The Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages prepares students for teaching, graduate study in languages and cultures, research, professional work, as well as service in government, nonprofits, or business. Our graduates are particularly valued for their multilingual and cross-cultural knowledge. Majors are encouraged to complete a minor or a second major in another field. Concentrations are offered in Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Spanish. Minors are offered in Arabic Studies, Chinese Studies, Classical Studies, French, German Studies, Italian Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies, Latin, Russian and Spanish.

Double majors in foreign language and another subject should plan a program of study with advisors from both disciplines and follow the steps outlined in AP.5.3.3 Second Bachelor's Degree.

Policies

Students pursuing this degree must complete 30-33 credits within the major, with a minimum GPA of 2.00

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.

Banner Code: LA-BA-FRLN

Degree Requirements

Total credits: minimum 120

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Concentrations in the Major

In addition to the other college and university requirements for a degree, provided in the tabs below, students pursuing this degree complete a 30-33 credit concentration chosen from the following:

Concentration in Arabic (ARBC)

The concentration in Arabic has an emphasis on developing strong language skills, including literacy and oral communication, along with an in-depth understanding of modern Arabic culture and society. Students concentrating in Arabic are expected to gain fluency in Modern Standard Arabic and a working knowledge of at least one Arabic dialect. Additionally, students will graduate with a strong background in Arab intellectual history, literature, and culture.

Students pursuing the concentration in Arabic must complete a minimum of 30 credits in Arabic at the 300 level and above, each with a minimum grade of C. Only two courses (6 credits) taught in English may be applied to the major. Students are highly encouraged to participate in study abroad.

A minor in Arabic is also offered, which can easily and effectively be combined with majors in other disciplines, such as global affairs, international relations, government, journalism, philosophy, and religion.

Core Courses
Select eight courses from the following:24
Advanced Arabic
Debate and Discussion
Narrative and Composition (Mason Core)
Media Analysis in Context (Mason Core)
Advanced Arabic Media: Debates Context
Arabic for the Professions
Study Abroad - Arab World
Arabic Dialects
Translation Methods: Arabic to English
Arabic Music and Lyrics
Survey of Arabic Literature
Advanced Arabic Grammar
Topics in Arabic Religious Thought and Texts (Mason Core)
Internship in Arabic Studies
Independent Study
Electives
Select two courses from the following:6
Arab Cinema and the Making of the Modern World
Major Arab Writers/Stories (Mason Core)
Topics in Arabic Cultural Production
Black and Minority Cultures in Arabic Literature (Mason Core)
Migrating Voices in Arabic Literature
Special Topics in Modern Arabic Studies
Overview of Art of the Islamic World (Mason Core)
Politics of the Middle East and North Africa
Islam and Politics
Women in Islamic Society (Mason Core)
Qur'an and Hadith (Mason Core)
Islamic Thought (Mason Core)
Total Credits30

Concentration in Chinese (CHIN)

The concentration in Chinese prepares students for research and professional work in government and private enterprise, teaching careers at the secondary school level, and graduate study in Chinese. Language majors with the Chinese concentration are encouraged to complete a minor or, if possible, a second major in another field.

Students pursuing the concentration in Chinese must complete a minimum of 30 credits in Chinese at the 300 level and above, each with a minimum grade of C. Students are expected to complete a balanced program that includes courses in language, culture and civilization, and literature. Only two courses (6 credits) taught in English may be applied to the major. Students are highly encouraged to participate in study abroad.

A minor in Chinese is also offered, which can easily and effectively be combined with majors in other disciplines, such as global affairs, international relations, government, journalism, philosophy, and religion.

Core Courses
Select eight courses from the following:24
Reading Skills Development
Advanced Grammar and Syntax
Chinese for the Business World
Introduction to Classical Chinese (Mason Core)
Readings in Chinese Poetry and Poetics (Mason Core)
Readings in Chinese Fiction after Mao
Chinese Popular Culture (Mason Core)
Translation Theories and Practice
Fourth-Year Chinese I (Mason Core)
Fourth-Year Chinese II
China on Stage: Introduction to Chinese Theatrical Dramas in the 20th Century
Internship in Chinese Studies
Electives
Select two courses from the following: 16
Survey of Chinese Literature (Mason Core)
Modern Chinese Literature in Translation (Mason Core)
Contemporary Chinese Film
Major Chinese Writers (Mason Core)
Asian American Women Writers (Mason Core)
Gender, Sexuality, and Representation in China
Chinese Pedagogical Grammar Teaching Methodology
Special Topics in Chinese Studies
Arts of China (Mason Core)
Modern China: A Geographical Appraisal of its Land, People, Culture, and Politics (Mason Core)
History of Traditional China
Modern China (Mason Core)
Post-1949 China (Mason Core)
Chinese Philosophies and Religious Traditions
Total Credits30
1

Relevant courses offered by other departments may be allowed with Chinese program director's approval.

