1 120

1 Students in this degree program are required to take the ACTFL oral proficiency interview.

B.S. German Studies or B.S. Spanish (K-12 Teaching License, School of Education)

B.S in German Studies or Spanish (with K-12 Teaching License - School of Education) Degree Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
University Core Curriculum Requirements 39

Students pursuing teaching licensure must take PSYC 102. They must also take EDUC 211, and EDUC 214 as part of their TEP requirements.

EDUC 211 meets the multicultural requirement; PSYC 102 and EDUC 214 cover the six social science hours required for the Core.

Language students in the TEP receive three credit hours of Core humanities credit for a third semester or higher in their language.

College of Liberal Arts Requirements 6
Since German Studies or Spanish students will meet the six credit hour College language requirement during the course of their language study, they will require only the six credit hours in international coursework required by the College. The international coursework requirement can be met by courses which also meet Core Curriculum requirements.
Language Area Requirements 12

German or Spanish through 320B

Transfer students planning to complete the specializations in German Studies or Spanish must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of courses, including at least one 300- or 400-level language course in that language, at SIUC.

LCIS 436 (Methods in Teaching World Languages) 3
LING 472 Assessment of ESL and Bilingual Students 3
LING 444 Second Language Acquisition 3
LING 470 Theoretical Foundations of ESL and Bilingual Education 3
German or Spanish courses at the 300 and 400 level 18

Two of these language elective courses must be at the 400 level. One of these courses must be in literature. One of these courses must be in culture (including 370A/ B or another course approved by the language advisor). The same 300- or 400-level class may count toward more than one of these requirements.

Students must complete all the required coursework (outside LCIS 436, LING 472, LING 444, and LING 470) in their single chosen language (that is, German or Spanish). School courses taught in English do not normally count toward these language specializations, but, with the approval of the language advisor, a student may count a school course taught in English or a relevant course taken in another program. The advisor may in such cases require that assignments be done in the foreign target language and may restrict this option to students with high language proficiency, such as those who have done intensive study abroad.

Education Requirements 24
See an advisor for details on education requirements. EDUC 211 and EDUC 214 required for entry to the TEP program, but are counted with the Core Curriculum hours above and not listed again here.
General Electives 9
Total 1 120

1 Students in this degree program are required to take the ACTFL oral proficiency interview.

American Sign Language Minor

A minor in American Sign Language (ASL) will enable students to gain intermediate level proficiency in ASL while introducing them to deaf culture, literature, and education. Students must complete at least three credit hours toward the minor in a regularly scheduled class at SIU.

American Sign Language Minor Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
ASL 120A and ASL 120B 6
ASL 220A and ASL 220B 6
ASL 370 or ASL 375 3
Total 15

Chinese Minor

The minor in Chinese requires 21 credit hours in Chinese courses or related courses approved by the Chinese advisor. At least nine of these credit hours must be completed at SIUC.

  • 100-level: 120A,B (6 CH)
  • 200-level: 201A,B (6 CH)
  • 300-level: 320A,B (6 CH)
  • Language elective approved by advisor (3 CH)

Classical Civilization Minor

The minor in Classical Civilization requires 15 credit hours in Classics courses or related courses approved by the Classics advisor. At least nine of these credit hours must be completed at SIUC.

East Asian Civilization Minor

A minor in East Asian Civilization consists of 15 credit hours of coursework in Chinese, Japanese, or East Asian studies. Courses must be approved by the area advisor. At least three credit hours must be taken in a regularly scheduled course at SIU.

German or Spanish Minors (French enrollment temporarily suspended)

A minor in French, German, or Spanish requires 18 credit hours of coursework, not including first year language classes, Students starting a new language at SIU will need to complete first year language study (2 three-credit-hours courses) before embarking on the second year. Students must complete all the required coursework in their single chosen language area (that is, entirely in French, German, or Spanish). At least three credit hours must be taken in a regularly scheduled 300- or 400-level course at SIU.

German or Spanish Minor Requirements (French enrollment temporarily suspended)

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
FR 201A and FR 201B; GER 201A and GER 201B; or SPAN 201A and SPAN 201B 6

FR 320A and FR 320B; GER 320A and GER 320B; or SPAN 320A and SPAN 320B

6
Approved language area electives 6
Total (after first year) 18

Greek Minor

The Greek minor requires 18 credit hours. Students will complete two years of Greek, three credit hours of coursework in Greek culture, and CLAS 491 (Classics capstone seminar). Students in the College of Liberal Arts can count the first six credit hours of the minor toward the College language requirement. At least nine of the credit hours counted toward the minor must be completed at SIUC.

Greek Minor Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
Linguistic Competency:
Two years of Greek 12
Cultural Competency:
One of the following: CLAS 270, CLAS 310A or CLAS 310C, HIST 311, PHIL 304A or PHIL 304B, PHIL 470A, PHIL 470B, POLS 304 3
Capstone Seminar CLAS 491 3
We strongly recommend that students fulfill most other Classics requirements before taking CLAS 491.