Concentration in French (FRN)

Students pursuing the concentration in French must complete a minimum of 33 credits in French at the 300 level and above, each with a minimum grade of C. No more than two courses (6 credits) conducted in English may be used to fulfill requirements for the concentration. These may be chosen from FREN 325 Major Francophone Writers (Mason Core) or FREN 329 Problems of Western Civilization in French and Francophone Literature (Mason Core) or a FRLN or non-MCL course at the 300- or 400- level with approval. Students are expected to complete a balanced program that includes courses in language, culture and civilization, and literature.

Advanced Language Course
FREN 309Reading and Writing Skills Development (Mason Core)3
Literature and Civilization
Select two of the following:6
The Making of Modern France
Francophone Identities
Multilingualism, Identity, and Power (Mason Core)
FREN at the 300-level or Above
Select four courses in FREN at the 300-level or above12
FREN at the 400-level or above
Select four courses in FREN at the 400-level or above12
Total Credits33

Concentration in Korean (KORE)

The concentration in Korean prepares students to perform professional work in the field of translation, international relations, local and federal government, transnational enterprise, cultural industry and teaching careers in Korea or at local public schools and to pursue graduate studies in Korean or Korean studies. The concentration in Korean has an emphasis on developing solid Korean language proficiency skills, technical translation skills, and in-depth understanding of both South and North Korean society and culture.

Students declaring the concentration in Korean need to complete a minimum of 30 credits in Korean at the 300 level and above, each with a minimum grade of C. Students are expected to take well-balanced courses including language, culture, literature and translation. Only two courses (6 credits) taught in English are applied to the major requirements. Students are strongly recommended to participate in study abroad.

The concentration in Korean can ideally be combined with majors or minors in other disciplines, such as global affairs, international relations, government, journalism, conflict analysis and resolution, philosophy, religion, and education.

Core Courses
Select eight courses from the following. Some courses may be repeated for credit.24
Advanced Korean Language and Culture
Business Korean
Korean Proficiency through Visual Culture
Special Topics in Advanced Korean Reading
Special Topics in Advanced Korean Speaking
Transformation of Language and Culture in North and South Korea
Advanced Korean Writing (Mason Core)
Korean for Specific Purposes
Special Topics in Korean Linguistics
Special Topics in Translation of Korean
Korean Cultural Studies
Research in Korean Studies (Mason Core)
Internship in Korean Studies
Electives
Select two courses taught in English on Korean subject matter from the following:6
Korean Culture and Society
Traditional Korean Literature in Translation
Modern Korean Literature in Translation (Mason Core)
Korean Popular Culture in a Global World
Major North and South Korean Writers
Korean Cinema in Global Contexts
Korean History before 1876
Modern Korean History (Mason Core)
Introduction to Korean Linguistics
Korean Diasporas in a Global World
Gender and Society of Korea
Multilingualism, Identity, and Power (Mason Core)
Politics of East Asia
Buddhism (Mason Core)
Daoism
Korean Philosophy and Religions
Total Credits30

Concentration in Spanish (SPN)

With more than 400 million people speaking Spanish worldwide - nearly 40 million in the US - and the growing influence of Hispanic cultures around the globe, knowledge of Spanish and the Spanish-speaking world has never been more important. The Spanish courses and degree programs provide students with the opportunity for language development and interdisciplinary study of the cultures, film, history, linguistics and literature of the 20 Spanish-speaking countries, including the United States. Students can also receive Spanish credit through participation in study-abroad programs.

Students pursuing the concentration in Spanish must complete a minimum of 33 credits in Spanish courses at the 300-level and above, each with a minimum grade of C. Two courses taught in English (6 credits) may be applied toward the concentration, only one of which may be taught outside the department. FRLN topics courses and outside elective courses taught in English require pre-approval by the Spanish program coordinator.

Core Courses (Select one of the following options)6
Option 1
Spanish in Context I
Spanish in Context II
Option 2
Intensive Spanish in Context
Option 3
Spanish in Context for Heritage Speakers
Additional Required Courses
SPAN 370Spanish Writing and Stylistics (Mason Core)3
SPAN 385Introduction to Spanish Linguistics3
SPAN 390Introduction to Literary and Cultural Analysis3
Spanish at the 400 Level
Select four courses in Spanish at the 400 level12
Electives
Select two courses from the following:6
Introduction to Latin American Culture (Mason Core)
Major Hispanic Writers (Mason Core)
Special Topics in Spanish and Latin American Literature
Multilingualism, Identity, and Power (Mason Core)
FRLN topics courses with pre-approval of Spanish Program Coordinator
Other relevant elective courses taught in English with pre-approval of Spanish Program Coordinator 1
Total Credits33
1

Prefixes for elective courses (with pre-approval) include ANTH, ARTH, ENGH, GGS, GOVT, HIST, RELI, and SOCI.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in foreign language may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing ARAB 331 Narrative and Composition (Mason Core)CHIN 480 Fourth-Year Chinese I (Mason Core), FREN 309 Reading and Writing Skills Development (Mason Core), KORE 370 Advanced Korean Writing (Mason Core), or SPAN 370 Spanish Writing and Stylistics (Mason Core).

Upper Level Requirement

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.

Additional Electives

Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.

College Level Requirements for the BA Degree

In addition to the Mason Core program, students pursuing a BA degree must complete the coursework below. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill a college level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements (Mason Core requirements or requirements for the major).

Philosophy or Religious Studies

Select 3 credits from the following:3
1

Note that the following courses may not be used to fulfill this requirement:

  • PHIL 323 Classical Western Political Theory
  • PHIL 324 Modern Western Political Theory
  • PHIL 327 Topics in Contemporary Western Political Theory
  • PHIL 393 Humanities College to Career
  • PHIL 460 Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics


Additionally,PHIL 100T, PHIL 253, RELI 235, RELI 333, RELI 334, RELI 338 and RELI 339 cannot be used to fulfill both the philosophy/religious studies requirement and the Mason Core literature requirement.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Select 3 credits of social and behavioral sciences from the following (additional to the Mason Core social and behavioral sciences requirement) 13
ANTH
CRIM
ECON
GOVT
HIST 2
LING
PSYC
SOCI
Or choose from the following GGS courses:
Major World Regions (Mason Core)
Human Geography (Mason Core)
Introduction to Geoinformation Technologies
Political Geography (Mason Core)
Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core)
Population Geography (Mason Core)
Economic Geography
Urban Geography
Geography of the United States
Geography of Latin America
Geography of Europe
Geography of North Africa and the Middle East
Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia
Urban Planning
Geography of Virginia
1

The two courses used to fulfill the combined college and Mason Core requirements must be from different disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. 

2

HIST 100 and HIST 125 may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

Foreign Language

Intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language, fulfilled by: 1
Or achieving a satisfactory score on an approved proficiency test
1

Students who are already proficient in one foreign language may be eligible for a waiver of this requirement. Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.

Non-Western Culture

Select 3 credits of an approved course in the study of a non-Western culture (additional to the Mason Core requirement in global contexts)

Select 3 credits (additional to Mason Core Global Contexts requirement) 1
ANTH 114Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Mason Core)3
ANTH 300Civilizations3
ANTH 302Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (Mason Core)3
ANTH 307Ancient Mesoamerica (Mason Core)3
ANTH 308Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (Mason Core)3
ANTH 309Peoples and Cultures of India (Mason Core)3
ANTH 313Myth, Magic, and Mind (Mason Core)3
ANTH 314Zombies3
ANTH 317East Asian Cultures (Mason Core)3
ANTH 330Peoples and Cultures of Selected Regions: Non-Western3
ANTH 332Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Globalization (Mason Core)3
ANTH 381Medical Anthropology3
ANTH 396Issues in Anthropology: Social Sciences (Mason Core)3
ARAB 360Topics in Arabic Cultural Production3
ARAB 365Black and Minority Cultures in Arabic Literature (Mason Core)3
ARAB 420Survey of Arabic Literature3
ARAB 440Topics in Arabic Religious Thought and Texts (Mason Core)3
ARTH 203Survey of Asian Art (Mason Core)3
ARTH 204Survey of Latin American Art (Mason Core)3
ARTH 206Survey of African Art (Mason Core)3
ARTH 317The Black Pharaohs: Art and Archaeology of Ancient Nubia (Mason Core)3
ARTH 318Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt3
ARTH 319Art and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Mason Core)3
ARTH 320Overview of Art of the Islamic World (Mason Core)3
ARTH 382Arts of India (Mason Core)3
ARTH 383Arts of Southeast Asia (Mason Core)3
ARTH 384Arts of China (Mason Core)3
ARTH 385Arts of Japan (Mason Core)3
ARTH 482RS: Advanced Studies in Asian Art (Mason Core)3
CHIN 318Introduction to Classical Chinese (Mason Core)3
CHIN 320Contemporary Chinese Film3
CHIN 325Major Chinese Writers (Mason Core)3
CHIN 338Gender, Sexuality, and Representation in China3
CHIN 470Special Topics in Chinese Studies3
DANC 118Global Dance Perspectives I (Mason Core)3
ECON 361Economic Development of Latin America (Mason Core)3
ECON 362African Economic Development (Mason Core)3
FREN 454Topics in Caribbean Francophone Literature and Culture3
GGS 101Major World Regions (Mason Core)3
GGS 316Geography of Latin America3
GGS 317Modern China: A Geographical Appraisal of its Land, People, Culture, and Politics (Mason Core)3
GGS 325Geography of North Africa and the Middle East3
GGS 399Special Topics in Geography3
GOVT 332Politics of the Middle East and North Africa3
GOVT 333Politics of East Asia3
GOVT 338Politics of Eurasia3
GOVT 341Chinese Foreign Policy3
GOVT 345Islam and Politics3
HIST 251Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core)3
HIST 252Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core)3
HIST 261Survey of African History (Mason Core)3
HIST 262Survey of African History (Mason Core)3
HIST 271Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core)3
HIST 272Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core)3
HIST 281Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core)3
HIST 282Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core)3
HIST 326Stalinism3
HIST 327The Soviet Union and Russia Since World War II3
HIST 328Rise of Russia (Mason Core)3
HIST 329Modern Russia and the Soviet Union (Mason Core)3
HIST 353History of Traditional China3
HIST 354Modern China (Mason Core)3
HIST 356Modern Japan (Mason Core)3
HIST 357Postwar Japan (Mason Core)3
HIST 358Post-1949 China (Mason Core)3
HIST 360History of South Africa (Mason Core)3
HIST 364Revolution in Latin America (Mason Core)3
HIST 365Conquest and Colonization in Latin America (Mason Core)3
HIST 366Comparative Slavery3
HIST 377The Vietnam War (Mason Core)3
HIST 378History of Aviation (Mason Core)3
HIST 384Global History of Christianity (Mason Core)3
HIST 387Topics in Global History (Mason Core)3-6
HIST 462Women in Islamic Society (Mason Core)3
JAPA 310Japanese Culture in a Global World (Mason Core)3
JAPA 340Topics in Japanese Literature (Mason Core)3
JAPA 380Japan in Motion3
KORE 300Korean Culture and Society3
KORE 320Korean Popular Culture in a Global World3
KORE 385Introduction to Korean Linguistics3
MUSI 103Musics of the World (Mason Core)3
RELI 211Introduction to Religions of the "West" (Mason Core)3
RELI 212Introduction to Religions of Asia (Mason Core)3
RELI 312Islam (Mason Core)3
RELI 313Hinduism (Mason Core)3
RELI 314Chinese Philosophies and Religious Traditions3
RELI 315Buddhism (Mason Core)3
RELI 317Daoism3
RELI 318Korean Philosophy and Religions3
RELI 338Qur'an and Hadith (Mason Core)3
RELI 342Comparative Study of Mysticism3
RELI 344Muhammad: Life and Legacy3
RELI 358Islamic Thought (Mason Core)3
RELI 367Islamic Law, Society, and Ethics3
RELI 368Islam, Democracy, and Human Rights (Mason Core)3
RELI 384Global History of Christianity (Mason Core)3
RELI 490Comparative Study of Religions (Mason Core)3
RUSS 353Russian Civilization (Mason Core)3
RUSS 354Russian Media and Culture (Mason Core)3
WMST 407Transnational Sexualities3
1