International Studies Minor

International Studies Minor Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
Global and International Studies: Introductory Seminar (LCIS 105) 1
Global and International Comparative Issues (3 courses) 9
Regional Focus (3 courses) 9
See the lists above for Global and International Comparative Issues courses and Regional Focus courses. Course selections must be approved by the International Studies Advisor.
World Language Proficiency 12
Students must demonstrate proficiency at the fourth-semester level (201B or higher), which can be met by earning a minimum grade of C- in 201B, by validating credit, or by otherwise demonstrating the equivalent level of language proficiency. Students starting a new language at SIU will require 12 credit hours of coursework to meet this requirement. Contact the school for details on validating credit and other ways to demonstrate the required level of proficiency.
Study Abroad (optional): Students are strongly encouraged to participate in a study-abroad program for at least one semester. Three credit hours of study-abroad credit hours from the appropriate region may substitute for one course from the Regional Focus category.

Japanese Minor

The minor in Japanese requires 21 credit hours in Japanese courses or related courses approved by the Japanese advisor. At least nine of these hours must be completed at SIUC.

  • 100-level: JPN 131A, JPN 131B (6 CH)
  • 200-level: JPN 201A, JPN 201B (6 CH)
  • Language elective approved by advisor (9 CH)

Latin Minor

The Latin minor requires 18 credit hours. Students will complete two years of Latin, three credit hours of coursework in Roman culture, and CLAS 491 (Classics capstone seminar). Students in the College of Liberal Arts can count the first six credit hours of the Undergraduate Curricula and Faculty Language and Culture /321 minor toward the College language requirement. At least nine of the credit hours counted toward the minor must be completed at SIUC.

Latin Minor Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
Linguistic Competency
Two years of Latin 12
Cultural Competency
One of the following: CLAS 271, CLAS 310A or CLAS 310C, HIST 311, HIST 412A, HIST 412B, PHIL 469 3
Capstone seminar CLAS 491 3
We strongly recommend that students fulfill most other Classics requirements before taking CLAS 491.

Mythology Minor

The Mythology Minor within Languages, Cultures, and International Studies is an interdisciplinary course of study, in which students take an array of coursework in different topical areas of mythology studies. A minor in Mythology requires the successful completion of 12 credit hours in courses, all passed with a grade of C or better. The list of approved elective courses will be routinely updated to include special topics courses. 

Courses taken at another institution may apply toward the minor only if those courses are acceptable for transfer credit by the home program that offers the course. No more than 2 transfer courses can count toward the minor.  

Mythology Minor Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
A minor in Mythology requires a minimum of 12 credit hours to be chosen from the following courses. Other relevant courses may be substituted with school director or designated faculty approval. 12
CLAS 230, ENGL 121, ENGL 333, ENGL 445, GEOL 329I, GER 230, LCIS 200B, LCIS 310

Peace Studies Minor

The Peace Studies minor is interdisciplinary, designed to provide undergraduates with a better understanding of the causes of war and violence, the history of war and peace, and alternatives to violence in thought and practice. The minor consists of a minimum of 18 credit hours that are to be selected from the university’s offerings on these topics and organized to reflect each individual student’s interests. Through coursework in Peace Studies, students prepare for careers in teaching, government, media, law, non-profit organizations and NGOs, and the arts, among others.

The Peace Studies minor requires 18 credit hours, including 9 credit hours of required core courses and 9 credit hours of electives. The 18 credit hours must be spread over at least three different programs.

Peace Studies Minor Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours

Core Course Requirements

9

Required Core Courses: INTL 300, HIST 358I or CIN 358I, PHIL 309I

Electives 9

Electives are to be chosen from the following list. Other courses may substitute, but only with the approval of the faculty supervisor of Peace Studies.

Anthropology (ANTH): ANTH 330, ANTH 370, ANTH 410O
Africana Studies (AFR): AFR 209, AFR 360, AFR 416, AFR 447, AFR 472, AFR 497
Cinema (CIN): CIN 469
Communication Studies (CMST): CMST 301I, CMST 412, CMST 448, CMST 463, CMST 464
Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ): CCJ 203, CCJ 492
Geography and Environmental Resources (GEOG): GEOG 304
History (HIST): HIST 340, HIST 361, HIST 427, HIST 427H, HIST 429, HIST 457, HIST 487, HIST 496
International Studies (INTL): INTL 400, INTL 405, INTL 410, INTL 480
Linguistics (LING): LING 320I, LING 341
Philosophy (PHIL): PHIL 210, PHIL 405, PHIL 433, PHIL 441
Political Science (POLS): POLS 332I, POLS 370, POLS 375, POLS 405
Sociology (SOC): SOC 424, SOC 435, SOC 437, SOC 438, SOC 455
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS): WGSS 300, WGSS 320I, WGSS 401
Total 18