A course used to fulfill the Mason Core global contexts requirement may not be simultaneously used to satisfy this college-level requirement. A course used to fulfill this requirement may be used simultaneously to fulfill any other requirements (Mason Core requirements, college-level requirements, or requirements for the major). Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.

Mason Core

Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.

All Integration-level requirements must be completed at George Mason and cannot be satisfied through transfer credit. These courses are integral to the university's educational philosophy and ensure that all graduates demonstrate proficiency in writing, critical thinking, and integrative learning consistent with the university's standards. Rare exceptions to this policy may only be granted by the Provost's Office. 

Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories with the exception of Written Communication, which must be met by transferring in or taking an approved coruse at George Mason University. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information. 

  • VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
  • VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
Foundation Requirements
Written Communication (lower-level)3
Oral Communication3
Quantitative Reasoning3
Information Technology and Computing3
Exploration Requirements
Arts3
Global Contexts3
Global History3
Literature3
Natural Science7
Social and Behavioral Sciences3
Just Societies (optional) 1
Integration Requirements
Written Communication (upper-level)3
Writing Intensive 23
Mason Apex 33
Total Credits40
1

In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Students who wish to increase their knowledge and skills in this area may choose to enroll in a Just Societies-flagged course. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely with their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.

2

Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.

3

Minimum 3 credits required.

Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages Sample Plan of Study 

A sample four year graduation plan and degree planning worksheet can be found at https://academicaffairs.chss.gmu.edu/undergraduate-students/advising/advising-sheets. The plan is a recommended sequencing of courses based on prerequisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor each semester and with their PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.

Program Outcomes

Arabic

  1. Oral Proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic
    Students will achieve a minimum ACTFL proficiency level of Intermediate High, with many attaining Advanced Low or higher. They will initiate and sustain spontaneous conversations on concrete and abstract topics, navigate formal and informal settings with linguistic accuracy and cultural nuance, and adapt their speech to diverse contexts.
  2. Cultural Competency in the Arab Tradition
    Students will demonstrate cultural competency in the Arab tradition through advanced-level course work in literary studies, media studies, and religious studies. Graduates will be able to demonstrate a mature understanding of major cultural traditions and variations in the Arab world.
  3. Writing Skills in the Discipline
    Students will communicate effectively in writing for a variety of specific purposes and for multiple audiences. Writing genres include but not limited to (self) portraits, descriptions, letters, creative fiction, Arabic translations, academic papers, and ethnographies. This attention to effective writing is transferable to courses in other disciplines.
  4. Cross-Cultural Linguistic Diversity in Arabic
    Students will demonstrate competency in at least one colloquial tradition. This may include any of the major dialects such as Egyptian, Levantine, or Maghrebi. Students will be able to demonstrate strong familiarity with the cultural nuance of the idiomatic tradition and to locate the variation within the broader range of the region's cultural diversity.
  5. Historical Competency in the Arab Tradition
    Students will demonstrate advanced familiarity with the greater historical arc of modern Arab society. This may include but is not limited to a working knowledge of pre and early Islamic history, Caliphal history, the early modern period, colonialism, and postcolonialism. Students will demonstrate their understanding through advanced course work in Arabic and English.
  6. Critical Awareness of Conflict Dynamics in the Arab Middle East
    Students will demonstrate sound awareness of the major security and conflict challenges facing the Arab Middle East. This includes but is not limited to background in the geo-petrol conflicts of the late twentieth and early twenty-first century, water and precious resource challenges, human migratory challenges, overpopulation, sectarian violence, and civil war.
  7. Critical Digital Skills for Multilingual Communication
    Students will demonstrate the ability to incorporate new technologies in the study of Arabic language, linguistics, literature, and cultural studies, and apply their knowledge to effectively communicate in Arabic with their peers, professors, and local and global communities.
  8. Experiential Learning
    Students will demonstrate the ability to apply and reflect on linguistic and cultural knowledge in real-world contexts through field research, study abroad, or internship experiences, connecting classroom learning to real-world problems and future career paths.

Chinese

  1. Oral Proficiency
    Students will achieve a minimum ACTFL proficiency level of Intermediate High, with many attaining Advanced Low or higher. They will initiate and sustain spontaneous conversations on concrete and abstract topics, navigate formal and informal settings with linguistic accuracy and cultural nuance, and adapt their speech to diverse contexts.
  2. Reading Proficiency
    Students will achieve a minimum ACTFL proficiency level of Intermediate High, with many attaining Advanced Low or higher. They will read and interpret authentic Chinese texts—including news, essays, short stories, and digital media—with strong comprehension, extracting main ideas, identifying nuance, and engaging critically with content.
  3. Writing Proficiency
    Students will produce coherent, well-organized texts in Chinese, including detailed narrations, descriptions, and expository writing. They will demonstrate control of essential grammatical structures and vocabulary, composing with clarity, complexity, and purpose—from personal reflections to analytical summaries and persuasive arguments.
  4. Integrated Knowledge of Chinese Culture
    Students will develop an integrated understanding of China’s political, social, and cultural history from antiquity to the present. They will apply this knowledge to critically analyze texts, cultural products, and historical or contemporary phenomena, engaging meaningfully with key figures, movements, and ideas.
  5. Critical Thinking
    Students will critically examine ideas, values, and representations across diverse Chinese-speaking communities. They will analyze and evaluate significant works of classical and modern Chinese literature, film, and thought, synthesizing linguistic knowledge with cultural and historical insight to construct evidence-based arguments and reflect on multiple perspectives.

French

  1. Communicating in writing
    Students will communicate effectively in writing for a variety of specific purposes and for multiple audiences. Writing genres include but are not limited to (self-) portraits, descriptions, letters, creative fiction, academic papers and ethnographies.  This attention to effective writing is transferable to courses in other disciplines.

  2. Comprehension and critical analysis
    Students will be able to comprehend and critically analyze a range of texts, materials and cultural practices produced in the language of study towards the goal of writing an original research paper in the target language.

  3. Cultural Awareness
    Students will gain significant knowledge on the multiple histories and cultures of the target language and be able to critically reflect upon the construction of identity in these cultures.

  4. Communicating orally
    Students will demonstrate effective oral communication in the target language.  Oral genres include but are not limited to presentations, performances, and informed conversations in the target language. 

  5. Translingual and transcultural competence (“TLTC”)
    Students will demonstrate self-awareness as language-speakers and learners in relation to speakers and histories of the target language. 

Korean

  1. Interpretive Communication 
    Students will demonstrate the ability to comprehend the main ideas and relevant details of authentic written, spoken, and audiovisual texts in Korean, including materials not modified for language learners.
  2. Interpersonal Communication
    Students will interact and negotiate meaning effectively in spoken and written Korean in both formal and informal contexts, demonstrating linguistic, sociocultural, and pragmatic appropriateness. Graduates will achieve proficiency equivalent to Advanced Low on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI).
  3. Presentational Communication 
    Students will present information, ideas, and arguments effectively in Korean through formal oral presentations and structured written texts, demonstrating appropriate speech levels and rhetorical organization. Graduates will demonstrate proficiency equivalent to Level 5 (TOPIK II).
  4. Intercultural Competence
    Students will identify, analyze, and interpret Korean cultural products, practices, and perspectives and apply this knowledge to interact effectively with Korean-speaking communities in a variety of cultural contexts.
  5. Critical Thinking 
    Students will critically analyze and evaluate traditional and contemporary Korean cultural texts, practices, and social issues, articulate informed perspectives, and support arguments using evidence in Korean and/or English. 
  6. Experiential Learning 
    Students will demonstrate the ability to apply and reflect on linguistic and cultural knowledge in real-world contexts through field research, study abroad, or internship experiences, connecting classroom learning to real-world problems and future career paths.
  7. Integrative Learning 
    Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate learning within Korean studies and across disciplines to conduct and present research on a variety of topics related to Korea and to address real-world problems.

Spanish

  1. Comprehension and Critical Analysis
    Students will be able to comprehend and critically analyze a range of texts, materials and cultural practices produced in the language of study towards the goal of writing an original research paper in the target language using at least one secondary source. This learning goal correlates with the following university learning goals: written communication, critical thinking, global understanding, synthesis, and Western civilization.
  2. Writing Skills in the Discipline
    Students will be able to write for a variety of specific purposes in the target language for multiple audiences. Writing genres include but are not limited to (self) portraits, descriptions, letters, creative fiction, academic papers and ethnographies. This learning goal is associated with the university learning goal of written communication.
  3. Cultural Awareness
    Students will gain deep knowledge of the multiple histories and cultures of the target language and be able to critically reflect upon the construction of identity in these cultures. This learning goal is associated with the following university learning goals: critical thinking, global understanding, synthesis, and Western civilization.
  4. Critical Language Awareness
    Students will be able to understand social, political and ideological aspects of language, linguistic variation and discourse.
  5. Critical Digital Skills for Multilingual Communication
    Students will demonstrate the ability to incorporate new technologies in the study of Spanish language linguistics, literature, and cultural studies, and apply their knowledge in order to effectively communicate in Spanish with their peers, their professors, and local and global communities.

Many accelerated master's programs are available for any bachelor's degree at Mason, including those below. See the full list of degrees with accelerated programs at George Mason.

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Foreign Languages, Accelerated MA (Chinese Concentration)

Overview

Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the combined bachelor's/accelerated master's degree pathway program (accelerated master's) and obtain a BA/BS in a relevant major and an MA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Chinese in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.

Students in an accelerated master's degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and accelerated master's degree policies.  For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Process on the departmental website.

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits.

Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.

Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate students already admitted to the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the master's program, if they have met the following criteria, that will be verified:

  • Submission of BAM Transition Form by stated deadline.
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.00 for conferred undergraduate degree (which does not include any earned reserve graduate credits).
  • Completion of approved advanced standing courses and any reserve graduate courses that have met the minimum grade requirement of B-.
  • Successful completion of required minimum of 120 credits needed for undergraduate degree conferral (after exclusion of any satisfactory reserve graduate credits earned).
  • Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and timely submission of the application for graduation.

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:

Advanced Standing courses
Students must complete at least 3 credits from the following list of graduate-level courses, while in undergraduate status, up to a maximum of 12. Advanced standing courses may substitute for some or all (up to 12 credits) of the 400-level requirements in the BA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Chinese.

CHIN 500Chinese Linguistics Teaching Methodology3
CHIN 510Topics in Traditional Chinese Literature3
CHIN 518Approaches to Classical/Literary Chinese3
CHIN 520Chinese and Sinophone Cinema3
CHIN 555Topics in Chinese Poetry and Poetics3
CHIN 575Chinese Popular Culture3
CHIN 576Advanced Translation3
CHIN 585Chinese Theatrical Dramas in the 20th Century3

Reserve Graduate Credit courses:

Students may complete up to 6 credits, while in undergraduate student status, of graduate-level coursework from the list below that will only count towards the graduate degree program.

CHIN 500Chinese Linguistics Teaching Methodology3
CHIN 510Topics in Traditional Chinese Literature3
CHIN 518Approaches to Classical/Literary Chinese3
CHIN 520Chinese and Sinophone Cinema3
CHIN 555Topics in Chinese Poetry and Poetics3
CHIN 575Chinese Popular Culture3
CHIN 576Advanced Translation3
CHIN 585Chinese Theatrical Dramas in the 20th Century3

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree and AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Foreign Languages, Accelerated MA (Korean Concentration)

Overview

Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the combined bachelor's/accelerated master's degree pathway program (accelerated master's) and obtain a BA/BS in a relevant major and an MA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Korean in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.

Students in an accelerated master's degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and accelerated master's degree policies.  For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Process on the departmental website.

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits.

Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.

Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate students already admitted to the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the master's program, if they have met the following criteria, that will be verified:

  • Submission of BAM Transition Form by stated deadline.
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.00 for conferred undergraduate degree (which does not include any earned reserve graduate credits).
  • Completion of approved advanced standing courses and any reserve graduate courses that have met the minimum grade requirement of B-.
  • Successful completion of required minimum of 120 credits needed for undergraduate degree conferral (after exclusion of any satisfactory reserve graduate credits earned).
  • Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and timely submission of the application for graduation.

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:

Advanced Standing courses
Students must complete at least 3 credits from the following list of graduate-level courses, while in undergraduate status, up to a maximum of 12.

KORE 511Korean Language Pedagogy3
KORE 520Seminar in Korean Popular Narrative3
KORE 530Korean Multimedia Pedagogy3
KORE 540Korean Translation Practicum3
KORE 550Critical Korean Cultural Studies3
KORE 560Seminar in Gender and Society of Korea3
KORE 570Seminar in Korean Culture and Media3
FRLN 565Theory of Translation3
FRLN 573Basic Issues in Language Pedagogy3
FRLN 575Heritage Language Education3
FRLN 590Internship in Community-Based Learning3

​Reserve Graduate Credit courses

Students may complete up to 6 credits, while in undergraduate student status, of graduate-level coursework from the list below that will only count towards the graduate degree program.

KORE 511Korean Language Pedagogy3
KORE 520Seminar in Korean Popular Narrative3
KORE 530Korean Multimedia Pedagogy3
KORE 540Korean Translation Practicum3
KORE 550Critical Korean Cultural Studies3
KORE 560Seminar in Gender and Society of Korea3
KORE 570Seminar in Korean Culture and Media3
FRLN 565Theory of Translation3
FRLN 573Basic Issues in Language Pedagogy3
FRLN 575Heritage Language Education3
FRLN 590Internship in Community-Based Learning3

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree Policies and AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Foreign Languages, Accelerated MA (Spanish Concentration)

Overview

Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the combined bachelor's/accelerated master's degree pathway program (accelerated master's) and obtain a BA/BS in a relevant major and an MA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.

Students in an accelerated master's degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and accelerated master's degree policies.  For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Process on the departmental website.

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits.

Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.

Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate students already admitted to the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the master's program, if they have met the following criteria, that will be verified:

  • Submission of BAM Transition Form by stated deadline.
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.00 for conferred undergraduate degree (which does not include any earned reserve graduate credits).
  • Completion of approved advanced standing courses and any reserve graduate courses that have met the minimum grade requirement of B-.
  • Successful completion of required minimum of 120 credits needed for undergraduate degree conferral (after exclusion of any satisfactory reserve graduate credits earned).
  • Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and timely submission of the application for graduation.

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:

Advanced Standing courses

Students must complete at least 3 credits from the following list of graduate-level courses, while in undergraduate status, up to a maximum of 12. Advanced standing courses may substitute for some or all (up to 12 credits) of the 400-level requirements in the BA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish.

SPAN 500History of the Spanish Language3
SPAN 501Applied Spanish Grammar3
SPAN 502Hispanic Sociolinguistics3
SPAN 503Spanish Linguistics for Educators3
SPAN 505Applied Spanish Stylistics in Multilingual and Multimodal Contexts3
SPAN 510Methods of Literary and Cultural Studies3
SPAN 512Mass Media and Popular Culture3
SPAN 520Studies in Medieval Spanish Literature3
SPAN 525Studies in Renaissance Literature3
SPAN 530Studies in the Literature of the Golden Age3
SPAN 540Studies in 20th-Century Literature3
SPAN 544Spanish-Language Film, Television, and Digital Media3
SPAN 545Studies in Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 551Special Topics in Spanish3
SPAN 570Language Politics and Policy3
SPAN 571Methods and Curriculum Design for Teaching Spanish3
SPAN 574Critical Approaches to Teaching Spanish-language Culture3
SPAN 575Teaching Spanish for Social Justice3
SPAN 576Advanced Translation3
SPAN 580Contemporary Hispanic Institutions3
SPAN 585Languages in Contact3
SPAN 590Bilingual Education in the Spanish-Speaking World3
FRLN 510Bibliography and Research in Foreign Languages and Literature3
FRLN 525Literary Translation3
FRLN 530Topics in Comparative World Literatures3
FRLN 550Special Topics3
FRLN 551Special Topics3
FRLN 565Theory of Translation3
FRLN 572Integrating Technology into Language Learning3
FRLN 573Basic Issues in Language Pedagogy3
FRLN 575Heritage Language Education3
FRLN 590Internship in Community-Based Learning3

Reserve Graduate Credit courses

Students may complete up to 6 credits, while in undergraduate student status, of graduate-level coursework from the list below that will only count towards the graduate degree program.

SPAN 500History of the Spanish Language3
SPAN 501Applied Spanish Grammar3
SPAN 502Hispanic Sociolinguistics3
SPAN 503Spanish Linguistics for Educators3
SPAN 505Applied Spanish Stylistics in Multilingual and Multimodal Contexts3
SPAN 510Methods of Literary and Cultural Studies3
SPAN 512Mass Media and Popular Culture3
SPAN 520Studies in Medieval Spanish Literature3
SPAN 525Studies in Renaissance Literature3
SPAN 530Studies in the Literature of the Golden Age3
SPAN 540Studies in 20th-Century Literature3
SPAN 544Spanish-Language Film, Television, and Digital Media3
SPAN 545Studies in Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 551Special Topics in Spanish3
SPAN 570Language Politics and Policy3
SPAN 571Methods and Curriculum Design for Teaching Spanish3
SPAN 574Critical Approaches to Teaching Spanish-language Culture3
SPAN 575Teaching Spanish for Social Justice3
SPAN 576Advanced Translation3
SPAN 580Contemporary Hispanic Institutions3
SPAN 585Languages in Contact3
SPAN 590Bilingual Education in the Spanish-Speaking World3
FRLN 510Bibliography and Research in Foreign Languages and Literature3
FRLN 525Literary Translation3
FRLN 530Topics in Comparative World Literatures3
FRLN 550Special Topics3
FRLN 551Special Topics3
FRLN 565Theory of Translation3
FRLN 572Integrating Technology into Language Learning3
FRLN 573Basic Issues in Language Pedagogy3
FRLN 575Heritage Language Education3
FRLN 590Internship in Community-Based Learning3

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree Policies and AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Foreign Languages, Accelerated MA (Spanish/Bilingual-Multicultural Education Concentration)

Overview

Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the combined bachelor's/accelerated master's degree pathway program (accelerated master's) and obtain a BA/BS in a relevant major and an MA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish/Bilingual-Multicultural Education in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.

Students in an accelerated master's degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and accelerated master's degree policies.  For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Process on the departmental website.

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits.

Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.

Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate students already admitted to the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the master's program, if they have met the following criteria, that will be verified:

  • Submission of BAM Transition Form by stated deadline.
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.00 for conferred undergraduate degree (which does not include any earned reserve graduate credits).
  • Completion of approved advanced standing courses and any reserve graduate courses that have met the minimum grade requirement of B-.
  • Successful completion of required minimum of 120 credits needed for undergraduate degree conferral (after exclusion of any satisfactory reserve graduate credits earned).
  • Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and timely submission of the application for graduation.

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:

Advanced Standing courses
Students must complete at least 3 credits from the following list of graduate-level courses, while in undergraduate status, up to a maximum of 12. Advanced standing courses may substitute for some or all (up to 12 credits) of the 400-level requirements in the BA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish.

SPAN 500History of the Spanish Language3
SPAN 501Applied Spanish Grammar3
SPAN 502Hispanic Sociolinguistics3
SPAN 503Spanish Linguistics for Educators3
SPAN 505Applied Spanish Stylistics in Multilingual and Multimodal Contexts3
SPAN 510Methods of Literary and Cultural Studies3
SPAN 512Mass Media and Popular Culture3
SPAN 520Studies in Medieval Spanish Literature3
SPAN 525Studies in Renaissance Literature3
SPAN 530Studies in the Literature of the Golden Age3
SPAN 540Studies in 20th-Century Literature3
SPAN 544Spanish-Language Film, Television, and Digital Media3
SPAN 545Studies in Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 551Special Topics in Spanish3
SPAN 570Language Politics and Policy3
SPAN 571Methods and Curriculum Design for Teaching Spanish3
SPAN 574Critical Approaches to Teaching Spanish-language Culture3
SPAN 575Teaching Spanish for Social Justice3
SPAN 576Advanced Translation3
SPAN 580Contemporary Hispanic Institutions3
SPAN 585Languages in Contact3
SPAN 590Bilingual Education in the Spanish-Speaking World3
FRLN 510Bibliography and Research in Foreign Languages and Literature3
FRLN 525Literary Translation3
FRLN 530Topics in Comparative World Literatures3
FRLN 550Special Topics3
FRLN 551Special Topics3
FRLN 565Theory of Translation3
FRLN 572Integrating Technology into Language Learning3
FRLN 573Basic Issues in Language Pedagogy3
FRLN 575Heritage Language Education3
FRLN 590Internship in Community-Based Learning3

Reserve Graduate Credit courses

Students may complete up to 6 credits, while in undergraduate student status, of graduate-level coursework from the list below that will only count towards the graduate degree program.

SPAN 500History of the Spanish Language3
SPAN 501Applied Spanish Grammar3
SPAN 502Hispanic Sociolinguistics3
SPAN 503Spanish Linguistics for Educators3
SPAN 505Applied Spanish Stylistics in Multilingual and Multimodal Contexts3
SPAN 510Methods of Literary and Cultural Studies3
SPAN 512Mass Media and Popular Culture3
SPAN 520Studies in Medieval Spanish Literature3
SPAN 525Studies in Renaissance Literature3
SPAN 530Studies in the Literature of the Golden Age3
SPAN 540Studies in 20th-Century Literature3
SPAN 544Spanish-Language Film, Television, and Digital Media3
SPAN 545Studies in Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 551Special Topics in Spanish3
SPAN 570Language Politics and Policy3
SPAN 571Methods and Curriculum Design for Teaching Spanish3
SPAN 574Critical Approaches to Teaching Spanish-language Culture3
SPAN 575Teaching Spanish for Social Justice3
SPAN 576Advanced Translation3
SPAN 580Contemporary Hispanic Institutions3
SPAN 585Languages in Contact3
SPAN 590Bilingual Education in the Spanish-Speaking World3
FRLN 510Bibliography and Research in Foreign Languages and Literature3
FRLN 525Literary Translation3
FRLN 530Topics in Comparative World Literatures3
FRLN 550Special Topics3
FRLN 551Special Topics3
FRLN 565Theory of Translation3
FRLN 572Integrating Technology into Language Learning3
FRLN 573Basic Issues in Language Pedagogy3
FRLN 575Heritage Language Education3
FRLN 590Internship in Community-Based Learning3

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.